NON SEISMIC GEOPHYSICAL SURVEYS
Alongside our seismic data acquisition capabilities, ARGAS has carried out several airborne gravity and gradiometry, Electro-Magnetic, and various other geophysical surveys in Saudi Arabia and the region to aide in exploring for Oil and Gas, minerals, and ground water resources.
Our non-seismic work began when we were awarded the contracts to carry out several aeromagnetic surveys with French and American partners for Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Petroleum and Mineral Resources between 1966 and 1976.
In 1976, ARGAS worked on a survey of Harrat Rahat near the Red Sea. We delivered aeromagnetic residual anomaly maps and also provided data processing and quantitative interpretations. ARGAS was also part of the survey of the 450 km² Hajr mine area.
We have also recently conducted surveys for Saudi Aramco and Ma’aden. The most recent of which was for Ma’aden in 2013 – we also conducted a HeliTEM survey in Mazalij in 2005 for Saudi Aramco. All surveys were conducted with support from our joint venture partner CGG.
As with all the work we do, our magnetic and airborne services are individually tailored to support our clients’ operations, and combine years of specialist knowledge with the latest technology and experienced consultancy support.
Our non-seismic portfolio consists of the following:
- Airborne Gravity/Gradiometry
- Gravity
- Magnetics
- Magnetotellurics
- Ground Penetrating Radar
- Electro-Magnetic
- Time and Frequency Domain EM (surface and down-hole)
- DC Resistivity/IP
- Surface wave inversion
- Weathering Reflection Surveys
Combined, our seismic and non-seismic capabilities enable us to acquire data across a large number of mineral types, including:
- Porphyry Copper Gold
- Iron Oxide Copper Gold (IOCG)
- Base Metal deposits (VMS, MVT, Skarn)
- Iron ore (BIF, hydrothermal)
- Coal, Graphite
- Kimberlites
- Magmatic nickel and copper
- Platinum group of metals (PGM)
- Uranium
AIRBORNE SURVEYS
Working alongside our parent company CGG, we use airborne technology to acquire geophysical data which is then processed and interpreted for use by a number of industries.
ARGAS was one of the first companies in Saudi Arabia to acquire geophysical data using aircraft. To date, we have used these capabilities to develop client assets in oil & gas, water, minerals, and geothermal energy sources, amongst others. Data collected is typically used for mapping, environmental, and engineering studies.
Solutions Used
The Falcon airborne gravity gradiometer (AGG) system is capable of acquiring the highest quality data of this type on the market. The AGG system jointly developed by US aviation giant Lockheed Martin and Australian miner BHP Billiton, the Falcon can be used by both fixed wing aircraft and helicopters.
- Since 2008 we have grown our Falcon capabilities to five helicopters and fixed wing aircraft, working with founding partner CGG
- 150 meter resolution with fixed wing aircraft
- 50 meter resolution with helicopter
- 0.1 mGal accuracy
- The Falcon AGG provides ease of access, rapid data acquisition, and reduced costs
MAGNETIC AND RADIOMETRIC SURVEYS
Together, ARGAS and CGG have unrivalled experience in delivering magnetic surveys across large regions, having completed numerous projects across the World for both government and private sector players.
Our first aeromagnetic survey was carried out in 1975 for Saudi Aramco. Since then we have vastly increased our capabilities in this field, ensuring that we use the latest technology to our expanding list of industry clients.