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Xcalibur Smart Mapping joins forces with the Ministry of Water Resources to transform groundwater management at Kokzhide

  • This joint communique aims to protect and model one of Kazakhstan’s most strategic groundwater reserves.
  • Xcalibur Smart Mapping’s geospatial technologies and airborne geophysics enable data-driven groundwater management and resilience.

Xcalibur Smart Mapping has signed a joint communique with the Ministry of Water Resources and Irrigation of the Republic of Kazakhstan to carry out geological and hydrogeological research at Kokzhide groundwater deposit in Western Kazakhstan. The aim is to determine the nature of groundwater pollution at the field and to perform other necessary studies, such as electromagnetic surveys for hydrogeological modelling of the deposit. The agreement was formalised by N.Zh. Aldamzharov, Vice-Minister of Water Resources and Irrigation of the Republic of Kazakhstan, and Víctor González, Vice-President of Country Mapping at Xcalibur Smart Mapping.

The joint communique was signed at the meeting of the Coordination Council of Partners for Water Sector Development of the Republic of Kazakhstan, held in Astana, and confirmed the mutual commitment of both parties to deepen partnerships and develop joint initiatives in this strategic sector.

The implementation of projects under this framework will enable the construction of a comprehensive hydrogeological model, improve aquifer monitoring, and help prevent the depletion and pollution of groundwater resources. These efforts will contribute to the sustainable and rational use of underground water sources in Kazakhstan.

The issue of ensuring access to drinking water in the western regions remains under the special oversight of the Ministry. However, for the effective and high-quality implementation of the project, it is essential to carry out a comprehensive study of the ‘Kokzhide’ deposit, mitigate the risk of water contamination, and prevent any adverse impact on the local ecosystem. At present, this constitutes a key priority,” said N.Zh. Aldamzharov.

The Kokzhide groundwater deposit is one of the largest and most strategically important underground freshwater sources in Western Kazakhstan. It plays a vital role in supplying water to the region’s population, industry, and agriculture, making its sustainable management crucial for long-term water security. It is a great honor for Xcalibur Smart Mapping to contribute to such a critical project, supporting Kazakhstan’s efforts in sustainable water resource management through advanced geophysical technologies,” said Víctor González.

XSM-joind-forces-with-ministry-of-water-resources-

In recent years, the Kokzhide deposit has gained significance in Kazakhstan’s broader water security strategy, due to the increasing water demand driven by climate change and economic development. Kokzhide is crucial not only as a natural resource but also as an example of how to integrate environmental protection, technological innovation, and sustainable groundwater management.

Kazakhstan, with unevenly distributed water resources, faces challenges in ensuring sustainable access to groundwater due to climate change and rising industrial demand. Advanced mapping techniques are essential for ensuring long-term water resilience, supporting agriculture, urban planning, and ecosystem conservation.

This Communique reflects a shared commitment to scientific collaboration and sustainable resource management. Through the use of airborne geophysics and state-of-the-art geospatial tools, both parties aim to improve the understanding of Kazakhstan’s groundwater systems. The agreement lays the foundation for data-driven policymaking and the responsible use of the country’s groundwater resources.

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Xcalibur Smart Mapping joins UN Global Compact, the World’s Largest Corporate Sustainability Initiative

  • As a global leader in natural capital mapping, Xcalibur Smart Mapping drives the energy transition with purpose.
  • This collaboration reinforces ESG leadership through innovation, transparency, and long- term climate commitment within its corporate culture.

Xcalibur Smart Mapping officially joins in the United Nations (UN) Global Compact, the world’s largest voluntary initiative for corporate sustainability. With this step, the company reinforces its commitment to ethical, responsible, and transparent business practices that align with globally recognised sustainability principles.

The United Nations Global Compact challenges companies worldwide to align their operations and strategies with Ten Universal Principles covering human rights, labour, environment, and anti-corruption, and to contribute actively to the advancement of the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The initiative brings together more than 20,000 companies in over 160 countries, building a global movement for sustainable development and corporate responsibility.

“By joining the United Nations Global Compact, we not only reaffirm our commitment to sustainability but also pledge to lead with integrity and drive responsible innovation. We aim to be part of a global solution that respects human rights, the environment, and promotes inclusive progress, creating a real positive impact and actively contributing to the energy transition”, said Andrés Blanco Grasa, CEO of Xcalibur Smart Mapping.

As a member of the Global Compact, Xcalibur Smart Mapping is integrating these principles across its operations and culture, keeping sustainability at the core of value creation, stakeholder engagement, and advanced geoscience development.

