Electromagnetic exploration, the process of detecting the physical makeup of subsurface geological formations based on their ability to conduct electromagnetic energy, is a preferred exploration method for many mining projects. During an electromagnetic survey, two measurements are important: the B-field – an induced magnetic field – and the ratio of the amount of change in the magnetic field over the time it takes to make the change (dB/dt). The speed at which the B-field dissipates shows how well or how poorly the geological makeup of the area conducts the current, which in turn can signal if there are mineral deposits worth pursuing and help target drilling. Designed to speed up both the efficiency and accuracy of the process is Abitibi Geophysics’ ARMIT 3 probe, its latest innovation in the time-delay electromagnetic method of mineral exploration. Chris Nind, Abitibi's vice-president of business development, highlighted the practicality and ease of use the probe offers: it can measure both the B-field and dB/dt – which often require separate instruments to measure – in one pass, along the X, Y and Z dimensional axes. Not only does it combine both measurements, Nind added, it measures “as good as or better” than the conventional methods – a superconducting quantum interference device (SQUID) for the B-field and an induction coil for the dB/dt measurement.