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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, in collaboration with the Zambian Presidency, has officially commenced its nationwide high-resolution aerial geophysical survey.

This project aims to significantly advance Zambia’s mineral exploration efforts and strengthen the foundations of its mining sector. 

His Excellency President Hakainde Hichilema attended the event and addressed the critical importance of mineral exploration for Zambia’s economic development. He emphasized that comprehensive mineral mapping is essential for fostering transparent and regulated mining practices, ensuring that the nation’s resources benefit all citizens. Furthermore, the President highlighted the survey’s role in mapping underground water resources, which will support future irrigation projects and contribute to drought mitigation strategies. 

Lusaka Province Minister, Sheal Mulyata, emphasized the potential of this initiative to uncover Zambia’s mineral wealth across all provinces. Minister Mulyata noted that the data generated by the survey will play a pivotal role in reshaping the mining industry, fostering informed investment, and driving future growth. 

Xcalibur Smart Mapping’s CEO, Andres Blanco, reaffirmed the company’s commitment to delivering high-quality data through cutting-edge technology, being employed for the first time in Africa. He also highlighted the inclusion of a skills transfer program, designed to equip Zambian professionals with the expertise needed to sustain the project long-term. 

The Minister of Mines and Minerals Development, Paul Kabuswe, acknowledged the historical significance of this mapping project, noting that it is the most comprehensive mineral survey since 1972. He praised President Hichilema’s leadership and policy direction, which have been instrumental in the realization of this project. 

This survey represents a crucial step in Zambia’s mineral exploration efforts, with the potential to guide future investments and support resource management strategies nationwide. 

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Harnessing the efficiency of airborne geophysical technology to accurately model height reference surfaces based on the Earth’s gravity field

What is a Geoid Model?

A geoid is a model of the Earth’s surface that reflects mean sea level on shore and corresponds to a flat and level surface within the Earth’s gravity field.

This “flat” level surface is used alongside GNSS (Global Navigation Satellite Systems) coordinated height data to determine precise physical heights, providing essential context for elevation data across various applications. The geoid can be thought of as the physical reference surface from which physically meaningful elevations can be measured.

Applications of Geoid Models

Geoid models are critical a critical component of positioning infrastructure, with applications which include:

  • Surveying and Mapping: They enable efficent GNSS height measurements, for engineering and construction projects.
  • Flood Risk Assessments: They underpin analysis determining water flow patterns and coastal inundation modelling.
  • National Height Datum: They facilitate a unifies reference surface for measuring hights across a country, critical for infrastructure development and geographic data consistency.
  • Critical National Positioning Infrastructure: The support geodetic and GNSS networks, vital for navigation, transportation, and land management.

Our Services: Data Capture and Geoid Modelling

We offer airborne gravity surveys specifically tailored for geoid modelling and data processing services to deliver geoid models that meet the highest standards. Using our proprietary iCorus-iX scalar gravimeter, we capture gravity data suitable for cm level accurate geoid modelling from the air, allowing for seamless and efficient data capture over large and otherwise inaccessible areas.

Data Capture Process

  • Scalar Absolute Gravimetry: We use the iCorus-iX gravimeter to measure gravity anomalies at a 3 km spatial resolution. The system provides high accuracy, with gravity anomalies accurate to within 1-2 mGal.
  • Survey Design: Flights are conducted at tailored altitudes and line spacings to ensure full coverage of the area. Depending on terrain and specific project needs, we adjust flight parameters for optimal downstream geoid modelling.

Data Processing and Modelling

After data capture, we process the collected data through several key steps:

  • Gravity Anomalies: We reduce the gravity data to anomalies on a line-by-line basis, applying time domain filters to remove any artifacts associated with system dynamics during data capture.
  • Least Squares Collocation: This method is used to interpolate gravity anomaly data in three dimensions onto regular grids at the topographic surface, as well as directly model the disturbing potential from scalar gravity anomalies.
  • Transformation of Potential into a Reference Surface: The final transformation from potential into the reference surface is tailored to meet the client’s specific needs—whether producing a quasi-geoid by applying Bruns’ equation directly or applying additional topographic compensations (e.g., the Poincaré-Prey approach) to generate a true geoid.
  • Uncertainty Quantification: Uncertainty is propagated through the least squares collocation method and final transformations, providing estimates of accuracy for both the gravity anomalies and the resulting geoid model.

Processing Methods

  • Gravity Anomalies and Interpolation: Gravity anomalies are processed at flight altitudes, then interpolated into regular grids as per client specifications. The anomalies are processed specifically for geoid modelling, e.g. using orthometric heights during the reductions. The interpolation includes a downward continuation of the gravity data to the surface of the topography.
  • Data fusion: Additional data sources can be ingested during the interpolation phase using Least Squares Collocation to augment the airborne data with any existing high-fidelity gravity data coverage, or GNSS-levelled heights.
  • Remove-Compute-Restore Scheme: To ensure high precision in the long wavelengths, we use global spherical harmonic models (e.g., EGM2008) to adjust for large-scale gravity variations, allowing us to focus on the finer details of the local gravity field.

Why Choose Us?

Our expertise in airborne geophysics and geoid modelling ensures that you receive the most accurate, reliable, and timely data for your project. Whether it’s national-scale surveys or specialized local models, our team is equipped to meet the most rigorous requirements.

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Xcalibur Smart Mapping Partners with Curtin University to Pioneer Aerial Detection Technology for Natural Hydrogen Exploration

 

 

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Xcalibur Smart Mapping to support sustainable mining and natural capital exploration in Bhutan

  • Xcalibur Aviation (Australia) Pty Ltd will map more than 40,000 linear kilometres across the Low Southern Belt and the Thimphu-Paro region in the Kingdom of Bhutan.
  • The results from the project will produce “Bhutan Natural Resource Prospectivity” maps created from newly acquired and already existing data.
  • Xcalibur’s innovative mapping technology, data interpretation, and local training modules will revolutionise mapping and exploration in Bhutan.

Xcalibur Smart Mapping, the world’s leading geophysical exploration company, will team up with the Bhutan Department of Geology and Mines (DGM) to revolutionise geophysical data acquisition in the region. The project will involve two helicopter platforms to map more than 40,000 linear kilometres using Xcalibur’s innovative mapping and sensor technology.

The airborne survey will also be supported by detailed geophysical interpretation, training from Xcalibur Smart Mapping,  and separate field geological mapping, geochemistry, geochronology, resource prospectivity surveys conducted by the Bhutan DGM.

This integrated mapping program will produce geological and “Natural Resource Prospectivity” maps at 1:50,000 regional scale. The agreement marks Xcalibur Smart Mapping’s first survey in Bhutan, a country renowned for its rugged terrain topography and vast vegetation. Active tectonics, a fragile geological environment, steep topography and the effects of climate change make Bhutan highly vulnerable to geological hazards such as landslides and earthquakes. In this context, the acquired data can also be used to support valuable hazard mapping improvements and solutions.

Crucially, the agreement will also cover the development of training programs to enhance local expertise in mapping and geophysical exploration. As Xcalibur Smart Mapping continues to pioneer advancements in geophysical exploration, this collaboration underscores its commitment to reshaping the future of sustainable exploration, mining and resource discovery.

 

 

Miss Dawa (Geologist, Department of Geology and Mines), David Abbott (Xcalibur), Bart Anderson (Xcalibur), Dasho Karma Tshering (Honourable Secretary, Ministry of Energy and Natural Resources), Mr. Phuntsho Namgyal (Director, Department of Geology and Mines) , Miss. Kuenzang Choden (Senior Geologist, Department of Geology and Mines)

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