SYSMIN Airborne Geophysical Surveys In Mali

Airborne magnetic, magnetic gradient and radiometric surveys were carried out for the Ministry of Mines, Mali, covering most of the known Birimien outcrop, for a total coverage of 186 168 line km. Selected areas were followed up with airborne time domain EM surveying, for a total of 26 042 line km. The surveys were carried out between December 2001 and May 2004. The work was followed up with comprehensive re-mapping of the entire surveyed area. Enormously enhanced understanding of the Malian Birrimian was achieved, including the generation of many mineral exploration targets for follow-up, and the delineation of a major dyke suite, previously unsuspected. The work was funded under the EU SYSMIN scheme. The data are available from the Ministry of Mines for commercial use for a nominal licensing fee. In consequence, there has been a dramatic increase in the level of mineral exploration activity in the Malian Birimien.