Application Guide
Geophysical Equipment for Mineral Exploration
Mineral exploration geophysics narrows search areas and defines drill targets — magnetics and gravity for structure and lithology, IP and EM for mineralisation itself.
Exploration programmes typically move from regional coverage (airborne or drone magnetics, regional gravity) to ground follow-up over prospects (detailed magnetics, gravity, IP and EM) and finally to borehole methods that test what lies around and beyond the drill hole.
The choice of method follows the deposit model: disseminated sulphides respond to induced polarization; massive conductive sulphides to time-domain EM; magnetite-bearing systems and structural controls to magnetics; dense ore bodies and basins to gravity.
Methods Compared
| Method | Detects | Typical Depth | Limitations |
|---|---|---|---|
| Magnetics (ground, drone, base station) | Lithology, structure, magnetite, alteration | Regional to deep (with modelling) | Remanence and cultural noise complicate interpretation |
| Gravity | Dense ore bodies, basins, structure | Regional to deep | Needs precise elevation and terrain corrections |
| Induced polarization (IP) / resistivity | Disseminated sulphides, alteration | Hundreds of metres with large arrays | Labour-intensive; electrode contact needed |
| Time-domain EM (ground and borehole) | Massive conductive sulphides, graphite | Hundreds of metres with large loops | Graphite and conductive overburden produce false positives |
Depths are typical field values — actual performance depends on ground conditions, target size and survey design.
Base stations and data quality
Ground magnetic surveys need a base-station magnetometer to remove diurnal variation, and gravity surveys need drift control and accurate heights. Budgeting for these from the start avoids costly re-surveys.
Recommended Instruments
A selection from our catalog. We source many more models — tell us what you need.
Which Condition Tier?
Exploration budgets swing with commodity cycles. Refurbished and Surplus instruments from decommissioned contractor fleets are a common way to equip programmes economically, while Absolute Certified gravimeters and magnetometers give calibration documentation for reportable results.
See the condition tier guide for what New, Refurbished, Absolute Certified and Surplus each include, or the industries overview for related sectors.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which geophysical method finds sulphide deposits?
Induced polarization is the standard method for disseminated sulphides; time-domain EM targets massive, conductive sulphides. Magnetics and gravity map the geological setting.
Do I need a magnetometer base station?
Yes, for any ground magnetic survey requiring quantitative results — the base station records diurnal variation so it can be removed from the survey data.
Do you supply complete IP systems?
Yes — receivers, transmitters and accessories from brands such as Zonge, IRIS Instruments, AGI and ABEM, new or used.
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