UK geophysical company Metatek Group has been awarded a multi-disciplinary airborne geoscience data acquisition contract by the Department of Energy (DOE) of the Government of the Philippines to support their strategy to improve domestic energy security.
Using its advanced Full Tensor Gravity Gradiometry – Metatek’s latest and exclusive technology – the company aims to provide the Philippines with high-quality airborne geophysical datasets across multiple sedimentary basins, to identify areas with potential for future resource development.
Following a competitive international tender process, the contract awarded covers an initial 40 000 km2 survey across Mindanao's Agusan-Davao Basin and the adjacent Davao Gulf as part of Stage 1 of a broader two-year airborne mapping campaign that will ultimately cover roughly 120 000 km2. Once airborne data collection is complete, the project will transition to the acquisition, processing, and interpretation of 2D seismic data during Phase 2.
Dr Mark Davies, CEO at Metatek, comments: "This contract award represents another important milestone for Metatek and reflects the dedication of our technical, commercial and operational teams in working closely with the DOE to understand its objectives and design a programme tailored to its requirements."
"As one of Southeast Asia's largest and most geologically prospective countries, the Philippines has significant potential across a broad range of mineral and energy systems. While exploration has been undertaken in many regions, substantial areas have yet to benefit from modern, high-resolution airborne geophysical surveys. Through this program, the DOE will establish an important new geoscience foundation to support future exploration, investment and resource development."
"This award establishes Metatek's first program in the Philippines and further expands our sovereign government portfolio across Southeast Asia and the Pacific Rim, where we are now supporting five national governments through eFTG led programs. It also reinforces our strategy of partnering with governments to build the geoscience foundations that support resource discovery, attract investment and underpin sustainable economic development."
"National geoscience programmes are typically delivered in phases over a number of years as governments progressively expand coverage, integrate complementary legacy datasets and refine Areas of Interest for follow-up exploration. The Philippines represents a significant long-term opportunity as additional regions are evaluated using modern airborne geophysical methods. While the timing and scope of future work will remain subject to government priorities and funding, we look forward to supporting the DOE as it continues to advance its understanding of the country's geological potential."
With preparation underway, the Company plans to deploy its systems and launch in-country operations during the final quarter of 2026.