admin
An aeromagnetic survey is a type of geophysical survey carried out using a magnetometer aboard or towed behind an aircraft to determine the quantity and type of minerals found in a given area.
The aircraft flies in a grid-like pattern with height and line spacing determining the resolution of the data and cost of the survey per unit area.
“The Korean investors have shown interest to partner Government in the aeromagnetic survey which we are yet to undertake. I had one-on-one meetings with Korean investors during a recent conference on inclusive growth held in Korea.
“It is during the meetings that the Korean investors showed interest to partner Government in mineral exploration activities including the aeromagnetic survey, which we intend to carry,” he said in a telephone interview from Harare.
He said the aeromagnetic survey tender that the Korean investors could enter would be refloated anytime soon.
“We hope the aeromagnetic survey will begin next year,” he said.
Last year, Government suspended a tender for the aeromagnetic survey following observations that the tender documents for the survey had been tampered with.
“We would like to partner foreign investors in the mineral exploration project so that we get funding and technical support for the exercise,” said Mr Chimanikire.
It is hoped that the aeromagnetic survey would be undertaken throughout the country as Government suspects that Zimbabwe is endowed with a number of minerals that are yet to be identified.
The Government has indicated plans to embark on an aeromagnetic survey in the Eastern Highlands after a similar exercise by a Canadian firm in 1980 was not extensively done due to the civil war in Mozambique that ravaged that part of Zimbabwe.
Exploration work in different parts of the country by the Zimbabwe Mineral Exploration Corporation is expected to begin soon.
Exploration activities are meant to enable the Government to be acquainted with the country’s mineral base so that the resources can be fully exploited for economic development.
Zimbabwe is endowed with minerals such as gold, platinum, chrome, phosphates, lithium and emeralds.
Online Reporter