Abstract
Technical routines in the underground environment involve geological mapping and geotechnical data collection to support day-to-day operations, manage ground support evaluations and provide input into future designs. Exploring technologies that assist these data collection routines could add value in terms of resource allocation and data collection. There is also a potential link to a reduction in personnel exposure if mapping technologies allow for data collection away from the operating face. In addition, enabling new emerging mapping software and concepts of Artificial Intelligence can permit enhanced rock mass characterization and improved fit for purpose ground support designs.
Vale conducted an underground trial of a LiDAR mapping tool at its Copper Cliff and Creighton Mines to explore the potential application of one technology to geotechnical and geological mapping routines. The trial explored different rock mass domains with several sources of both geological and geotechnical data. A review of the underground trial along with the related learnings and technology development paths will be discussed in this paper.