How using drones in mining sites can help improve operations

Author: Jennifer Goforth Gregory

Date published: August 21, 2024

Drones in mining are becoming a key technology throughout the entire life cycle of a mine site and project—from site selection to restoration and during operations to help proactively address safety and other security issues. Mining firms are using drones with increasing urgency across all operations, including exploration, drilling, blasting and reclamation. This increase in drone adoption may be due to improved technology, coupled with an increased focus on environmental impacts. Mining companies are turning to drones for a wide range of tasks to assist with autonomous and remote-operated drilling, surveillance videos and high-precision positioning. These tasks are placing an increased importance on the connectivity to the drones, with the high bandwidth and low latency of 5G a solid choice. 

 

How are drones used in mining?

In the past, mining companies relied on maps or human observations for site surveillance, which may have been inaccurate or out of date. Whereas drones can provide an accurate documented, and real-time or near-real-time view.

Wingtra reports that using drones in mining can help mine operators collect a wide range of information, including data about roads, topography, hazards and mineralization. Using on-board cameras, computer vision and artificial intelligence (AI), the autonomous aircraft captures video and collects data about the site. After processing the data collected from the mining drones, the data can be used to aid the mining company in various decisions. For example, engineers can use fresh, high-resolution imagery to zoom in on any part of a large area and get a realistic look at the terrain. They can look at the bare ground or what's on top of the earth, such as trees, shrubs and any man-made items. Using imaging software, they can use the drone data to create contour mapping outputs for information on the topography and slope grades.

 

Improving operations with drones in mining

In addition to mapping, drones can potentially help improve a wide range of operational mining tasks such as: 

Collecting near real-time data

Safe and productive mining requires up-to-date information to make the best possible operational decisions. Human inspections may expose workers to unsafe conditions and can be time-consuming. In one example, drone images can provide real-time or near-real-time data on stockpiles, so firms can effectively use the materials on-site, which can save time and money.

Mining drone images can also provide surveyors with real-time or near-real-time information on the condition of the haul roads. Mining companies depend on haul roads being accessible to safely transport crews and equipment. The drone images can help enable firms to conduct preventive maintenance and quickly identify where there is a need to make any necessary repairs. The mining companies can also use drone imagery to make sure the current routes are the safest and most efficient choice.

Helping to improve worker safety

A key element of mining operations is worker safety. Instead of sending workers into potentially unstable and hazardous situations, drones can be sent in to gather information first, such as for pre-blast and post-blast analysis. Based on the analysis of the data captured by the drones, workers can then be equipped with the necessary information, tools and expertise to help make the job safer. Additionally, by using drone imagery to spot issues early and proactively identifying safety problems, the overall safety of mining sites can be improved.

Lowering exploration costs

Drones are able to operate autonomously, both in navigation and monitoring video feeds, which frees up employees to focus on jobs that require human intervention. When operating with a 5G connection, drones can experience low latency and high bandwidth and can send and receive data in near real-time. Additionally, 5G can provide reliable connectivity in remote areas, so a mining drone can send notifications and alert engineers of potential issues. With real-time insight provided by 5G connectivity and frequent surveys of the mining zone, it may be easier for firms to stay on top of potentially unsafe circumstances and safety hazards.

Drones also offer other ways to help reduce exploration costs. By leveraging geospatial data and advanced analytics, such as geospatial machine learning models, mining companies can lower exploration costs by up to 15%. Geospatial data is tied to a specific location and provides details about geographic formations. Because the data is taken from multiple sources, including topographical maps and drone data, geospatial data can provide more information than a single source.

 

Potential benefits of using drone technology

Mining companies turning to drones often see benefits in improving their operations. Here are some common benefits of using drones in mining:

Reduced costs

Drones can free up workers for other tasks. With the most up-to-date information, sites can be run more efficiently, such as by using stockpiles and maintaining haul roads. Additionally, frequent use of drones and accessibility of accurate drone data helps identify small issues that can be fixed before they become big issues, helping to avoid costly downtime and repairs.

Improved record-keeping

Record-keeping can be easy and efficient with drone data, given that the information can be stored digitally, gathered consistently, calibrated accurately and easy to refer to when needed. 

 

Support drones with the right technology

A mining drone requires continuous and reliable connectivity to send data and video feeds. When relying on drones for safety monitoring, the low latency of a 5G connection can enable drones to access data quickly which can help the company maintain employee safety and manage risk. Before beginning to use a mining drone, create and test the infrastructure to support the drone itself, as well as the data analysis performed by the platform.

Because mines are often located in remote areas, connectivity is a constant challenge. Using a 5G private network, where available, mining companies could have access to continuous and reliable connectivity needed to both operate drones and send drone data. 5G technology also provides the agility mining companies need to quickly scale up and down in terms of connectivity.

Verizon 5G Ultra Wideband can provide the connectivity to support drones and other devices at mining sites.

Mining is a complex operation. Drones powered by reliable technology and fast connectivity can help provide mining companies with detailed information and actionable insights to help them improve their operations and worker safety. 

Learn more about how Verizon 5G can help enable drones in mining.

The author of this content is a paid contributor for Verizon.

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