The benefits of drones in the mining industry: optimizing operations and sustainable management

This article presents the advantages of using drones throughout the various phases of mining, whether :

• Exploration,
• Operation,
• Environmental rehabilitation.

Moreover, the use of drones in the sector is part of a broader digital transition. It reflects a commitment to adopting advanced technological solutions to improve operational efficiency, reduce costs and minimize environmental impact.

1 - During exploration

The aim of the exploration phase is to identify and evaluate potential mineral sites. In this quest for precise, detailed information, the use of drones is proving to be an undeniable asset.

They offer the possibility of carrying out topographic and geophysical surveys with greater efficiency, facilitating the identification of areas of interest and the strategic planning of mine sites. Equipped with advanced sensors such as high-resolution cameras and LiDAR, drones can collect high-quality geospatial data. This information provides a precise three-dimensional representation of the terrain, enabling exploration experts to detect geological anomalies and map potential deposit structures. It is also conceivable to install magnetometric systems as a payload on a drone, thus extending the capacity of drones to collect geophysical data.

With their ability to cover large areas in a short space of time, drones enable rapid, cost-effective exploration. They are able to access areas that are difficult to access or dangerous for humans, thus considerably improving operational safety.

Photogrammetry can also be used to generate 3D models and detailed orthophotographs of exploration sites. These visual tools enable geologists and engineers to analyze data more effectively, identify key geological features, and make informed decisions about further exploration activities.

2 - Operations

During this phase, the implementation of operations in the field is essential. In this respect, drones are proving to be invaluable allies.

Drones provide safe, effective aerial surveillance of active mining sites. Thanks to their stabilized flight capabilities and agility, they can carry out regular surveillance missions, providing high-resolution photos or videos of operating areas. This enables management teams to visualize the state of infrastructure in real time, monitor the movement of materials and quickly detect any potential problems.

In addition, drones are used to carry out in-depth visual inspections of mining equipment, such as conveyors, excavators or processing facilities.

Drones can also be fitted with specialized sensors for more advanced inspections. For example, thermal cameras can detect abnormal temperature variations, indicating potential problems with machinery or electrical installations. Gas sensors are beginning to be fitted to drones, enabling emissions and air quality to be monitored in operating areas.

In terms of safety, drones contribute to optimal management in the field. They can be used to monitor high-risk areas, carry out surveys after incidents such as landslides or collapses, and ensure rapid response in emergencies.

Finally, real-time data is available, enabling better coordination between field teams and management personnel. This data can be integrated into mining operations management systems, improving decision-making and the overall efficiency of mining activities.

For active mining sites, drones offer effective and safe aerial surveillance. They can be used to monitor the condition of infrastructure, control the movement of materials, carry out visual inspections of equipment and ensure optimum safety management in the field.

3 - Environmental rehabilitation

After mining has been completed, rehabilitation of the impacted areas is essential to restore the ecosystem and minimize environmental impacts. Drones can carry out regular overflights to monitor vegetation growth, soil evolution and land rehabilitation. They can collect visual and thermal data to assess the effectiveness of restoration measures and detect areas requiring adjustment.

3D modeling and mapping: UAVs can capture aerial images and generate 3D models of the rehabilitated area. These models enable teams to visualize and analyze changes in the landscape, identify areas requiring special attention and effectively plan the next stages of rehabilitation.

With regard to water and soil quality monitoring, drones are beginning to be equipped with special sensors to monitor water and soil quality in areas affected by mining operations. This makes it possible to carry out aerial surveys and collect samples to assess the presence of contaminants or toxic substances, enabling the environmental impact of mining to be monitored and appropriate measures to be taken to protect natural resources.

Mine waste management: Drones can help monitor mine waste storage areas, providing detailed aerial images to assess the stability of waste piles and detect any leaks or movement of materials. This makes waste management more efficient, while reducing environmental risks.

Documentation and reporting: UAVs facilitate the collection of accurate data and the creation of visual reports to document the progress of environmental rehabilitation and mine waste management. These visual reports are useful for communicating with stakeholders and regulatory bodies, providing tangible evidence of actions taken and results achieved.

Once mining operations have been completed, drones play an essential role in the environmental rehabilitation of sites. They can be used to monitor vegetation growth, assess the effectiveness of reclamation measures, and contribute to the sustainable reclamation of areas impacted by mining.

