Mine surveyors perform essential services. The data they glean helps plan work, make decisions, improve safety, and aid in mineral exploration. But ground-based surveying methods and manual calculation leave a lot to be desired.
Slow and subject to human error, traditional mine surveys can take days or weeks. Traditional surveying often puts surveyors at risk. Not only are they breathing mine dust but they sometimes have to work in hard-to-access or potentially unstable areas.
Dangerous, rock-chewing equipment must be shut off in the presence of surveyors. Work stoppage to accommodate the surveying process is costly but unavoidable.
Remote Mine Surveying with Drones
The introduction of remote data capture using drones equipped with 3D laser scanners changed mine surveying forever. What used to be hazardous, time-consuming work can now be accomplished from a safe distance in a fraction of the time. Mine work does not have to halt, so there’s no downtime.
Collision-tolerant drones, either caged or uncaged, can easily access difficult spaces that would require humans to use climbing gear and ropes while wearing respirators.
High-tech UAVs can carry a payload that may include equipment such as thermal cameras, video cameras, gas sensors and LiDAR scanners capable of capturing high resolution images and millions of data points.
High-density point cloud maps can be turned into CAD models and graphics for use in mine planning and engineering. The precision of maps and models produced by such a body of data is remarkable. Accuracy is measured to within a few millimeters.
Surveying with drones takes a fraction of the time – hours as opposed to days. Such efficiency allows for more frequent data collection flights, which means better monitoring of conditions of underground tunnels and assets.
AI Meets Remote Mine Surveying
AI’s ability to process, classify, and analyze mind-boggling amounts of data translates into economic potential for the mining industry. The ability to process massive amounts of data in real-time means decisions can be made on the most accurate, up to date information.
As AI technology advances, increasingly sophisticated equipment and sensors will allow for an increased ability to predict failure, virtually test processes and machinery, improve equipment maintenance, and simulate mining operation scenarios.
Innovative Technologies Improve Efficiency and Productivity
Drone usage has helped mining operations become more efficient. By offering miners the ability to make faster decisions based on more accurate data, productivity improves.
Hyperspectral sensors, which detect spectral signatures of a wide variety of precious minerals and metals, offer more sophisticated mineral exploration capabilities, helping mining engineers plan more efficient drilling and sampling.
Accurate, Measurable and Repeatable Data
The ability to deliver accurate, measurable and repeatable data in any format required by their clients has made Darling Geomatics a leader in the mine surveying industry. Our expertise in claim staking, mapping, modeling, volume calculation, and construction verification is trusted by companies around the globe.
Founded in 1997, Darling Geomatics pairs extensive experience with the latest technology and techniques, delivering sub-centimeter and if necessary, sub-millimeter accuracy. Our drone services for mining include: remote sensing for geophysical surveys with state-of-the-art ground-penetrating radar, near- and short-wave infrared, thermal, LiDAR, gamma ray spectrometry, electromagnetic and magnetic sensor technologies.
We also offer:
- Claim staking
- Site mapping
- Topographical mapping
- Boundary surveys
- Volume calculation
- LiDAR
- Construction verification
- Monitoring of ground movement
- Tunnel surveying
- GIS data management
- Safety and environmental compliance
- Legal documentation
Mining companies trust us to deliver accurate results in any format required. By staying abreast of innovations in our industry and employing top-of-the-line technology, we give our clients unmatched, customized service.
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