STRYDE CEO, Mike Popham, was recently interviewed by Global Business Reports' for the Special Report on Saudi Arabia Mining 2025.
During the interview, Mike highlighted how STRYDE's cutting-edge subsurface imaging technology and solutions are revolutionizing mineral exploration. By providing high-resolution subsurface geological models, STRYDE is empowering companies to accelerate mineral discovery while significantly reducing exploration costs.
Can you introduce us to STRYDE and its technology?
"STRYDE was founded in 2019, and since then, we have been dedicated to developing seismic technology and solutions to make high-density, high-quality seismic data accessible to any industry.
Our seismic data acquisition technology is compact, lightweight, and cost-effective, allowing different industries like mining to map the subsurface efficiently and affordably. Today, our technology is the most widely adopted onshore seismic system in the world, with around 800,000 STRYDE nodes deployed worldwide.
In the Middle East, we operate a facility in the UAE that can accommodate about a million seismic nodes. Our technology has been used to successfully complete nine energy seismic surveys in KSA, and over 50 mining projects globally."
How do STRYDE’s nodes work?
"Seismic technology works similarly to an ultrasound machine, but on a much larger scale, providing a quick and detailed image of underground structures and geology. A seismic node is placed into the ground, where it records acceleration data from seismic waves as they reflect off subsurface layers. This reflection technique is the most effective method for imaging the underground in high resolution, particularly for mineral exploration and mine expansion.
The process begins by generating energy in the ground—either with explosives or, as is common in Saudi Arabia, with vibroseis trucks. These large vehicles apply controlled force to the earth, sending energy waves downward. The waves travel through the subsurface, reflecting off different geological layers, and the seismic nodes capture these reflections from depths of up to five miles.
After seismic nodes capture reflected waves from underground layers, the data is transferred to a central system where it is processed. The time it takes for the waves to return is converted into depth using known seismic wave speeds. Advanced algorithms filter and enhance the data, creating a detailed image of the subsurface geology. If the survey uses data from different angles, a 3D image can be generated for more accurate interpretation of underground structures. This seismic image helps geophysicists identify features like faults, reservoirs, or mineral deposits."
In which phases of the mining cycle can companies use your nodes, and how many do they need?
"The use of STRYDE’s technology in the mining sector has propelled mineral exploration to become our second-largest industry, following oil and gas. This growth is largely driven by the depletion of easily accessible, near-surface deposits. While most exploration occurs within 100 to 300 meters, deeper exploration is becoming more prevalent. As a result, seismic imaging has become crucial in both the exploration and production phases of mining. It allows companies to precisely locate deposits, understand subsurface geology, and estimate resource size, which enhances investor confidence.
During production, seismic imaging helps reduce costs by guiding excavation efforts, and ensuring resources are mined efficiently with minimal waste. The number of seismic nodes required varies depending on the project. For instance, we previously delivered the world’s largest nodal system, comprising 166,000 nodes, for an oil and gas project in Oman, whereas some mining projects may need as few as 1,500 nodes. The number of nodes required depends on factors like the stage of exploration and target depth, with early exploration often needing just a few thousand nodes."
What are the benefits of seismic technology, and what common myths surround its use in mining?
"Seismic exploration typically starts with 2D surveys, which provide a regional cross-sectional view of the subsurface. If the area shows potential, a 3D survey follows, delivering a detailed model of the rock layers from the surface down. STRYDE’s technology is crucial for deeper exploration, as electromagnetic methods become less effective at greater depths. Without seismic data, companies are forced to rely on exploratory drilling, which is both costly and inefficient. With accurate seismic insights, miners can strategically plan their operations, targeting specific areas and saving valuable time and resources.
In the past, seismic technology was considered too expensive for mining due to the traditional bulky and costly equipment that was available for use in the market. However, with the introduction of STRYDE’s miniature nodes, we have reduced survey costs by approximately 50%, making it accessible to junior miners while still scalable for large operators. Our compact devices—less than a quarter of the size and weight of traditional systems—cut down on the need for heavy vehicles and personnel, speeding up deployments and lowering costs. Additionally, because our equipment is lightweight and hand-carried, there's no need to clear paths or cut down trees, offering a more sustainable solution, particularly in sensitive environments like Africa and Australia."
Does STRYDE also process the data?
"Yes, and our processing system is significantly faster than traditional methods and can be quickly deployed to client locations, making it ideal for countries like KSA, where strict data export regulations prevent sending information overseas.
Our system takes a unique approach by processing seismic data in real-time as it’s still being acquired. Simultaneous acquisition and processing ensures that all data remains within the country, complying with local data export regulations. By handling everything locally, we can deliver results rapidly, providing both junior and major operators with fast, cost-effective survey solutions that produce high-quality images."
Do you think seismic technology is going to revolutionize KSA’s mining landscape?
"KSA presents a remarkable opportunity for an exploration revolution, driven by strong support from senior stakeholders eager to advance the sector. Despite the abundance of mineral deposits, many areas remain underexplored, leaving vast potential for new discoveries. Our mission is to assist local companies in identifying these untapped resources and contribute to the growth of the industry.
STRYDE’s seismic technology is highly versatile and effective for locating nearly any type of mineral, but it is especially valuable for deposits like gold and copper, which are in high demand in KSA. It's only a matter of time before technologies like ours become the standard approach, rather than the exception, in the exploration process."