33 JULY 2026 WorldWide Drilling Resource® Advancing Critical Mineral Exploration Adapted from Information by Saskatchewan Polytechnic (Sask Polytech) EarthEx Geophysical Solutions is leading a transformative initiative to accelerate critical mineral exploration in Manitoba, Canada, combining cutting-edge technology with a strong commitment to Indigenous workforce development. Postsecondary applied research partners for this project are Sask Polytech and Red River College (RRC) Polytechnic. With support from the Manitoba Mineral Development Fund (MMDF) which facilitates economic growth and job creation to strengthen communities in northern Manitoba, and collaboration through P2INACLE (Prairie Polytechnic Innovation Network Accelerating Commercialization for Local Ecosystems). P2INACLE is an applied research network bringing together the expertise and state-of-the-art facilities of six polytechnics across the Canadian Prairies to spark innovation, fuel economic growth, and drive transformation across the region and beyond. The initiative, titled Advancing Critical Mineral Exploration through Automation and Indigenous Workforce Empowerment, focuses innovation, Indigenous partnerships, workforce training, and long-term mining sustainability. EarthEx is collaborating with Sask Polytech and RRC Polytech to advance drone swarming operational capabilities for nextgeneration geophysical surveys. The partners will focus on enabling coordinated operation of multiple drones under a single operator, improving productivity, efficiency, and reducing the need for large field crews, particularly in remote and northern environments. This work supports EarthEx’s goal of expanding access to high-quality geophysical data collection in challenging terrain and will lead to a system prepared for field evaluation later this year. Through P2INACLE, EarthEx has received $100,000 in funding from PrairiesCan (Prairies Economic Development Canada) towards their $1.3 million project. The PrairiesCan funds will support Sask Polytech and RRC Polytech’s applied research project to create swarm and mesh networking systems. MMDF is also contributing $250,000 towards the EarthEx project. “This project demonstrates the power of partnership - it highlights RRC Polytech’s expertise in drone technologies along with our commitment to building collaborative relationships,” said Dr. Jolen Galaugher, Executive Director, Research Partnerships & Innovation at RRC Polytech. “By working together with our P2INACLE colleagues, we can explore more opportunities and find solutions faster to support remote communities in maximizing their rich natural resource base and build a more sustainable future for generations to come.” This project goes beyond technology. EarthEx is committed to training and employing Indigenous workers in northern Manitoba, aiming to create sustainable careers in geophysics and mining technology. “As Manitoba positions itself as a leader in critical mineral development, projects like EarthEx’s demonstrate that progress is strongest when innovation and inclusion move forward together,” said Edward Suzuki, Program Manager for Manitoba Mineral Development Fund. EXB
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