“Why should I use a mining drone?”

Unparalleled data collection times
Excellent positional accuracy
Operational safety

Drones for mining?

What is a drone mining survey?

In an open mine or quarry, a drone survey refers to the use of a drone equipped with a downward-facing camera to capture images from multiple angles, as well as accurate-to-the-centimeter GPS tags.

After flight, these photos are processed in photogrammetry software such as PIX4D or Agisoft Metashape. The photogrammetry software can then recreate geo-referenced 3D maps, contour lines, digital terrain models, or digital surface models to be reviewed in geospatial software such as ArcGIS or QGIS.

What makes a drone the best option for aerial imagery?

A drone flies at the ideal cruising speed and altitude for extremely high-resolution imagery. Airplanes and satellites fly too fast and too high, which means they can’t capture the same level of detail. Drones can capture imagery and GPS data at the same time, giving you more information so you can create a more accurate rendering of the area.

What exactly can a mining drone do?

Maximize site efficiency

Photogrammetry is a highly accurate and cost-effective way to conduct worksite surveys resulting in photo-realistic 3D models or “digital twins” of mining operations.

With these digital twins you can…

Monitor bench and bench faces
Calculate stockpile volume
Optimize haulage road design
Manage Traffic
Monitor water accumulation and extraction
Perform environmental monitoring
Design and mange Tailings reservoirs

Advanced software applications

Advanced mining software can also generate industry-specific data such as crests and toes;
road boundaries; widths; crests; slope, length, and elevation change.

Excavation site with piles of aggregates

Locate new mining sites

Mapping and Planning

If you’re in the planning stages, a drone can help you gather crucial data and conduct mineral exploration in remote areas. Fixed-wing drones can fly at low altitudes and collect extremely high-resolution data on a large area.

Event 38 drones can carry magnetometers and other sensors to help detect any noteworthy minerals underground without having to send in a full team.

How are stockpile measurements currently performed?

Laser Scans

Laser scanners must be driven around a worksite and set up over and over to capture data. Conditions must be suitable; high dust levels lead to false data points and lack of detail on the surface, as well as an unacceptable occupational health and safety risk to operators. It is desirable, but not always possible to have a static stockpile, and it is important to ensure the scanner is steady so scan data is consistent. It is also important to make sure the stockpile can be seen from your access points

Manually deployed GPS receivers

This usually requires someone physically climbing quarry stockpiles with the GPS receiver in a backpack. The risk of falling, sliding, or otherwise getting hurt is high exposing an unacceptable occupational health and safety risk to operators.

Aerial drone survey

A drone is more efficient and much safer than either of these options. UAVs can capture comprehensive GPS measurements and other data faster than manual collection. Read our case study to learn how using a drone at a quarry can reduce man-hours by 60%

Comparison of stockpile surveying methods

Learn More

Suggested Drone – E400 Mapping

When you invest in a drone, you’re investing in a long-term monitoring tool.

Consistent data for long-term surveying.

Measure how quickly your excavation crews are working and how much material is being excavated.
Measure stockpile volumes.
Calculate how many orders you can take in a given time period.
Decide whether to hire more excavation crews, trucks, or other teams to meet demand.
Predict when you might need more space for stockpiles.
Observe trends in operation.

Make the investment today.
When you invest in a drone, you’re investing in your companies future. Fly as often as needed to gather the data needed to keep your projects on track.

Learn more about the E400