From Improved Workplace Safety to Greater Accuracy and Efficiency in Mining Operations

Due to the increased implementation of technology in the mining sector, many mining companies are attempting to leverage new technologies to increase safety, productivity and efficiency in their operations. One of the most significant examples of this trend is the implementation of drones to provide mapping, surveying, and inspection services. The introduction of drones has changed the way that mining companies plan, monitor and manage their mines.

What Exactly Are Drones for Mining Services?

Drone services can include a variety of professional applications utilizing UAVs to collect information about the site or to inspect mining operations at different stages of their lifecycle. Drones are equipped with various high-tech tools such as high-resolution cameras, GPS, and sophisticated sensors that allow them to provide detailed and accurate visual and spatial information.

Drones are utilised in all stages of a mine’s lifecycle, from exploration and planning to active mine operations and closure.

How Are Drones Used In Mining Operations?

Drones support a wide variety of mining activities. Some of the most common applications of drones in mining operations include:

Aerial Mapping and Surveying to help with Mine Planning

Calculating the Volume of Stockpiles and Excavated Material

Monitoring Slopes and Highwalls for Safety Assessments

Inspecting Infrastructure and Equipment

Monitoring Environmental Compliance and Environmental Regulations

By providing real-time intelligence and reducing the amount of risk associated with on-site inspections, these applications will certainly provide mining industry employees real-time intelligence while lowering the chance of accidents.What Is The Importance Of Mining Drones For Safety?

Safety is one of several priorities when working in the mine. Traditional inspections frequently require personnel to go into unsafe, unstable areas to perform their duties and inspect what they are doing. With the use of a drone, an inspector can use it to inspect the mine remotely and not have to physically go into and risk their health and wellbeing by entering these types of areas.

By keeping employees out of hazardous areas, drones greatly decrease the chances that an employee will be hurt while working in a mine.

What Are The Advantages Of Using Drones To Help Improve Decision Making And Asset Management?

Drones can provide detailed and accurate information that can be used to create two-dimensional (2D) maps, three-dimensional (3D) models, and analytical reports. Data can also assist mining professionals in monitoring for changes, identifying risks, and making sound decisions in a timely manner.

The usage of accurate data to develop plans and manage resources is another benefit for mining.

Are Drone Mining Services Cost-Effective?

The answer to this question is a very straightforward “Yes.” Drones have the efficiency to reduce time spent on inspections, increase and decrease the amount of running equipment and limit disruption of operations due to repairs. The increase in the speed of collecting and processing data allows mining companies to respond more quickly when problems arise, thus increasing productivity and decreasing costs.

Often, the savings associated with using drone services will exceed the investment made to use drone services.

Do Drones Support Regulatory Compliance?

Drone services provide a consistent means of documenting and providing visual evidence of your rigs and operations. As a result, mining companies can provide an ample amount of documentation to satisfy safety and environmental compliance efforts. Additionally, the documentation provides miners with an opportunity to demonstrate compliance to regulatory agencies and maintain a transparent audit process.