Drones in Mining
Published: Jan 08, 2024
As the world's population grows, the demand for products and services increases accordingly. Businesses constantly seek ways to enhance operations and improve production efficiency to meet demands. In today's market, many companies are turning to technology to achieve this goal, and one such technology that is gaining popularity is drones.
Drones, also known as unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), were primarily built for military use but have become increasingly prevalent across various industries. Drones come in multiple sizes, ranging from the size of an aircraft to the size of a palm. Drones have proven valuable in mining operations, serving various purposes such as surveying & mapping, monitoring & inspection, and exploration.
Mining operators have traditionally used expensive and inefficient surveying and mapping methods. To overcome these limitations, corporations like Nutrien, a globally renowned potash producer, have purchased the DJI Matrice 300 RTK drone, which is equipped with AI technology and Emesent Hovermap leverages simultaneous location and mapping (SLAM) technology and Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR) to ensure safe navigation in areas where GPS signals may be obstructed above the surface.
It is also essential to prioritize the safety of workers in the mining industry, given the inherent hazards present, including rock falls, gas leaks, dust explosions, and high humidity. Regular monitoring and inspections of the environment are critical in achieving this goal. Nutrien successfully addressed these challenges by incorporating innovative drone technology, leading to more frequent and comprehensive safety checks.
Nutrien uses submersible drones to inspect and monitor structures like tanks, pipelines, rake structures, and pond intakes. To perform underwater work, Nutrien chose a Deep Trekker remotely operated vehicle (ROV) for its excellent quality, availability, and service. Initially, Nutrien purchased the Pivot ROV base model but upgraded it in 2022 with ultrasonic thickness measurement capabilities, a sediment blaster, a grabber claw, and sonar to enhance navigation in cloudy or murky conditions. This inspection and safety strategy has proven to be a cost-effective and efficient solution.
Nutrien has also acquired Mavic 2 Enterprise and Elios 2 drones to capture high-quality 4K images and videos and inspect hard-to-reach areas. For instance, during the 2020 fire incident at the Vanscoy mine site in Saskatchewan, the Mavic 2 Enterprise was deployed for outdoor structural assessment, while the Elios 2 was flown indoors to assess the damage and perform an initial evaluation before allowing workers into the building. The Elios 2, upgraded to Elios 3, has also been used for underground inspections requiring more specific and confined space assessment.
Lastly, exploration is crucial for mining companies to locate minerals before extraction. Therefore, drones have become an indispensable tool to cover extensive land areas in an efficient amount of time. By analyzing the data obtained from these drones, mining companies can quickly determine areas suitable for extraction and those that require further exploration. Drones also play a critical role in ensuring the safety of mining sites by detecting gas leaks and other potential hazards on the surface and subsurface. Miners can be alerted using advanced sensors, such as infrared cameras, giving them the necessary time to take prompt action and prevent potential incidents.
Unmanned aerial vehicles, commonly known as drones, have many uses, such as surveying, mapping, inspection, and exploration. Drones play a crucial role in providing valuable insights and data, which helps improve productivity and efficiency. Nutrien, a leading Potash producer, has successfully integrated drones into its mining operations, a testament to the technology's effectiveness. As the demand for drone technology increases, we look forward to witnessing further innovative applications in the industry.