Need Help?

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Geotechnical Investigations

Think of it as the “health check” for your land. A geotechnical report identifies soil stability, groundwater levels, and bedrock depth. Without it, you risk structural cracks, foundation failure, or massive budget overruns if you hit unexpected rock or swampy soil during construction.

You will receive a comprehensive digital document containing:

  • Soil Profiles: A map of what’s beneath your feet.

  • Foundation Recommendations: Options for pads, strips, or piles.

  • Allowable Bearing Capacity: How much weight the soil can safely hold.

  • Groundwater Observations: To determine if you need specialized drainage.

  • Site Classification: According to national building standards.

Typically, the process takes 15 to 30 business days. This includes:

  1. Site Visit: 1–2 days.

  2. Lab Testing: 5–7 days (some tests require soil to dry or settle).

  3. Engineering Analysis & Reporting: 3–5 days.

We will communicate with you regularly through email, phone, and project meetings to ensure that you are informed and up-to-date on the project’s progress.

Geophysical Methods

Geophysical methods are non-invasive (or minimally invasive) techniques that measure physical properties of the Earth’s subsurface — such as density, magnetism, electrical conductivity, seismic wave velocity, or electromagnetic responses — to map geological structures, detect resources, or identify hazards without extensive digging or drilling. They help reduce uncertainty and guide more targeted, cost-effective follow-up work like drilling.

Geophysical surveys support a wide range of applications, including:

  • Mineral and mining exploration (locating ore bodies).
  • Groundwater exploration and aquifer mapping.
  • Environmental site assessments (contaminant plumes, landfill boundaries).
  • Geotechnical investigations (bedrock depth, voids, stability for construction or dams).
  • Archaeology (mapping buried structures).
  • Oil & gas, geothermal, or UXO detection.

They provide broad coverage quickly and cost-effectively before invasive work begins.

Depth varies by method and site conditions:

  • GPR: typically up to 10–30 meters (in ideal low-conductivity soils).
  • Resistivity/ERT or seismic refraction: 50–500+ meters.
  • EM/TEM or IP: hundreds of meters.
  • Gravity, magnetic, or MT: several kilometers.

Contact NGV Geotechnical via the form below, email, or phone. Provide details like project location, objectives (e.g., mineral target, groundwater depth), site size, and any known geology or constraints. We’ll respond promptly with tailored recommendations.

Mineral Exploration & Advisory

Mineral exploration is the systematic process of searching for and evaluating economically viable mineral deposits. It involves desktop studies, geological mapping, geochemical and geophysical surveys, drilling, sampling, and resource modeling to discover and define potential mines. Our advisory services guide clients through every stage — from early-stage target generation to advanced resource estimation and feasibility support.

We provide end-to-end support including:

  • Greenfield and brownfield exploration program design and management.
  • Geological mapping, structural analysis, and target generation.
  • Geophysical and geochemical survey planning, execution, and interpretation.
  • Drilling program supervision and core logging.
  • Mineral resource estimation and NI 43-101 / JORC compliant reporting.
  • Technical advisory, due diligence, project valuation, and risk assessment.
  • Permitting support, community engagement, and exploration strategy consulting.

 

We have expertise across a wide range of commodities including gold, copper, lithium, rare earth elements, base metals, nickel, and industrial minerals. Our team has worked in diverse geological settings and jurisdictions. Please contact NGV Geotechnical with your specific commodity and location for tailored experience examples.

Costs depend on project scope, location (accessibility, terrain), commodity type, and required deliverables. Early-stage work (mapping + geophysics) is far more cost-effective than drilling. We focus on value-driven programs that maximize information per dollar spent. We offer flexible scoping — from fixed-fee advisory reviews to full turnkey exploration management — and provide detailed, transparent quotes with no-obligation proposals.

Absolutely. Geophysics is often a cornerstone of efficient exploration. We design and interpret surveys (magnetic, electromagnetic, induced polarization, gravity, etc.) tailored to your target style to identify anomalies and prioritize drilling. This helps cover large areas cost-effectively before committing to more expensive drilling.

Contact us through the website form, email, or phone. Share basic details about your project (location, commodity, current stage, objectives), and we will respond promptly with initial recommendations or schedule a no-obligation discussion.

Aero Magnetic Survey

An aeromagnetic survey is a geophysical method that measures variations in the Earth’s magnetic field from a UAV/Drone. These variations help identify subsurface geological structures, which are useful in mineral exploration, oil and gas exploration, and environmental studies.

Aeromagnetic surveys:

  • Cover large areas quickly and cost-effectively
  • Access remote or difficult terrain
  • Provide consistent, high-resolution data
  • Reduce environmental impact compared to ground surveys

Clients typically receive:

  • Processed magnetic data
  • Maps (2D/3D) and contour models
  • Interpretation reports
  • GIS-compatible datasets

We tailor deliverables to your project needs.

Costs depend on:

  • Area size
  • Survey resolution
  • Terrain and logistics
  • Project complexity

We provide customized quotes to ensure you get the best value for your project.