 

This participation strengthens Xcalibur Smart Mapping’s position as a key partner in the energy transition and consolidates its ESG strategy, focused on good governance, the acceleration of the energy transition, diversity, and community development. The company is committed to driving transparency, ethical decision-making, and creating a sustainable, inclusive future, where economic and social progress align with environmental protection.

“This alliance marks a significant milestone in our sustainability journey and reinforces our unwavering commitment to long-term value creation. By aligning with the Ten Principles and embracing the Sustainable Development Goals—particularly SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals—we are advancing our dedication to climate action, reducing inequalities, global cooperation, shared prosperity, and responsible innovation. We believe that strong and value-driven partnerships like UNGC are key to shaping a more inclusive, resilient, and sustainable planet for generations to come”, said Laura Blanco, ESG Director at Xcalibur Smart Mapping.

As part of its commitment to the UN Global Compact, the company will begin publishing an annual Communication on Progress (CoP) starting in 2026, providing transparent updates on how it is integrating the Ten Principles and advancing the SDGs across its operations.

To learn more, please visit Xcalibur’s profile on the UN Global Compact website or explore the company’s ESG commitments: https://xcaliburmp.com/esg/

 

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Xcalibur Smart Mapping and Baiterek Holding Forge Strategic Partnership to Advance Geophysical Exploration in Kazakhstan

  • A groundbreaking partnership for Kazakhstan’s future.
  • Pioneering airborne geophysics in Central Asia.
  • Investment in cutting-edge technology and local expertise.

Xcalibur Smart Mapping has taken a significant step in its commitment with Kazakhstan development by signing a strategic agreement with Baiterek Holding, a state-owned entity in Kazakhstan. This collaboration establishes a regional centre for airborne geophysics and geospatial mapping, reinforcing Kazakhstan’s role in natural resource management, industrial growth, and sustainable development.

The agreement was formalised at the 18th of march, Kazakhstan-Spain Business Council Meeting, where top government officials and industry leaders convened to discuss investment opportunities and economic cooperation.

Xcalibur Smart Mapping and Baiterek Holding are now set to transform Kazakhstan into a leading hub for airborne geophysical exploration in Central Asia. Under the Framework for Cooperation (FoC) outlined in the agreement, Xcalibur Kazakhstan will spearhead large-scale airborne geophysical surveys, mapping key natural resources such as critical, base, and precious metals, oil and gas, geothermal energy, and groundwater. The initiative will bolster Kazakhstan’s industrial expansion and strengthen its competitiveness in global resource exploration.

To ensure the success of these operations, Xcalibur will oversee a fleet of specialised aircraft, optimising operational efficiency and enhancing geophysical survey coverage. In parallel, Central Asia GreenField Assets will explore opportunities for a joint venture in early-stage mineral and energy resource development, aligning Kazakhstan’s exploration strategy with the global transition to sustainable energy.

Baiterek Holding has committed to supporting Xcalibur Kazakhstan’s growth, focusing on expanding operational bases in Astana and Almaty, fostering a highly trained local workforce, and advancing airborne geophysical technologies. “This partnership marks a turning point for airborne geophysical exploration in Kazakhstan. By leveraging advanced mapping technologies and local expertise, we are not only strengthening Kazakhstan’s position as a leader in mineral exploration but also fostering long-term economic resilience,” stated Said Sultanov, Managing Director of Xcalibur Kazakhstan.

Baiterek MoU With Xcalibur

Beyond workforce development, Xcalibur Smart Mapping is driving innovation through investment in next-generation airborne survey technologies and data-driven geophysical intelligence. A key aspect of this initiative is the establishment of a Smart Country Mapping framework, designed to enhance geo-data, for national resource inventory efforts and attract foreign investment into Kazakhstan’s mining and energy sectors.

Xcalibur Smart Mapping and Baiterek Holding have reaffirmed their commitment to technological advancement and sustainability. As part of this initiative, both entities will collaborate with Kazakhstani academic institutions to establish specialist training programmes, equipping the country with a new generation of geophysical experts. In addition, the agreement promotes public-private partnerships aimed at strengthening geospatial intelligence infrastructure, a crucial element in the sustainable management of Kazakhstan’s natural resources.

“Our agreement with Baiterek Holding is a testament to our commitment to innovation and sustainability in geophysical exploration. By establishing a regional hub in Kazakhstan, we aim to drive technological advancements that will support national and international mining and energy industries,” commented Andrés Blanco, CEO of Xcalibur Smart Mapping.

