Map What You Can’t See

Magnetic surveys remain one of the most cost-effective geophysical methods for detecting mineral deposits and mapping geological structures beneath surface cover. Since 1987, Minconsult has conducted magnetic surveys across North America’s exploration properties, helping junior and mid-tier mining companies identify drill targets, map structural frameworks, and understand subsurface geology without drilling a single hole. Our surveys detect variations in rock magnetic properties that indicate mineralization, fault systems, and lithological contacts invisible at the surface.

Every rock contains at least small amounts of magnetic minerals like magnetite, pyrrhotite, and hematite. The Earth’s magnetic field induces measurable responses in these minerals, creating magnetic anomalies that reveal subsurface geology. By systematically measuring and mapping these anomalies, magnetic surveys identify areas likely to host economic mineralization and provide the structural context that guides exploration strategy. Whether you’re conducting an initial property evaluation or defining drill targets around known showings, magnetic data delivers geological insight at a fraction of drilling costs.

Our Magnetic Survey Services

Magnetic surveys directly identify iron ore deposits containing magnetite or hematite, which produce strong magnetic responses. Base-metal sulphide deposits associated with copper and nickel often contain pyrrhotite, which creates detectable magnetic signatures. Gold mineralization frequently associates with magnetic iron oxides in certain deposit types, particularly iron oxide copper gold (IOCG) systems. Magnetic surveys can also locate titanium sands, carbonatites hosting rare-earth elements, and mafic or ultramafic rocks associated with platinum-group metals.

Beyond direct mineral detection, magnetic surveys map faults, folds, and contacts between different rock types. These structural features control mineralization in many deposit types, so understanding structural frameworks guides target generation. Magnetic data reveals intrusive bodies like dikes and sills, identifies boundaries between sedimentary and basement rocks, and delineates regional geological patterns across property-scale areas. This structural information is invaluable for understanding how mineralization might be distributed even when magnetic minerals aren’t directly associated with economic metals.

Different rock types produce characteristic magnetic responses. Igneous and metamorphic rocks generally show stronger magnetic signatures than sedimentary rocks. Mafic rocks (basalts, gabbros) typically produce high magnetic responses due to magnetite content, while felsic rocks (granites) show lower responses. Altered rocks around hydrothermal systems may exhibit magnetic destruction or enhancement, depending on the alteration type. By mapping these lithological variations, magnetic surveys help reconstruct geological history and identify settings favourable for mineralization.

Because Minconsult provides prospecting, soil sampling, line cutting, drill pad construction, and field geology services, magnetic survey data integrates directly with your broader exploration workflow. Magnetic anomalies guide where we focus our prospecting effort and establish soil sampling grids. Structural interpretations from magnetic data inform drill pad locations. Geological understanding from magnetic surveys helps our field geologists recognize what they’re seeing in outcrop and core.

This integration eliminates the coordination gaps that occur when geophysical contractors operate independently from field crews and construction teams. The same company that interprets magnetic anomalies can cut your grids, sample your soils, and build your pads. When magnetic data suggests modifying survey coverage or adjusting drill plans, decisions happen quickly because one team manages the complete program.

Ground magnetic surveys provide the highest-resolution data for detailed target definition and follow-up on airborne anomalies. They’re cost-effective for property-scale coverage (in square kilometres) and essential in areas where low-level flight is prohibited or impractical. Ground surveys use systematic station spacing along grid lines, with data density appropriate to target size and geological complexity.

Airborne magnetic surveys cover large areas quickly, making them ideal for regional reconnaissance and initial property evaluation. They provide uniform data coverage regardless of terrain accessibility and can survey areas impractical for ground crews. Airborne surveys establish regional geological frameworks and identify anomalies warranting detailed ground follow-up.