Explore the subsurface without drilling first.
VEXRAD uses surface-deployed Atomic Dielectric Resonance (ADR) to provide depth-resolved subsurface intelligence for mineral exploration, geothermal exploration and groundwater investigation — complementing established geophysical survey methods before expensive drilling decisions.
Assess my subsurface targetExplore Virtual BoreholesGeophysics helps investigate what lies beneath the ground before intrusive investigation.
A non-invasive geophysical survey measures physical properties or responses of the subsurface from the surface. Depending on the method, geophysicists investigate electrical resistivity, conductivity, electromagnetic response, seismic velocity, density, magnetic properties and other contrasts that can reveal changes in geology, fluids and structure.
A surface-based electromagnetic approach to subsurface characterisation.
Atomic Dielectric Resonance (ADR) is VEXRAD’s coherent pulsed electromagnetic sensing technology. Measurements are acquired at the surface and processed to investigate changes in subsurface response with depth.
ADR datasets can be interpreted alongside geological, geophysical and drilling information to support understanding of lithology, formation boundaries, structures, target intervals, fluids and other project-specific indicators where the evidence supports those interpretations.
How ADR worksSee validation evidenceThe VEXRAD Virtual Borehole
A Virtual Borehole converts surface-acquired ADR measurements into a depth-referenced subsurface interpretation at a selected location. It is designed to add evidence before the physical borehole — not replace it.
Minerals. Geothermal. Water. One fundamental subsurface problem.
Each market requires important decisions before the subsurface is fully known.
Critical minerals & mining
Investigate concealed or deep exploration targets before drilling.
- Host lithology
- Geological boundaries
- Structures and alteration
- Mineralisation indicators
- Target depth and ranking
Geothermal energy
Add depth-resolved information before committing to high-cost geothermal wells.
- Lithology
- Formation boundaries
- Faults and structures
- Reservoir indicators
- Thermal/fluid proxies where supported
Water exploration
Investigate geology and subsurface responses relevant to groundwater targeting.
- Aquifer indicators
- Lithology and depth
- Structures and pathways
- Electrical/dielectric contrasts
- Target prioritisation
ADR is an additional evidence layer — not a claim that conventional geophysics is obsolete.
Depending on the project, ADR can be considered alongside remote sensing, geological mapping, geochemistry, magnetics, gravity, resistivity/IP, electromagnetic surveys, magnetotellurics, seismic data and existing boreholes.
1. Screen broadly
Regional geology, remote sensing and airborne or surface geophysics identify prospective areas.
2. Investigate selectively
Ground geophysics and ADR add information where depth-resolved evidence could change a decision.
3. Test physically
Drilling, sampling, logging and other independent ground truth test the interpretation.
Non-invasive subsurface exploration FAQ.
What is the best geophysical method for mineral exploration?
There is no universally best method. Survey choice depends on target depth, geometry, geology and expected physical-property contrasts. Magnetic, gravity, electrical, electromagnetic, seismic and other methods can be complementary. ADR can be evaluated as an additional pre-drill dataset.
What geophysical methods are used for groundwater exploration?
Groundwater investigations commonly use electrical and electromagnetic methods because water, salinity, lithology and pore structure affect electrical properties. Resistivity, ERT, TEM/TDEM and other EM approaches are among the methods used.
What geophysical methods are used for geothermal exploration?
Geothermal exploration can integrate geology, geochemistry, gravity, magnetics, seismic and electrical/electromagnetic methods such as magnetotellurics. The appropriate combination depends on the geothermal system and uncertainty being addressed.
Can geophysics replace exploratory drilling?
Generally, no. Geophysics provides indirect measurements and models. Drilling remains critical for direct geological samples, assays, temperature, permeability, flow testing and other ground truth. The opportunity is to improve information before drilling.
What is an electromagnetic geophysical survey?
An EM survey measures how the subsurface responds to electromagnetic fields. Different EM techniques use different sources, frequencies, geometries and processing approaches and can be sensitive to conductivity, resistivity and related geological or fluid contrasts.
How deep can non-invasive geophysics investigate?
Depth depends on the method, survey design, geology, physical properties, signal-to-noise conditions and target. Some methods are shallow; others investigate kilometre-scale geology. Depth capability should be assessed project by project.
How can you see underground without drilling?
Geophysical methods infer subsurface conditions from physical measurements collected at or above the surface. They do not literally see through rock; they measure responses that can be modelled and interpreted in geological context.
What is a Virtual Borehole?
VEXRAD uses the term for a depth-referenced subsurface interpretation derived from surface-acquired ADR measurements. It is intended to inform the decision before drilling and should be integrated with other geological and geophysical evidence.
Have a subsurface target you need to understand before drilling?
Tell VEXRAD what you are looking for, the expected target depth, geological setting and what geophysical or drilling information already exists. We can assess whether ADR is technically relevant.
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