A mineral exploration company is about to launch an aerial survey of the north-east amid hopes the region’s geology may contain in-demand metals.
A contractor hired by privately-owned Aberdeen Minerals Limited (AML) will soon be scouring the land in search of valuable raw materials for the fast-growing global battery manufacturing industry.
AML also plans to open an office in Ellon, Aberdeenshire, to manage its future activities.
Survey flights to take off in May
International specialist SkyTEM Surveys has been tasked with carrying out the “first modern airborne geophysical survey” of the north-east.
Sweeps over an area including Peterhead, Maud, Oldmeldrum and Belhelvie are expected to start in May.
People in many parts of the north-east will notice helicopters carrying sophisticated survey equipment, which from a distance may easily be mistaken for a very large net.
The cutting-edge survey, which will likely continue into June, will provide new data to identify possible locations of copper, nickel and cobalt deposits. If found, these deposits will be further investigated on the ground.
Denmark-headquartered SkyTEM has conducted numerous surveys of the type to be
undertaken in the north-east.
Its “non-invasive” exploration technique uses a helicopter fitted with specialised equipment to fly survey lines back and forth over a number of areas of interest.
The helicopter will not be flying directly over urban dwellings, farm buildings and areas of development.
SkyTEM’s survey flight path will also avoid pylons, wind turbines and transmitters.
A public information campaign will be launched in the coming weeks to provide details
on what will be occurring and when.
Many geologists believe the north-east is rich in mineral resources, including metals that will be in high demand by battery-makers as electric vehicles and other low-carbon technologies become the norm.
Edinburgh-registered AML was established in 2018 with the aim of tapping into Scottish supplies of battery raw materials.
The firm was co-founded by non-executive chairman Patrick Murphy, who is based in Sydney, Australia.
Its general manager is Aberdonian Drew Craig, a former oil and gas industry worker who went on to complete a master’s degree in mineral exploration.
He then spent time working with the Army before starting his own independent consultancy, Rocklore Exploration Services, in 2002.
Before joining AML last year he was technical evaluation director for mineral investment and development firm Minexia, which helped London-based GreenOre secure crowdfunding for its quest for gold in Wester Ross and other parts of Scotland.
Mr Craig said Aberdeen Minerals was focused on raw materials that are “vital for reaching the green industrial goal to deliver a zero-emissions transportation sector by 2035”.
Sourcing these raw materials starts with investing in exploration, he said, adding: “In this age, maintaining a company’s social license to operate is equally as important as
adhering to the legal planning regulations.
“AML is determined to ensure it is following the best-in-class environmental, social and governance (ESG) principles.
“We will liaise actively with landowners, local councils and other government and community representatives to ensure everyone is appropriately informed of our exploration activities.
“Importantly, we will work hard to educate and emphasise the value of mineral exploration for Scotland and its local communities.”
AML has visited north-east landowners in recent months to let them know about its plans.
The company is also “close to finalising” negotiations with Aberdeenshire Council on leasing a workshop and office unit in Ellon.
Mr Murphy said: “Technical activities have ramped up and we expect the late-spring and summer to provide ideal conditions to accelerate the planned geophysical, hydrogeochemical and geological activities.”