Technology of low-altitude aeromagnetic survey for prospecting for iron ores as a direction of sustainable development of modern geology

Abstract

Exploration is essential to ensure the achievement of the UN Sustainable Development Goals through the provision of ferrous and non-ferrous metal resources. At the same time, geology as an industry should be based on the principles of sustainable development. The purpose of the study is to develop and test the technology of aeromagnetic survey for prospecting for iron ores that meets the requirements of the sustainable development of modern geology. Unmanned aerial vehicles with GNSS receivers, a camera, a magnetometer, as well as Trimble Business Center, Agisoft Metashape Professional, and QM Center software were used. A search for magnetic radiation anomalies over an area of 6.20 square kilometres was carried out. Areas were established where the radiation level is 59000–65860 nanotesl (background – 57803 nanotesl), that is, there are reserves of magnetite ores. The binding of these sites to the exact geographical coordinates has been completed. The results of the low-altitude aeromagnetic survey are compared with the control data of the ground-based magnetic survey performed earlier, and the correctness of the low-altitude aeromagnetic survey data is shown. Since ground surveys provide more detailed information, it is advisable to use low-altitude aeromagnetic surveys as a method of fast, low-cost screening of large areas. This will make it possible to make decisions on the expediency of carrying out expensive ground works. The study found that labour productivity in low-altitude aeromagnetic surveys exceeds that in ground-based surveys by about 75 times. In addition, low-altitude aeromagnetic surveys have virtually no impact on ecosystems and do not lead to greenhouse gas emissions. This corresponds to the main directions of sustainable development of geology.