New technology enables high resolution geochemical mapping from the air
The University of Malaga has developed a new technology that—for the first time—enables high-resolution geochemical mapping from the air. The research team in Instrumentation for Extreme Environments of the Department of Applied Physics I of the UMA, together with the Mining Waste and Environmental Geochemistry Research Group of the Geological and Mining Institute of Spain (IGME-CSIC), have designed the prototype REMINLASER, an airborne instrument, validated under realistic operational scenarios, for in-flight geochemical screening.
This prototype rapidly and efficiently identifies and evaluates critical raw materials in mining waste. These are key strategic elements, for example, for batteries, renewable energies, advanced electronics, or aerospace technologies on which the European energy and digital transition depends. In fact, the European Commission has established a framework for ensuring a secure and sustainable supply of these materials.
Remote chemical analysis
REMINLASER—developed from a previous prototype, the Chemocopter, a laser sensor installed on a drone for remote chemical composition measurements—has transformed this technological base into a fully operational system: the first airborne laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) system capable of acquiring and transmitting geolocated spectra in real time from an unmanned platform, achieving remote chemical analysis of large surfaces.
"We have minimized this system in terms of size and weight to the point that we can set it on a drone, which reaches extreme environments inaccessible to people," says Santiago Palanco, one of the scientists behind this project.
The UMA expert explains that apart from the instrumental development, a specific analytical method has also been designed.
"Altogether, the system has reached a high level of technological maturity, having been proven in realistic operational scenarios with a fully consolidated architecture," he adds.
The forefront of laser spectroscopy
This project places its scientific teams at the international forefront of laser spectroscopy—an advanced technique that uses laser light to interact with matter—applied to the identification of strategic resources.
Palanco affirms that if part of the technologies initially developed in Chemocopter have been transferred to companies within the aeronautical sector, demonstrating its potential in industrial application, REMINLASER has already prompted contacts to participate in European consortiums, as well as proposals related to mining oriented to planetary exploration.
Provided by University of Malaga
