We are going to be measuring the naturally existing magnetic and gravity fields and artificially induced electromagnetic fields. This will involve use of non-invasive sensors that will be carried underneath or in helicopters.

These geophysical techniques are commonly used in exploration of natural resources and also in environmental and engineering studies.

For more information, please visit the technical description section of this website (coming soon).

The INFACT project is using these technologies to test their effectiveness and to determine how much they can reduce the need for ground work such as drilling and associated disturbance.

However, it is likely that some amount of drilling will always be needed to define mineral deposits.

Lengths of the flights are available at the flight schedule section of this website (coming soon). Each flight campaign will last approximately one week in each reference site. The maximum flight time per day depends on the legislation of the country. It is usually five hours per day and six days a week.

The helicopters will generate a similar amount of noise to a rescue or police helicopter. The overflight noise level is 84,4 dBA SEL (A-weighted Decibels Sound Exposure Level). The geophysical equipment does not generate any noise.

The helicopters will fly at heights ranging from a minimum of 60 to 200 meters above the ground. The geophysical sensors, carried below the helicopters will be between 30 and 100 meters above ground. These heights will vary between these parameters according to the terrain. The speed of the helicopter is quite slow comparatively, at around 90-100km/h.

Data is collected in each of the reference regions by our local partners. It will be analyzed by the technical specialists involved in the project.

The results will be published via scientific publications, open access journals and through this webpage.

The exact date at which our results will be available is still being determined and these FAQs will be updated accordingly.

Every reference site will have a series of events open to the public, to provide more information about INFACT.

The schedules for these events in each country are available on this website (Finland, Germany, Spain).

No. The research equipment only measures geophysical fields and topographic data; it cannot take any photos or record any other information.

Any information collected at the public events will be in accordance with the latest EU regulations on data protection (GDPR).

The INFACT project is working with European companies that are specialists in the use of these technologies. They are using research equipment that comes from Germany, Denmark, Spain and South Africa.

The INFACT project is independent of the mining industry. The three reference sites have been chosen because of their known geological, environmental and social features, not to identify new mineral deposits.

The exploration and mining companies involved in the project are partners providing access to exploration sites that they have already mapped, so that the results from the exploration technologies being used can be cross referenced against the known geology of the area.

This will enable the project to research and develop exploration technologies and protocols that are environmentally and socially responsible and acceptable.

The term ‘permanent reference sites’ is used as it is the intention for the reference sites to become long term test sites for geological exploration technologies and to ensure that the respective technologies consider both the environmental and social conditions and achieve acceptance.

For this reason we value your feedback on any aspects of the project.

Drones will not be used during the flight campaign of 2018. These require even more innovative equipment and we need feedback from the helicopter campaign to program the flights. They will be used next summer, in 2019.

Most of the innovative methods being tested by the INFACT project are ‘passive’, meaning that the equipment produces no energy of any kind and present no harm to human health.

However, some of the technologies that are going to be used generate small electromagnetic fields. Tests on the potential health risks associated with these technologies have shown negligible effects to human health. Indeed, their field strength and frequency at any location over flown by the helicopter are similar to that emitted by an electric cooker plate, being both orders of magnitude lower than the natural Earth’s magnetic field.

Flight paths and times will be scheduled to minimize any potential disturbances or cause a nuisance to people living in the area.

Most of the sensors are ‘passive’ technologies that simply measure the existing electromagnetic and gravitational fields.  These do not interact with other signals.

However, some of the technologies are ‘active’ and generate small electromagnetic fields.  It is possible, although very unlikely, that these may cause temporary interference to mobile phone networks and radio or TV signals.

The intensity of these signals at the ground are similar in strength and frequency to the one emitted by an ordinary household electric cooker plate. Consequently, heart pacemakers and other sensitive devices should not be affected by the fields generated.

The research equipment and technologies will have no impact, positive or negative, on the environment.

The noise of helicopters may disturb sensitive animals, but will not harm them.

The INFACT project will pay special attention and consideration to wildlife and livestock when planning the flight campaigns.

The helicopter pilots are all experienced certified professionals who will do their utmost to minimize any such risks.

The drones will also be flown by qualified professionals who will follow standard safety procedures in planning and operation of the drones.

The equipment and associated mechanisms are certified in accordance with EU safety and security requirements.

People have no effect on the measurements but some artificial structures can do.

For example, powerlines and other large metallic structures have to be taken into account when doing the measurements as they may affect the electromagnetic fields. However, populated areas will be avoided as much as possible.