  • Advanced airborne technology
  • Experienced geophysical team
  • Fast turnaround times
  • Customized solutions
  • Commitment to data accuracy and client success

3D Geological Modelling

3D geological modelling is the process of creating a three-dimensional digital representation of subsurface geology. It integrates data such as drilling results, geophysical surveys, and geological mapping to visualize structures, rock layers, and mineral deposits.

Our services are ideal for:

  • Mining companies
  • Exploration geologists
  • Environmental consultants
  • Engineering and infrastructure firms
  • Oil & gas companies

If your project involves subsurface understanding, modelling can significantly improve decision-making.

Deliverables can include:

  • 3D geological models
  • Block models
  • Cross-sections and plans
  • Resource estimation support
  • Visualizations and reports

We tailor outputs to your project needs.

Yes. Beyond modelling, we provide geological insight to help you understand and apply the results for exploration, planning, or investment decisions.

Engineering Applications

Geophysical engineering involves using scientific methods—such as seismic, magnetic, electrical, and ground-penetrating techniques—to study subsurface conditions without excavation. It helps identify soil layers, rock formations, groundwater, and potential hazards.

Geophysical surveys are:

  • Non-invasive and cost-effective
  • Faster than drilling alone
  • Able to cover large areas efficiently
  • Useful for identifying optimal drilling locations

They reduce risk and help you make informed decisions before costly excavation.

Project timelines vary depending on site size and complexity. Small surveys may take 1–3 days, while larger or more complex projects can take several weeks, including data analysis and reporting.

Yes. We deliver comprehensive reports that include:

  • Data analysis and interpretation
  • Maps and visualizations
  • Recommendations for next steps

Water Applications

We use advanced techniques such as:

  • Electrical Resistivity Imaging (ERI)
  • Vertical Electrical Sounding (VES)
  • Electromagnetic (EM) surveys

These methods help us map subsurface structures and locate potential water-bearing formations.

ou’ll get a detailed report that includes:

  • Recommended drilling locations
  • Estimated depth to water
  • Subsurface profile interpretations
  • Professional advice for drilling success

Yes! We serve a wide range of clients, including:

  • Farmers and agricultural projects
  • Residential property owners
  • Commercial and industrial clients
  • Municipal and government projects

Rock & Mineral Analysis

We analyze a wide range of materials including rocks, minerals, ores, soils, sands, and industrial materials. Whether you’re a prospector, mining company, or hobbyist, we can help.

Our services may include:

  • Mineral identification
  • Elemental (chemical) composition
  • Precious metal testing (gold, silver, platinum)
  • Gemstone verification
  • Geological and petrological analysis

Typically, we require:

  • 50–200 grams for rock or ore samples
  • Smaller amounts for precious metals or gemstones

We’ll confirm exact requirements based on your requested analysis.

Turnaround time depends on the type of test:

  • Basic identification: 2–5 business days
  • Advanced chemical analysis: 5–10 business days

Rush services may be available upon request.

Pricing varies depending on:

  • Type of analysis
  • Number of samples
  • Level of detail required

Contact us for a customized quote.

Yes, we offer gold analysis using reliable methods to determine presence and concentration. This is especially useful for prospectors and mining evaluations.

Yes, all analyses include a clear, professional report outlining:

  • Methods used
  • Results
  • Interpretation (where applicable)

Samples can be:

  • Returned to you (on request)
  • Safely disposed of

We work with both individuals and businesses. Whether you have a single sample or bulk submissions, we’re happy to assist.

Dolomite Stability Investigations

A dolomite stability investigation assesses the risk of ground instability in areas underlain by dolomitic rock. These studies identify hazards such as sinkholes, cavities, and subsidence that could impact construction and infrastructure.

Dolomitic ground can be unpredictable and may collapse without warning. An investigation helps:

  • Protect structures and infrastructure
  • Ensure safety of occupants
  • Meet regulatory requirements
  • Prevent costly future damage

It is a classification system that ranks land based on its stability and risk of sinkhole formation. This classification helps guide safe development and engineering design.

Mineral Applications

Mineral and prospecting rights are legal permissions granted by the government that allow individuals or companies to explore (prospect) or extract (mine) minerals from a specific piece of land.

Anyone who wants to legally explore or extract minerals—whether individuals, small-scale miners, or large companies—must obtain the appropriate rights before starting operations.

  • Prospecting right: Allows you to search for minerals and assess their viability.
  • Mining permit: Allows you to extract and sell the minerals commercially.

Common requirements include:

  • Company registration documents
  • Proof of financial capability
  • Technical work program
  • Environmental management plan
  • Landowner consent (where applicable)

We guide you step-by-step to ensure everything is complete and compliant.

We handle the entire process, including:

  • Application preparation and submission
  • Compliance with legal and environmental regulations
  • Liaison with authorities
  • Ongoing support until approval

Our goal is to save you time, reduce risk, and increase your chances of approval.

Let Us Get Things Done

  • (+27) 076 227 6808
  • projects@ngvgeotechnical.co.za

    Your One Stop Geotechnical Firm

Instruct NGV

Copyright © 2026 NGV Geotechnical | A subsidiary of NGV (Pty) ltd