Furthermore, the use of drones in the mining industry is part of a broader digital transition. It testifies to the industry's commitment to adopting advanced technological solutions to improve operational efficiency, reduce costs and minimize environmental impact.

4 - Advantages of using drones in the mining industry

Precise data collection

Drones can collect high-precision geospatial and geophysical data, enabling a better understanding of terrain features, potential deposits and areas of interest.

Effective monitoring of mine sites

Drone-operated aerial surveillance is highly effective, enabling real-time monitoring of infrastructure conditions, material movements and safety on the ground.

In-depth equipment inspections

Drones can carry out in-depth visual inspections of mining equipment, reducing risks for personnel and improving preventive maintenance.

Access to hard-to-reach areas

Thanks to their flight envelope, drones can access areas that are difficult to access or dangerous for humans, offering exploration and surveillance in otherwise inaccessible places.

Improving operational and personnel safety

By monitoring high-risk areas, drones can also be used to carry out post-incident surveys and ensure a rapid response in the event of an emergency, thus contributing to the overall safety of mining operations.

Cost and time savings

Because of their flight elongation, drones can cover large areas in a short time, reducing the cost and time needed for manual surveys and inspections.

Environmental management

Drones facilitate environmental rehabilitation monitoring, landscape change mapping, contaminant detection and waste management, enabling a more environmentally responsible approach.

Visual documentation and reports

Drones can capture images, videos and generate 3D models, facilitating visual documentation and communication with stakeholders and regulatory bodies.

Conclusion

The use of drones in the mining industry offers numerous advantages in terms of safety, efficiency, environment and communication. With their ease of use and flight capability, they offer significant opportunities for the mining industry in terms of exploration, exploitation and environmental rehabilitation. Their strategic use provides accurate data, enhances safety and optimizes operational performance, positioning mining companies at the forefront of innovation in their field.

The future of drone use in the mining industry is promising, with technological developments underway and new opportunities for innovation. For example, drone models can be used in swarms, which means that they coordinate and collaborate while in flight. The result is:

• Increased scope of coverage,
• Accelerated capture of detailed data,
• Flexibility and adaptability, as each drone can be equipped with a different but complementary sensor.

Swarm drone flight presents a promising prospect for the mining sector, offering benefits such as rapid surveys, in-depth inspections, improved safety and efficient coordination. As drone swarm technology continues to advance, its use in the mining industry could become more widespread, bringing significant improvements to the efficiency and safety of mining operations.

FAQ

1. What type of drone is best suited to the mining industry?

Professional drones equipped with high-resolution cameras, LiDAR sensors and, above all, Pods with multiple sensors (visible and invisible range).

2. Are drones allowed to fly over mining sites?

Regulations vary from country to country, but in general, drones are authorized to fly over mining sites with the owner's authorization and in compliance with current regulations, notably those of the European Union.

3. How much does a drone cost the mining industry?

The cost of a drone for the mining industry varies according to features and sensors, and the flight range required, including elongation. KN Drones can propose a solution that will most likely suit your needs.

4. How long can a drone mission in the mining industry last?

The duration of a drone mission depends on the size of the site and the mission objectives, but in general, drones can fly between 20 and 60 minutes on a single battery charge.

5. Can drones be used in underground mines?

Yes, some drones are specially designed to operate in underground environments and can be used to inspect and map underground mines - these are generally referred to as ground drones.

6. Can drones withstand the harsh conditions found in mines?

Yes, these same drones are designed to withstand extreme conditions, including the high temperatures, dust and humid atmospheres often encountered in mines.

7. What kind of training is needed to operate a drone in the mining industry?

Drone operators are generally required to have a drone pilot certification, different levels exist, and it is recommended that they also have training dedicated to the mining industry to understand the unique challenges and needs of this sector.

8. Can drones help increase safety in the mining industry?

Yes, drones can help increase safety by carrying out inspections and surveillance that would otherwise be dangerous for humans. What's more, they can provide accurate data that can help prevent accidents.

9. What data can drones collect in the mining industry?

Drones can collect a variety of data, including aerial images, topographic measurements, thermal data, volume measurements and more. This data can be used to plan, monitor and optimize mining operations.

10. Can drones be used to transport materials in the mining industry?

Although most drones used in the mining industry are primarily intended for photogrammetry, surveillance and inspection, it is conceivable that some larger drones could be used to transport small samples or light equipment. However, it is not conceivable that they could replace heavy vehicles for large-scale material transport.