In mining, large-scale blasts are commonly employed to excavate cavities in the earth, known as stopes, for the extraction of valuable ores. These stopes can become extremely unstable following a blast, with loose rocks as large as cars sometimes poised precariously within them, posing a significant risk of collapse at any moment.
However, determining the stability of these stopes is incredibly challenging. While boreholes can be drilled into the stopes to allow for the insertion of inspection cameras or poles fitted with cameras, these methods are limited in scope and cannot provide sufficient data for thorough safety assessments, identify overlooked ore deposits, evaluate the stability of the area, or diagnose issues like ore pass hang-ups. As a result, there is often insufficient information available about the interior conditions of a stope, complicating decisions regarding backfilling or other subsequent operations.
Fortunately, advancements in technology, particularly the advent of indoor drones, are revolutionizing this aspect of mining operations. Mining personnel are now leveraging indoor drones to gather high-quality visual data from within stopes and other hazardous zones. This data is instrumental in creating 3D models and sparse point clouds of mines, offering unprecedented insights into the internal conditions and improving decision-making regarding safety, stability, and residual ore identification.
This shift represents a potential breakthrough for the mining industry, enabling operations to become safer, more efficient, and significantly more cost-effective. Here are six key advantages that indoor drones bring to modern mining practices today.
First and foremost, indoor drones enhance safety in mining operations in several critical ways. For instance, miners can now conduct detailed safety assessments of stopes post-blast by using an indoor drone such as the Elios 3 to gather comprehensive visual data. Previously, entering a stope immediately after a blast was too risky due to the potential for falling debris and structural instability. With drones, miners can make informed decisions about whether a stope is safe to enter without risking their lives.
Additionally, indoor drones play a crucial role in inspecting mining equipment used in the processing phase. Traditional inspections of heavy-duty machinery like stockpile feeders, ball mills, SAG mills, crushers, and flotation cells are fraught with danger. Inspectors must contend with hazardous environments, including falling debris, toxic fumes, and the risks associated with working at height. Using drones eliminates these risks entirely. For example, the Elios 3 can navigate through tight spaces and around complex machinery, capturing high-definition visual data that often surpasses what manual inspections can achieve.
Economic benefits are another major advantage of employing indoor drones in mining. By identifying leftover ore that might otherwise go unnoticed, drones help mining companies maximize profits and explore additional extraction opportunities. Furthermore, drones contribute to protecting expensive machinery like muckers, which are vital assets in moving debris. Detailed insights provided by drones ensure that these machines remain safe from potential hazards inside stopes.
Moreover, indoor drones reduce operational downtime significantly. Inspecting mining equipment traditionally requires halting operations, leading to substantial losses in productivity. However, drones can swiftly gather inspection data without interrupting operations, saving mines hundreds of thousands of dollars per hour of downtime. This efficiency translates into better maintenance routines and fewer unexpected breakdowns, further optimizing mining operations.
Access to previously unreachable areas is another groundbreaking benefit of indoor drones. Unlike conventional tools, these drones are specially designed to operate in harsh, confined spaces, ensuring they can safely navigate through mines. The Elios 3, for example, features a robust cage design that allows it to collide with obstacles without damage, unlike standard consumer drones that would likely crash under similar conditions.
High-quality visual data is perhaps the most transformative contribution of indoor drones. Traditional methods like using cameras on poles or through boreholes offer limited perspectives and poor-quality images. In contrast, drones like the Elios 3 deliver 4K video and high-resolution images, enhanced by advanced stabilization and lighting features. Additionally, the drone’s LiDAR sensor generates real-time 3D models, aiding in assessing tunnel erosion and planning equipment placement within stopes.
Data localization is yet another advantage. Software like Inspector 4, developed by Flyability, enables precise localization of inspection data, allowing personnel to revisit specific points of interest, such as identified ore deposits or areas requiring further examination. This capability enhances follow-up actions and strategic planning within mining operations.
In conclusion, indoor drones are transforming the mining industry by introducing safer, more efficient, and cost-effective solutions across multiple dimensions. From enhancing safety and reducing downtime to providing unparalleled access and data quality, these innovations herald a new era in mining practices.
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