Argentine Firm Pioneers Drone Tech for Mountain Mining

Imagine surveying a mountain peak at 20,000 feet without risking a single human life. That's exactly what DAMS, a San Juan-based company, accomplished by strapping magnetometers to drones and sending them where geologists once feared to tread.

Founded by Santiago Azcona and Alejandro Madcur nine years ago, DAMS started with a simple observation: mining exploration in Argentina's high mountain ranges was dangerous, expensive, and often impossible. Geologists either hiked through extreme conditions at elevations over 6,000 meters or rode in costly helicopters that faced serious operational risks.

The breakthrough came in 2017 when the company acquired its first geophysical sensor with support from San Juan's Secretariat of Science and Technology. Inspired by Canadian models, they mounted the equipment on aerial drones and began mapping mineral deposits from the sky.

The technology evolved rapidly. Early drones barely lasted seven minutes in the thin mountain air before their single barometers failed under pressure and wind. Today's models feature redundant systems and fly for over 20 minutes, collecting maximum resolution data in conditions that would hospitalize most humans.

DAMS didn't stop at aerial robotics. The company now operates land and aquatic drones, creating a diversified fleet that handles everything from steep slopes to underwater surveys. This innovation earned them a unique distinction: they're Argentina's only company registered in the Knowledge Economy Regime for geological services and mining prospecting.

That registration isn't just a trophy. It places geology on equal footing with nanosatellite development and agricultural technology, recognizing the sophistication required to merge traditional prospecting with cutting-edge robotics. The status brings tax benefits but demands strict compliance, including maintaining high development investment and workforce stability.

The Ripple Effect

DAMS could have kept their expertise centralized, but they chose a different path. The company runs training programs in communities like Iglesia, Calingasta, Jáchal, and Guandacol, teaching locals to operate drones and GPS systems. These aren't just jobs; they're skilled positions that keep talent and investment circulating within San Juan province.

The commitment extends beyond technology transfer. DAMS holds certifications in ISO 9001 for quality, ISO 14001 for environmental standards, and ISO 45001 for health and safety. They're also a certified B Corporation, meaning their business model prioritizes social and environmental impact alongside profit.

Their 25 to 30 employees recently helped the company win Gold in the Provincial Quality Award. Major mining operators like Fortescue, Minas Argentinas, and Los Azules now trust DAMS for projects across Argentina, choosing local innovation over international competitors from Canada, Chile, and Peru.

The founders made a conscious choice to live, raise families, and reinvest in the same province where they work. In an industry where technology becomes obsolete yearly, they're building something that lasts: a homegrown company proving that Argentina can lead in robotics innovation while keeping opportunity local.