We have amongst our staff and members some of the most experienced people in airborne exploration and data processing with a combined experience of over 120 years in the business. Our management team is very proactive and are constantly researching new technologies and new ways to add value to our product.
TREVOR GRACE
Director Specialist Data Processor
Trevor Grace is a respected and highly experienced professional in airborne geophysical exploration, with 51 years of involvement in South Africa and internationally. He co-founded several pioneering companies, including Geo Mapping Services (1973), GeoDass (1976 – South Africa’s first digital processing unit), Geoseis (1989 – the first South African-owned vibroseis operator), and Southern Exploration Surveys, which partnered with the Council for Geoscience until 2011 to support the national geophysical survey program.
He has processed over 9 million kilometers of airborne geophysical data and has managed global operations for more than three decades. A specialist in geophysical data processing and quality control, Trevor has contributed to the majority of airborne geophysical data published in South Africa, either through data acquisition and processing or processing alone.
DONOVAN GRACE
Director of Projects and Operations
Donovan Grace has 28 years of experience in airborne geophysical surveying, including airborne magnetics, radiometrics, and gravity surveys, as well as data acquisition and processing. He excels in field and aircraft logistics and has jointly developed in-house acquisition systems and software. He played a key role in the pioneering implementation of UAV-based magnetic and electromagnetic systems, among the first of their kind globally, marking a significant step forward in geophysical survey technology.
He has served as Project Manager on a range of international surveys, including oil exploration in Gabon, offshore gas in Tanzania, heavy mineral sands in Madagascar and Mozambique, diamond exploration in Angola, and resource surveys in Botswana and Zambia. With over 2 million kilometers of data collected, Donovan brings a wealth of technical, cultural, international, and business experience to every project.
ALLAN GRACE
Director of Projects and Logistics
Allan Grace has been deeply involved in the development and integration of advanced geophysical systems, including the creation of an ultra-light airborne platform in collaboration with the Council for Geoscience. Allan played a key role in the development of UAV magnetic and electromagnetic systems, a world-first advancement at the time, demonstrating his commitment to innovation in the field.
He has been responsible for geophysical modifications on a wide range of aircraft, including Eurocopter B2, B3, Gazelle, and Bell series helicopters, as well as Cessna 208, 210, and 206 fixed-wing aircraft. To meet the demands of a growing airborne geophysical fleet, Allan established an aircraft maintenance organization tailored to the sector. His operational experience spans multiple African countries, and he has served as Operations Manager for major projects.
DR EDGAR STETTLER
Consulting Geophysicist
Dr. Edgar Stettler is a distinguished South African geophysicist with international recognition. He formerly led the Geophysics Division and served as Acting Adjunct Director at the South African Council for Geoscience. His expertise spans airborne geophysics for diamond, groundwater, mineral, and uranium exploration, as well as engineering geophysics, data interpretation, and software development. He has overseen World Bank-funded airborne surveys in Mauritania, Mozambique, Madagascar, and Morocco, and played a key role in airborne gravity gradiometer projects. His Ph.D. research significantly influenced Geonics of Canada’s borehole electromagnetic technology and patents.
Dr. Stettler has led major technical projects, including the development of magnetotelluric instrumentation and ultralite airborne platforms for geophysical measurements. He holds honorary professorships at the Universities of Pretoria and the Witwatersrand, is a Fellow of the Geological Society of South Africa, and an Honorary Member of the South African Association for Geotechnologists. He is also a published author and active contributor to geological societies and academic forums.
SEBASTIEN ROMBI
Chief Drone Pilot and Operations Manager, Africa
Sébastien Rombi is the Chief Pilot and Operations Manager for the Africa Division, with five years of focused experience piloting UAVs for geophysical surveys across a range of terrains and project types. He brings extensive operational expertise to airborne geophysical programs, ensuring the safe and efficient execution of complex UAV missions.
Sébastien holds advanced ratings, including night operations and Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS), and is well-versed in the precision flying required for magnetic, electromagnetic, and other geophysical data acquisition. His leadership and technical proficiency play a key role in supporting exploration projects throughout the African region.
