CoVer sTorY
How Drones can optimize and improve safety in the mining sector
W
ith the rise of drone manufacturing, mining companies are gradually turning to drones to help them improve operations and streamline site operations in a better and safe way. Drones are being used in mining to capture raw visual data. The data can then be converted into several different outputs, such as detailed photos, videos, 3D maps, and orthomosaics. However, one of the biggest benefits drones provide to mining industry is improved safety.
Improving safety in mining sector Companies aren’t only looking for new ways to improve the safety around their own employees, but also leveraging the latest technologies to help improve their equipment safety in high-risk areas. Drones are one of the few tools that can perform multiple jobs at the same time. For instance, drones can be deployed to quickly assess a mine and identify any existing or potential hazards in remote areas. Drones can also eliminate the need for helicopters to monitor the area before workers begin service. Project managers are now able to evaluate the project’s needs in advance before organizing the necessary equipment. According to Microdrones Sales Manager in Africa, Hanno Truter, drones allow you to survey parts of the mine or quarry that are normally difficult to access with traditional surveying equipment. This eliminates the hazards employees typically face while walking through dangerous zones, navigating active sites or climbing onto stockpiles. All this without disrupting the flow of operations and movement of machinery. Hanno Further says that, as human workers are now being trained to operate drones from a safe location, rather than enter mines themselves to conduct resource estimates, which leads to survey operations becoming significantly safer. “Using drones eliminates employees’ exposure to potential dangers, especially when compared to the old conventional survey methods,” he concludes. Staffs are no longer at risk, as nearly everything can be overseen by a drone and the information can be reported back to management, where they will be able to make further decisions without staff having to get involved and perform these tasks themselves. “Drones are widely used to decrease the risk of people getting harmed. Geodesists, mineral surveyors and other specialist have no need to be physically present at survey sites, which can be dangerous. Also, the same amount of work can be done faster and more effectively, saving manpower for other tasks.
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January-February issue l 2021
www.africasurveyorsonline.com