The Kazakhstan-Spain Business Council Meeting provided an ideal platform to reinforce economic collaboration between the two nations. In addition to the Xcalibur-Baiterek agreement, several other strategic deals were signed at the event, underscoring the growing investment potential in Kazakhstan’s industrial and energy sectors. Timur Onzhanov, Deputy Chairman of Baiterek Holding, highlighted the significance of these developments: “We are on the verge of a new era of cooperation in key sectors such as investment, innovation, infrastructure, and sustainable energy development. Spanish businesses have a unique opportunity to contribute their expertise and investment in geospatial mapping, mineral exploration, and advanced geophysical technologies to support Kazakhstan’s strategic economic goals.”

With the framework now in place, Xcalibur Smart Mapping and Baiterek Holding are preparing to launch Kazakhstan’s first high-resolution airborne geophysical surveys under this partnership. The initiative is expected to attract increased foreign investment, consolidating Kazakhstan’s status as a central player in the global mining and energy landscape. As this ambitious project unfolds, both organisations remain dedicated to advancing innovation, economic growth, and responsible resource management.

 

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Xcalibur Smart Mapping, Xcalibur Foundation and African Gifted Foundation renew commitment to women’s leadership in Africa

  • HERoSTEM, the STEM training programme created by Xcalibur Smart Mapping, Xcalibur Foundation and African Gifted Foundation, has been renewed for another three years.
  • The agreement includes the funding of scholarships for 15 African Science Academy (ASA) students, as well as the organisation of summer internships each
  • The previous edition of the programme involved more than 60 young ASA students and alumnae, while 32 Xcalibur Smart Mapping volunteers contributed a total of 341 hours of mentoring and leadership talks.

Xcalibur Smart Mapping, a global leader in aerial geophysics and mapping industry, along with Xcalibur Foundation, a non-profit organisation dedicated to advancing international development cooperation in regions where its parent company —Xcalibur Smart Mapping— operates, have signed an agreement with the African Gifted Foundation to extend HERoSTEM, the programme for the professional development of African students in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) careers. HERoSTEM provides mentoring, scholarships and internship opportunities for students and alumnae of the ASA.

This agreement is a three-year extension of the programme (2025-2027) which includes the funding of scholarships for 15 students and the organisation of at least three summer internships per year. This renewed commitment between Xcalibur Smart Mapping, Xcalibur Foundation and African Gifted Foundation reinforces efforts to transform the future of STEM education for women in Africa.

341 hours of mentoring and more than 60 young people involved in the programme.

Since its first edition in 2024, HERoSTEM has involved 341 hours of Xcalibur Smart Mapping volunteers in mentoring and speaking engagements. In addition, more than 60 ASA students and alumane have participated in the company’s professional sessions in various areas and 19 ASA alumnae received personalised mentoring to guide their academic and professional careers. The three organisations actively collaborate in the delivery of the programme: Xcalibur Foundation leads the coordination of the programme; Xcalibur Smart Mapping offers specialised technical expertise and resources, facilitating the exchange of professional knowledge; and African Gifted Foundation integrates the HERoSTEM programme into the curriculum of the ASA.

Laura Blanco, ESG Director at Xcalibur Smart Mapping and Programme Director at Xcalibur Foundation, highlights: “From both a personal and professional perspective, I am delighted to be able to continue to support the African Gifted Foundation through our HERoSTEM initiative, to continue empowering young African women in STEM careers. This project is a very important step in bridging the gender gap, while supporting education, providing access to guidance and mentoring, and creating career opportunities. By investing in these future leaders, we are not only fostering innovation, but also making a sustainable and lasting impact on industry, society and education.”

Javier Lezcano, Executive Director of Xcalibur Foundation, says: “It is an honour to include this project in our gender programmes and to see how our team brings not only their experience, but also their professional and cultural knowledge. This initiative is a testament to the power of international cooperation.”

 

Finally, Yasameen Al-jboury, Executive Director of African Gifted Foundation, says: “We are excited to continue our partnership with Xcalibur Smart Mapping and Xcalibur Foundation as we enter the second year of the HERoSTEM initiative. This phase marks an expansion of our mentoring programme, which has been instrumental in supporting young students in STEM careers. By deepening our collaboration, we strengthen our commitment to unlocking the potential of young African women by providing them with skills, confidence and opportunities to become leaders in STEM fields. Together, we are building a future where gender equality in science and technology is the norm, not the exception.”

