Drones used to prospect for resources

Chinese drones are being used to carry out geophysical surveys in the Xinjiang Uygur autonomous region, saving time and money compared with traditional methods, according to the manufacturer.

The China Academy of Aerospace Aerodynamics said it has refitted several CH-3s - its best-selling midrange combat/reconnaissance unmanned aircraft - to create the world's first mine-survey drones.

One of the planes has been helping China Geological Survey prospect for metallic ores in southern Xinjiang since September, the academy said in a statement.