Smart Mapping Tomorrow’s Natural Capital

Q: What services does Xcalibur Smart Mapping offer the mining sector and other industries?
A: Xcalibur is a Spain-based company with a heritage in urban energy geophysics that expanded its portfolio to map natural capital. We are developing many technologies for smart mapping using airborne and satellite technology. Our solutions include airborne gravity gradiometer, gravity, radiometry, magnetics, and electromagnetics measuring, among others. Beyond oil, gas, and critical minerals, we prospect any natural resource because we understand its importance for governments, companies, and humanity.

For example, understanding natural resources like underground water allows governments to generate policies for governance, industry, economics, and more. With a clear understanding of natural capital, many can develop new ideas or businesses. The plan is to not only focus on conventional minerals, oil, and gas, but to consider all natural resources as critical.

Q: What sets Xcalibur apart from other companies providing mapping services? 
A: Many companies in the past focused solely on acquiring data without considering the importance of processing it to create valuable products. Xcalibur took a different approach by not only providing data but also working closely with customers, governments, and agencies to understand their problems and collaboratively develop solutions. Many companies and governments now have qualified personnel who can interpret data. In response, Xcalibur developed software to enhance processing capabilities and introduce new features. For example, we will soon announce a new sensor that can acquire data from multiple techniques in a single flight, making it more cost-effective and efficient for customers.

We believe that collaboration and the development of innovative solutions are essential. It is not just about providing data, but about providing solutions. This requires teamwork and investment in software and training for various industries and governments to effectively use geophysical data for natural capital projects.

Q: What are Xcalibur’s perspectives on the use of AI for data collection and processing? 
A: One hand, we strongly advocate for the power of technology in assisting professionals. For example, our groundbreaking partnership with Stanford University in mineral exploration innovation reflects our dedication to advancing cutting-edge technologies. We have also teamed up with Curtin University in Australia to invest in state-of-the-art hydrogen mapping technologies. As trailblazers in Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning, we drive innovation and progress.

 On the other hand, the issue is complex because AI can create many algorithms to improve processes, such as reducing processing times and optimizing results. However, human supervision and interpretation are crucial. AI can learn to identify specific values or types of data, but it can never replace the expert opinion and insight of a human. AI is an amazing tool, but still, it cannot replace human judgment. We are continually developing algorithms to enhance our processes, but human supervision remains paramount.

Q: What opportunities does Mexico present for natural capital development? 
A: Mexico is a great example of untapped potential in geothermal energy. Despite being a clean and efficient energy source, it is largely overlooked in Latin America due to a lack of investment and understanding. Mexico has the geological features to be a leader in geothermal energy in the region. While the country has made some advances in this area, more needs to be done; however, Mexico faces economic and legal challenges that deter companies from investing in geothermal projects.

In the past six years, Mexico has offered many concessions for geothermal exploration but there has been limited interest from companies, which could be due to economic reasons or uncertainties related to prices and returns on investment. Despite having a well-equipped Mexican Geological Service (SGM) and experts, the country needs to address these issues to attract more investment and develop its geothermal potential.

Mexico also has potential in areas such as natural hydrogen, which is gaining importance in the energy transition. With the right policies and investments, Mexico could become a leader in geothermal and other clean energy alternatives.

Q: What are the company’s plans for 2024? 
A: The landscape does not seem very positive for the industry, but it is crucial to maintain relationships with customers and stay up to date. Staying connected with customers is vital, especially since many investors in Mexico come from Canada and the United States. Xcalibur Smart Mapping's portfolio has evolved over the years, and the challenge now is to position the brand effectively in Latin American and Caribbean countries and showcase the new technologies and solutions it offers beyond critical mining exploration.

As for our path, we aim to be an accelerator of the energy transition, since facilitating nations in discovering their authentic raw materials potential will significantly contribute to enhanced and sustainable mining of such resources.

Xcalibur Smart Mapping is a global leader in the airborne and mapping geophysics industry, providing comprehensive and sustainable solutions for mapping and assessing natural capital, renewable and non-renewable resources with +100 years of accumulated experience.