In a significant advancement for the mining and surveying industry, Microavia, a Dubai-based drone manufacturer, has initiated aerial surveys in Central Asia and Kazakhstan. Utilizing its Fortis platform, Microavia's drones are reshaping the landscape of geophysical exploration by providing detailed insights into the geological structure of the region, marking the first time UAE-produced drones are employed in such a role.
Established in Dubai in 2022, Microavia has become the first UAE-based company to localize the entire manufacturing cycle of drones within the region. The company specializes in offering drone-based solutions across various domains, including security, monitoring, mining, and surveying.
Microavia’s foray into Central Asia's geophysical exploration started over a year ago, a task traditionally undertaken by helicopters and large teams of researchers and geophysicists. The introduction of Dubai-made drones has revolutionized this process, allowing for automated survey missions, thereby reducing manpower requirements and enhancing safety in extreme weather conditions. Notably, these drones have halved the duration of survey tasks and significantly reduced operational costs.
The effectiveness of Dubai-made drones in Central Asia has garnered high praise from international partners. Kirill Bazhin, CEO of Geodevice Kazakhstan, highlighted the drones' capabilities, especially their extended flight time of up to 60 minutes and payload capacity of 12 kg, which greatly enhance the efficiency of aeromagnetic surveys.
In addition to their hardware capabilities, Microavia also focuses on developing advanced payloads like video and photo cameras, along with a dedicated team working on AI and computer vision. The drones operate at low altitudes, scanning vast areas quickly and efficiently, a process that traditionally took weeks or months to complete via ground-based exploration.
The use of these UAVs in mineral exploration not only lowers costs but also significantly reduces the CO2 emissions associated with such missions, aligning with global sustainability goals. Nikita Shaliuto, a geophysicist from Terra Exploration, commended Microavia for the drones' impressive flight time and the valuable pilot training provided by the company.
This innovative approach to mineral exploration comes at a crucial time, with reports indicating a shortfall in the anticipated output of essential minerals like aluminum, copper, gold, and lithium. Central Asia, particularly Kazakhstan, is rich in unexplored mineral reserves, and the use of drone technology by Microavia is expected to expedite the discovery and production of these resources.
The export of Microavia's advanced UAVs also aligns with the UAE's broader strategy to diversify its economy beyond traditional oil and gas products, showcasing the country's commitment to innovation and sustainable development.
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