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How Do Explorers Know Where to Drill for Gold? | Andrew Sloot, Fender Geophysics

November 6, 2026

Before a drill rig touches the ground, geophysicists have already been at work, helping explorers decide where to drill for gold, copper and other metals. At the 2026 Australian Gold Conference, Brian Chu sits down with Andrew Sloot of Fender Geophysics to discuss how geophysics differs from geology, how airborne and ground surveys help explorers see beneath cover, and what it takes to build a career in the field. Topics include airborne gravity and magnetic data; induced polarization (IP), electromagnetics, gravity, magnetics and seismic surveys; choosing methods for different targets; the growing role of geophysics in deeper exploration; the shortage of geoscience graduates; and how AI helps analyse large geophysical datasets.