SuMag: Suspended Magnetometer Survey for Mineral Data Acquisition with Vertical Take-off and Landing Fixed-wing Aircraft

Abstract

Multirotor Uncrewed Aerial Vehicle (UAV)s have recently become an important instrument for the magnetic method for mineral exploration (MMME), enabling more effective and accurate geological investigations. This paper explores the difficulties in mounting high-sensitivity sensors on a UAV platform, including electromagnetic interference, payload dynamics, and maintaining stable sensor performance while in flight. It is highlighted how the specific solutions provided to deal with these problems have the potential to alter the collection of data using the MMME, assisted by UAVs. The work also shows experimental findings that demonstrate the creative potential of these solutions in UAV-based data collection for the MMME, leading to improvements in effective mineral exploration through careful design, testing, and assessment of these systems. These innovations resulted in a platform that is quickly deployable in remote areas and able to operate more efficiently compared to traditional crewed aircraft or multirotor UAVs while still producing equal or higher quality results. This allows for much higher efficiency and lower operating costs for high production UAV-based data collection for the MMME.