Drone mapping is becoming an essential tool in mining, offering a more efficient way to collect and process data for a range of tasks. By simplifying workflows and improving accuracy, drones are helping mining teams make faster, more informed decisions. Let’s look at five practical ways drone mapping is making a difference in mining operations.
Managing stockpiles in a mining operation often involves manual surveys that can take considerable time and effort. Traditional methods require workers to physically measure the volume of material, which can be both time-consuming and prone to error. Drones offer a faster, safer alternative by capturing aerial images that can then be uploaded into platforms like Birdi, and then processed into 2D maps (like orthomosaics and digital elevation models). From there, stockpiles can be drawn and volumes calculated. This efficiency allows mining companies to collect accurate data more frequently, enabling better decision-making and reducing the risk of material shortages or overestimates.
In fact, Boral uses Birdi for their stockpile audits, which you can read about in their case study.
Tailings dams are critical to mining operations, and ensuring their stability is vital for both operational safety and environmental protection. Traditional monitoring methods can be labor-intensive and may not detect early signs of instability. Drone mapping, paired with advanced tools like prism reference points, provides a more reliable approach to monitoring slope stability.
For example, consultancy firm ATC Williams used Birdi to improve their mining clients' dam wall monitoring with Birdi’s prism trend reports. By tracking the centimetre-level movement of each individual prism on the dam wall, ATC Williams can visualize how the terrain is shifting over time. The data is displayed in a series of graphs, clearly highlighting changes in prism positioning and identifying trends. When a prism’s movement exceeds the set tolerance levels, the system triggers predefined actions, allowing teams to respond before significant damage occurs.
This proactive monitoring system has allowed ATC Williams and their clients to maintain a close watch on dam wall integrity, reducing the risk of unexpected failures. The ability to detect early signs of slope instability has been invaluable in helping them safeguard their sites from potential landslides or erosion.
Before starting a new mining project, understanding the terrain is crucial for planning and construction. Traditional topographical surveys can be slow and often rely on outdated maps, which may not reflect current conditions. Drone mapping offers an alternative by providing real-time, accurate data on the topography of a site.
With drones, mining companies can quickly capture the necessary data, and then once uploaded into mapping software like Birdi, can be used to create Digital Terrain Models (DTMs) or contour maps. These models provide insights into slope, elevation, and drainage patterns, helping teams make informed decisions on site layout and infrastructure placement.
For example, when preparing to develop a new quarry, mining teams can use drone mapping to capture a detailed topographical map of the area. Once transformed into relevant outputs, the data allows them to plan their excavation zones and infrastructure placement efficiently, speeding up the overall project planning process and reducing the chance of errors during construction.
In mining operations, delays in data collection can slow down the entire process. Waiting for survey results or pausing work for inspections can lead to costly downtime. Drone mapping helps reduce these delays by gathering and processing data quickly, allowing operations to continue while essential information is collected.
Drone data can be captured and processed within hours, providing mining teams with the insights they need to make decisions without extended delays. Whether it’s an urgent inspection or routine measurements, the ability to access real-time data helps keep operations moving smoothly.
Mining environments can be hazardous, especially when it comes to tasks like inspecting high walls or working in unstable terrain. Drone mapping provides a safer alternative by allowing data to be collected from a safe distance, reducing the need for workers to enter dangerous areas. Drones can fly over areas that are difficult or unsafe to access, capturing high-resolution images and data that can be processed into 2D maps or 3D models. This approach minimizes the risks to workers while still providing the information needed to monitor site conditions and ensure safety.
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Drone mapping is helping mining operations become more efficient, safe, and data-driven. By simplifying stockpile management, enhancing tailings dam monitoring, providing real-time terrain analysis, reducing downtime, and improving worker safety, drones are proving to be an invaluable tool in modern mining.