Industries — Drone Applications

Drones for
Mining

From open-pit surveys to stockpile volumetrics, fixed-wing drones deliver centimeter-accurate data across large mining and quarry sites — faster and safer than any ground-based method.

Unparalleled Data Collection Cover entire mine sites in a single flight
Excellent Positional Accuracy Centimeter-level GPS accuracy with PPK
Operational Safety Eliminate the need to send crews into hazardous areas
MINE
Mining drone operations aerial view
Stockpile Volumes
3D Digital Twins
Mineral Exploration
Drones for Mining

What Is a Drone
Mining Survey?

The Survey

In an open mine or quarry, a drone survey uses a downward-facing camera to capture images from multiple angles alongside accurate-to-the-centimeter GPS tags.

After flight, photos are processed in photogrammetry software to recreate geo-referenced 3D maps, contour lines, digital terrain models, or digital surface models for review in geospatial software.

PIX4D Agisoft Metashape ArcGIS QGIS
Why a Drone?

A drone flies at the ideal speed and altitude for extremely high-resolution imagery. Airplanes and satellites fly too fast and too high to capture the same level of detail. Drones capture imagery and GPS data simultaneously — giving you more information to create a more accurate rendering of the area.

Topographic map from drone survey
Drone Advantages

Drones can access areas that are dangerous or impossible for ground crews — steep faces, active excavation zones, and large stockpile areas. A UAV can capture comprehensive GPS measurements and other data faster than any manual collection method, reducing man-hours by up to 60%.

  • Faster than ground surveys
  • No crew in hazardous zones
  • Centimeter GPS accuracy
  • Reduce man-hours by up to 60%
Site Efficiency

What Can a Mining
Drone Do?

Maximize site efficiency with photo-realistic 3D digital twins.
With Digital Twins You Can…
  • Monitor bench and bench faces
  • Calculate stockpile volume
  • Optimize haulage road design
  • Manage traffic flow on site
  • Monitor water accumulation and extraction
  • Perform environmental monitoring
  • Design and manage tailings reservoirs
Magnetometer survey drone mining
Advanced Software Applications

Advanced mining software can generate industry-specific data including crests and toes, road boundaries, widths, slope measurements, length, and elevation change — all derived from a single drone flight.

Crests & Toes Road Boundaries Slope Analysis Elevation Change Road Width
Mapping & Planning

Locate New
Mining Sites

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.

Large-Area Coverage Fixed-wing drones fly at low altitudes to collect extremely high-resolution data across large, remote areas efficiently.
Subsurface Detection Magnetometers and other sensors detect noteworthy minerals underground — no need to send in a full ground team.
Stockpile Measurement

How Are Stockpile Measurements
Currently Performed?

Laser Scans High Risk

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.

Manual GPS High Risk

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 Recommended

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%.

Learn More →
Comparison of stockpile surveying methods — GRP overview
Comparison of stockpile surveying methods
Suggested Platform

E400 Mapping

Consistent data for long-term surveying.
E400 mapping drone in operation
E400 Fixed Wing VTOL — Mapping Drone
When you invest in a drone, you're investing in your company's future. Fly as often as needed to gather the data required to keep your projects on track.
  • Excavation Rate Measure how quickly crews work and how much is excavated
  • Stockpile Volumes Accurate volumetric measurement from aerial data
  • Order Planning Calculate how many orders you can fulfill in a given period
  • Resource Planning Decide when to hire more crews, trucks, or equipment
  • Stockpile Forecasting Predict when additional stockpile space will be needed
  • Trend Monitoring Observe long-term trends in site operations over time
Learn More About the E400
Not Sure If a Drone Is Right for You?

Let's
Talk

Our team will help you find the right drone solution for your mining operation. Contact Us
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