Major airborne surveys to aid quests for coal seam gas and iron sands

Source: Fugro Airborne Surveys Pty Ltd; Ross Louthean.

Fugro Airborne Surveys has taken its high-powered turbine

The Cresco will be carrying out a two month survey to provide structural and lithological information for coal seam gas (CSG) in the Waikato region of the North Island and the West Coast of the South Island.

The Cresco is fitted with one magnetometer and radiometric crystal capacity and will be flying at between 60 to 100 m above ground level.

The Aerocommander Shrike, a twin-engine aircraft that meets rigorous NZ standards for offshore projects, is equipped with gradiometer sensors for improved data resolution. It will be flying about 100 m above sea level to reduce the effects of swell noise on data gathering.

The Shrike will be working on various offshore projects for delineation and resource estimation of iron sand deposits in the offshore Taranaki region.

In 2009 there has been a dramatic increase in exploration for both CSG and iron sands in New Zealand. Some of the new explorers were participating in tenement acquisitions and corporate developments, including assessing initial public offerings (IPOs) on the New Zealand and Australian bourses.

Manager, Minerals for Crown Minerals, Matthew Brown, said this sophisticated exploration by Fugro may lead to important new discoveries.

Fugro’s Business Development Manager for the NZ projects, Matthew Blomfield said the two planes were expected to complete these assignments by the end of January and discussions were being held with companies in the oil and gas exploration business that may extend the aircraft stay in New Zealand.

Blomfield, based at Fugro’s technical base in the Perth suburb of OsbornePark, said both aircraft are crewed by two experienced low-level pilots and one equipment operator.

Related links

Fugro Airborne Surveys - Ross Louthean (NZResources.com) - Coal Seam Gas - Iron Sands