The University of Malaga has developed a new technology that enables, for the first time, high-resolution geochemical mapping from the air.

Specifically, 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, for example, 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, financed by the Government of Andalusia within the framework of the 2021 research grants for excellence projects, 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.

Transfer
Santiago 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.

Video: https://youtu.be/B_UfX731YC0