Fleet Space’s ExoSphere deployed in copper exploration

Nanosatellite systems manufacturer Fleet Space Technologies has announced the deployment of its end-to-end mineral exploration solution ExoSphere to advance Barrick Gold’s copper exploration at its Reko Diq project in Pakistan.

ExoSphere is being used to generate 3D subsurface maps of copper porphyry complexes and local groundwater systems over 1,150 km2 of the Reko Diq project.

Reko Diq is is thought to be one of the largest undeveloped copper-gold projects in the world, and it is planned to begin production in 2028.

The Co-Founder & CEO of Fleet Space Technologies Flavia Tata Nardini said: “By applying the latest innovations in space, AI, and 3D multiphysics to copper exploration, we demonstrate a more sustainable, scalable path to achieve the copper supply needed for our clean energy future.

“We are proud to deploy ExoSphere to advance Barrick Gold’s ESG objectives and support the development of a world-class operation at Reko Diq.”

ExoSphere leverages Fleet Space’s satellite network in low Earth orbit, smart seismic sensors enabled with edge computing, and rapid data processing to deliver real-time 3D mapping of mineral systems.

According to Fleet Space: “This process enables a faster and more efficient end-to-end data journey, making exploration activities more dynamic and precise by giving remote onsite teams access to actionable insights in real-time.”

Fleet Space also revealed it had conducted a real-time Ambient Noise Tomography copper survey with ExoSphere across 1818 km² of Inflection Resource’s tenements portfolio in the Macquarie Arc of the Lachlan Fold Belt in eastern Australia.

Fleet Space said this was the world’s largest real-time Ambient Noise Tomography (ANT) survey, made possible through space technology.

“Without a major acceleration in copper discoveries, humanity’s transition to renewable energy and building the infrastructure necessary for the global AI industry are unachievable,” said Tata Nardini.

AngloGold Ashanti, which has an agreement with Inflection to explore the tenements, has now moved to drilling target sites identified with ExoSphere’s geophysical surveys.

Picture: Fleet Space Technologies