Airborne Geophysical Surveys Resume in Cornwall

Airborne geophysical survey operations are scheduled to commence over Cornwall this month. Bell Geospace, an Edinburgh-based firm specializing in airborne geophysical surveying, will gather data for the purpose of creating geological maps. The company stated its return to the region to finalize work initiated in 2021. Bell Geospace indicated that flights would be conducted during daylight hours, with departures from Cornwall Airport Newquay occurring “just after sunrise”. The Basler BT-67 aircraft, which resembles a DC3 or Dakota and features two propeller engines, is being utilized for the survey. Bell Geospace affirmed its “strong track record of reliability”. The company further elaborated: “The survey will involve a plane flying in straight lines at an average height of 200m (656ft) to collect geophysical information on the properties of rocks below the ground.” The collected information will be used to produce geological maps. These maps could potentially be employed for planning geothermal resources within the area or by domestic mining companies aiming to secure the supply of critical minerals necessary for developing net-zero economies. Project participants indicated that the gathered information might be used to assess the geothermal energy and lithium potential in the Cornwall area. Bell Geospace estimated the survey’s completion would require two to three weeks, including approximately eight days of flying. The firm also stated that the aircraft’s sensitive measuring equipment employs a “totally passive technique which does not involved sending out any signals or soundwaves.” The company reported that individual flights typically last four to five hours, and that parishes, farms, and equine centers located within the fly zone would receive notifications.