Bell Geospace, an Edinburgh-based airborne geophysical surveying company, is commencing operations in Cornwall this December.
The survey is a continuation of work which started in December 2021. For around eight days of flying in December weather, it is estimated the survey will take two to three weeks.
The survey will involve a plane flying in straight lines at an average height of 200 meters to collect geophysical information on the properties of rocks below the ground. The information being collected creates geological maps. These maps may be used for planning geothermal resources in the area or by domestic mining companies tasked with futureproofing the supply of critical minerals needed to build netzero economies.
Flights will take place during daylight hours, with take-off from Newquay airport just after sunrise. Flights typically last four and five hours. Parishes, farms and equine centres are being notified by mail and social media. The airborne survey involves measuring minor variations in the Earth’s gravitational field. Sensitive measuring equipment located in the aircraft will be used to gather this data. It is a totally passive technique which does not involve sending out any signals or sound waves. Residents are invited to find out more about the survey at info.bellgeo.com/cornwall_faq.
A hotline for questions has been opened on 0131 202 7144.
Open PDF: Parishes with map
Open PDF: Cornwall Announcement Press