 

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Xcalibur Smart Mapping Expands Capabilities with Acquisition of PGW’s Interpretation Division

Madrid, 3rd March 2025 – Xcalibur Smart Mapping, the global leader in airborne geophysics and remote sensing for natural capital mapping, is excited to announce the acquisition of the interpretation division of Paterson, Grant & Watson Limited (PGW), a Canada-based firm. This reinforces the growth strategy, significantly enhancing its geophysical interpretation services and expertise.

Xcalibur integrates PGW’s elite interpretation team, boosting its ability to deliver cutting-edge solutions for clients. The addition of these skilled professionals, led by Stephen Reford and his team, will provide crucial leadership in geophysical interpretation, reinforcing Xcalibur’s position as an industry leader. This step also supports the ongoing development of Xcalibur’s AI capabilities, improving process efficiency, optimizing deliverables, and driving continued innovation in interpretation services.

PGW will continue as an independent geophysical consultant under the stewardship of Edna Mueller-Markham, providing survey management, quality control and consulting services to its client base. PGW remains unaffiliated with Xcalibur Smart Mapping.

Andrés Blanco, CEO of Xcalibur Smart Mapping, stated: “We welcome PGW’s exceptional interpretation team into the Xcalibur Smart Mapping family. This acquisition strengthens our leadership in regional interpretation and solidifies our commitment to delivering superior value to our clients, in special to governments. By integrating PGW’s expertise, we are not only expanding our service offerings but also enhancing our AI-driven regional interpretation solutions, which are vital to our long-term strategy of value-added data solutions for our clients.”

The acquisition brings Stephen Reford, former Chief Commercial Officer at PGW, into the Xcalibur team. He will assume the position of Senior Geophysicist, Head of Smart Geophysical Interpretation. “We are very pleased to bring the PGW geophysical pedigree to bear across the spectrum of Xcalibur Smart Mapping projects. Peter Tschirhart, Skyler Mallozzi and I look forward to integrating with the Xcalibur interpretation team, to further enhance its quality and efficiency in meeting the clients’ needs. There are numerous opportunities to incorporate emerging technologies in the interpretation workflow, to differentiate Xcalibur Smart Mapping. A good interpretation starts with high quality data. This is a well-established strength of Xcalibur and provides an excellent foundation for next level interpretation”

With this alliance Xcalibur enhances its ability to provide world-class geophysics interpretation services and solutions. Clients can expect a seamless transition with continued excellence in quality, project scope, and development, backed by a team of experts committed to delivering outstanding results.

 

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Xcalibur Smart Mapping, backed by Kartesia Asset Finance and Miralta Credit Opportunities, secures €40 million in funding to expand its aircraft fleet

Madrid, 14 January 2025

  • The funds will be allocated to expanding the aircraft fleet, which includes both airplanes and specialized helicopters.
  • The company’s current fleet of 43 aircraft and its use of advanced technology have been instrumental in driving economic development in various regions, solidifying its position as an industry leader in the sector.

Kartesia Asset Finance (managed by Flexam), and Miralta Credit Opportunities, a company participated by Miraltabank, will provide up to €40 million in funding to Xcalibur Smart Mapping. This investment will enable the Spanish company to strengthen its position as a global leader in natural resource mapping.

The funds will be used to expand the aircraft fleet, including both airplanes and helicopters. This new fleet will increase Xcalibur Smart Mapping’s operational and technological capabilities, ensuring more efficient services in the exploration and assessment of key resources such as critical minerals, hydrogen and geothermal energy, essential elements for a global and fair energy transition.

This funding not only ensures the optimisation of our current operations but also strengthens our ability to take on new global projects more efficiently. It is a decisive step in achieving our strategic goals and reaffirming our leadership in the international market” said Joaquín López, CEO of Xcalibur Aviation, the company responsible, within Xcalibur Smart Mapping group, for managing the acquisition and availability of aircraft for its subsidiaries.

Flexam is honoured to support the global expansion of Xcalibur Smart Mapping group. This transaction fully matches our investment philosophy which aims at supporting the development of sustainable solutions in energy transition. We look forward to increasing our collaboration with Xcalibur Smart Mapping and our activity in Spain” said Florian de Sigy, Managing Partner at Flexam.

Our objective is to support the growth of Spanish companies through alternative financing. Xcalibur Smart Mapping is a global leader in airborne geophysics, with a competitive technological advantage that allows them to locate and map essential natural resources for the energy transition while minimising environmental impact,” explains Mariano Echeguren, Managing Partner of Miralta Credit Opportunities.

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