With the US ramping up mining operations, drones are being used extensively to increase safety in this dangerous industry. Open pit mines use drones for aerial surveys and volume calculations. Underground mines use drones equipped with LiDAR and SLAM technology for mapping tunnels and creating accurate spacial models. Voids and stopes are recorded and remotely evaluated for safety. Drones are also useful in blasting operations, confirming proper placement of charges and collecting data before and after blasting to analyze effectiveness and to ensure safety.
Drones play a vital role in blasting operations by:
Reduce human entry into hazardous environments.
Cover large areas quickly without costly downtime.
Capture detailed visuals and measurements for accurate reporting.
Reach tight, vertical, or obstructed areas with ease.