Advancing Mineral Exploration: Insights from UAV Magnetic Surveys in the Manikbel Project Area, Philippines

Summary The integration of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) into geophysical surveys has revolutionized mineral exploration by delivering enhanced efficiency, precision, and accessibility. UAV magnetic surveys equipped with high-sensitivity magnetometers facilitate the rapid acquisition of high-resolution data over large, often inaccessible areas. This approach is particularly valuable in challenging terrains such as the Manikbel Project area in Sallapadan, Abra, Philippines. Soil geochemical sampling in the region previously identified significant copper anomalies trending SSW to NNE, suggesting the potential presence of a porphyry copper-gold system. To refine exploration targets and investigate these anomalies, Austhai Geophysical Consultants conducted a UAV Magnetic Survey to map magnetic signatures associated with the copper soil anomalies. However, the results revealed a lack of correspondence between magnetic highs and elevated copper concentrations in the soil samples, implying that mineralization in the Manikbel area may be linked to a nonmagnetic porphyry system. These systems, characterized by low magnetite content, typically generate weak or negligible magnetic anomalies. This finding underscores the importance of integrating geophysical data with geochemical analyses to improve targeting accuracy in complex geological settings