Fleet Space Accelerates Drill Targeting at Thomson’s Belt-Scale Gold and Copper Project
Fleet Space Technologies has been engaged to accelerate drill targeting at Thomson's belt-scale gold and copper project. This initiative involves a large-scale geophysical survey using ExoSphere real-time 3D Ambient Noise Tomography (ANT) imaging across a 5,500 km² area.
The survey aims to gather extensive 3D subsurface data to identify belt-scale geological structures, including cross-arc formations that may guide fluid flow and influence the formation of large-scale intrusive bodies and mineral systems. Fleet Space employs lightweight seismic sensors, known as Geodes, which are deployed in a grid pattern to collect high-quality 3D ANT data while minimizing environmental impact. This real-time 3D ANT data is then transmitted via Fleet Space's proprietary satellite network in low Earth orbit, creating detailed 3D visualizations of the subsurface. These visualizations enhance understanding of mineral systems and improve drill targeting decisions on site.
ExoSphere ANT imaging technology is gaining traction among major mining companies. In 2024, Barrick Gold used it for near-mine targeting at the Reko Diq porphyry copper-gold project, while Gold Fields applied it for exploring porphyry and epithermal deposits at the Salares Norte site. Additionally, from 2023 to 2024, AngloGold Ashanti utilized this technology in the New South Wales Macquarie Arc, collaborating with Inflection Resources and Kincora Copper, which led to some of the most promising drill results to date.
The ANT results will play a crucial role in guiding drill testing of specific targets across the Thomson Project. Numerous targets remain undercover, defined by distinct "bullseye" magnetic and gravity anomalies similar to those of other Tier-1 deposits. Historical drilling in the area has often been too shallow or poorly targeted, leaving many promising anomalies untested.
