With FLIR thermography cameras, drones can conduct aerial thermographic inspections of equipment and mine sites, optimising both health and safety protocols and run of mine equipment reliability.
Key fact: Replacing piloted planes with drones can save a mine 90% of the cost per hour
Drone inspections also obtain precise geophysical imaging and information on subsurface conditions, informing mine planning and development.
Similarly, UAV inspections aid in topographical surveys, collecting high-resolution images that can be turned into precise 3D terrain models.
GPS drones also have a significant impact on the efficiency of the haul road network, allowing companies to track stockpile movement and optimise fleets.
Key fact: Reducing driving distance in a large fleet by one mile per truck per day can save up to $50 million a year
Another benefit of drones in metals and mining is the impact they have on health and safety. By collecting precise visual data of hazardous locations and volatile areas, they remove the need for an in situ workforce and ensure everything is running optimally.
Benefits
High quality data
Improved health and safety
Fleet optimisation
