Drone technology enhances accuracy in mineral exploration

BONGANI MAZIWAYINKOSI IN BULAWAYO

The adoption of drone technology is transforming mineral exploration by improving accuracy, increasing efficiency and reducing environmental disturbance, Lafrica Group has said.

Speaking during a demonstration of the company’s exploration programme in Bubi on Thursday, Lafrica Group Project Engineer Joseph Ticharwa said the integration of drones into geophysical surveys was helping to overcome some of the challenges associated with conventional exploration methods.

He explained that mineral exploration begins with geological mapping, followed by topographic surveys using Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR) technology before magnetic surveys are conducted. The information gathered is then complemented by Induced Polarisation (IP) surveys, which are still carried out manually.

LiDAR is an active remote‑sensing technology that measures distances by emitting laser pulses and timing their reflections, enabling precise 3D mapping for applications such as topography, forestry, autonomous vehicles, and atmospheric studies.

According to Ticharwa, drone technology improves the reliability of exploration data by reducing human error associated with manual surveys.

“Traditional surveys require technicians to walk long distances carrying handheld equipment through forests, valleys and rocky terrain. Fatigue and physical obstacles can affect the quality of data collected. Drones fly along pre-programmed flight paths without deviation, ensuring consistent and highly accurate results,” he said.

The use of drone technology is part of a broader move towards modern exploration methods aimed at improving efficiency, reducing environmental impacts and supporting data-driven decision-making in the mining sector.

Ticharwa said drones also significantly reduce the time required to complete large-scale surveys.

“A drone can cover up to 100 kilometres of flight lines in a single day, making it much faster than manual surveys, which can take several months to complete,” he said.

Lafrica Group is currently conducting LiDAR and magnetic surveys covering approximately 3 758 hectares.

Ticharwa said the LiDAR and magnetic components of the project were about 95 percent complete, while the IP survey, which cannot be conducted using drones, was underway.

However, while drone technology offers significant benefits, its adoption remains influenced by cost considerations, particularly among artisanal and small-scale miners (ASM), who may not always have the financial capacity to invest in advanced exploration technologies.

The affordability and accessibility of such technologies remain important considerations as Zimbabwe continues to support the growth of the ASM sector and encourage the use of modern, environmentally responsible mining practices.

Ticharwa said drones also reduce environmental disturbance by minimising the need to clear vegetation, construct access roads or move through cultivated fields during exploration activities.

“With drones, we only establish a few control points and use existing roads. Communities can continue with their daily activities while surveys are conducted overhead without disturbing crops, homes or vegetation,” he said.

He added that obtaining reliable exploration data before undertaking invasive activities allows companies to better assess mineral potential before committing significant financial resources or disturbing the environment.

The demonstration highlighted the growing role of innovative technologies in advancing mineral exploration in Zimbabwe, while also emphasising the need to consider accessibility and affordability as the sector embraces new solutions.