Abstract

Surveying and analyzing open pit highwalls can be an expensive, time-consuming, and dangerous activity. While traditional 3D scanning technologies such as terrestrial laser scanners can capture geotechnical details, but they are they are limited by line of site and require multiple setups at different positions and elevations in order to capture all the required data and can only do so within a certain range because they are limited by where the scanners can be set up. For locations where terrestrial scanning is not possible, drone surveys offer geotechnical teams a safe, accurate and cost effective survey and data collections tool.

Accurate and high resolution 3D photogrammetric data is vital for proper identification of structures and rock types, as well as potential safety hazards along pit highwalls and bench faces. The introduction of aerial-based solutions that produce high precision, colorized 3D models of open pit highwalls offer a safer, faster, less expensive, and easier-to-use option. These systems utilize drones for data capture, enabling them to fly close to the highwall while maintaining precise camera orientation to map the surface with centimeter resolution. 

However, even the most advanced drones (i.e the DJI M300), are only as good as the

software used to collect the data and create the most accurate digital model of highwalls. For example, Skycatch’s end to end solution offers less than 5cm geometry and precise 1-2cm texture resolution, allowing geotech teams access to safe, detailed, time series geology data within 20 minutes of survey completion.

In this session, attendees will hear three case studies demonstrating tangible, quantifiable benefits

of aerial-based survey systems based on two years of working with some of the world’s top mining companies. Proof of concept studies demonstrated improved safety & operational efficiency, high wall scanning applications, blast analysis and exploration surveys.

Improved Safety - Automated drone capture and processing technology eliminated 12,884 potential pit interactions at 8 sites in one year alone. This global mining company is now expanding usage to a total of 16 sites in North and South America.

Time and Cost Savings - By replacing traditional laser scanners with aerial-based 3D models

to perform Blast Analysis & Bench Maintenance, one large mining company calculated an annual mine-site savings of $515,000. Scans also can now be done as required versus once a month or once a quarter, providing early detection of highwall movement risks.

Production Loss Reductions - The use of drones avoided nearly $90M in highwall-related production loss compared to previous years by enabling them to better identify ore-waste boundaries, fault zones and other highwall movements.