Geological Desktop & Reconnaissance
Before a single hole is drilled or a boot hits the ground, the difference between a promising project and a costly misstep is decided at the desk. At NGV Geotechnical & Exploration, our Desktop Study & Reconnaissance service is the critical first phase of any exploration or geotechnical programme — a rigorous, evidence-based assessment that transforms raw geological data into a clear, defensible picture of prospectivity before capital is committed to fieldwork.
- Project Owners and Operators
- Individuals & Companies starting out
- Investors and Financial Entities
- Mining Service Providers and Legal Firms
- Governmental and Non-Governmental Entities
What Our Desktop Study & Reconnaissance Covers
Regional & Local Geology
We review published geological maps, academic literature, historical exploration reports, and government survey data to build a coherent geological framework — understanding the stratigraphy, structure, and lithological units that control mineral occurrence in the area of interest.
Geochemistry
We compile and interpret available geochemical datasets — stream sediment, soil, and rock-chip geochemistry — to identify anomalies and pathfinder element signatures that point toward mineralisation. This forms an early, low-cost filter for ranking targets before ground verification.
Regional Geophysics – TMI
Using Total Magnetic Intensity (TMI) data, we interpret regional structural and lithological trends, mapping magnetic signatures associated with intrusions, shear zones, and mineralised horizons. This gives us a subsurface view of the terrain long before any physical survey begins..
SAHRIS Exploration Search
Every project is screened against the South African Heritage Resources Information System (SAHRIS) to identify known heritage sites, prior exploration activity, and any legal or environmental constraints — ensuring the project is compliant and de-risked from a heritage and regulatory perspective from day one.
Baseline Prospectivity Trend Mapping of the Stratigraphy
We overlay geochemical, geophysical, structural, and stratigraphic datasets to establish baseline prospectivity trends — highlighting where favourable stratigraphic units, structural controls, and geochemical anomalies coincide. This is the foundation upon which exploration targets and drill programmes are designed.
Historical Exploration Review
Where available, we assess previous exploration activities, geological reports, maps, borehole information, sampling results and other relevant datasets to identify what has already been investigated and where opportunities may remain.
Geological Reconnaissance
Desktop findings are supported by targeted field reconnaissance to verify geological conditions, investigate outcrops, structures, lithological contacts, alteration and mineral occurrences, and assess whether identified desktop targets are supported by field evidence.
Why This Matters
A desktop study is not a formality — it is risk management. Exploration and geotechnical work involve significant capital outlay, regulatory obligations, and time. Skipping or rushing this phase leads to poorly targeted fieldwork, wasted drilling budgets, unforeseen heritage or environmental conflicts, and weak investment cases.
By grounding every subsequent decision — from permitting to drill targeting to investor engagement — in a defensible, data-driven desktop assessment, we help clients:
- Reduce exploration risk by prioritising high-potential targets before committing to fieldwork
- Strengthen investment and funding cases with SAMREC-aligned, evidence-based target definitions
- Avoid regulatory and heritage delays through early SAHRIS screening
- Optimise budgets by directing capital toward the most prospective ground
- Build a credible geological narrative that supports licensing, joint ventures, and offtake discussions
Data to Exploration Targets
A desktop study is more than simply collecting existing information. At NGV Geotechnical & Exploration, we focus on integrating and interpreting the data to develop a geological understanding of your project area and translate that understanding into practical exploration targets.
Whether you are evaluating a prospecting opportunity, mineral right, farm, exploration property or existing mining project, our Geological Desktop Study & Reconnaissance service provides an informed foundation for deciding where to explore, what to investigate and how to plan the next stage of exploration.
