Introduction
Drones are Remotely Piloted Aerial Systems (RPAS) or Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) that can be operated by a pilot on the ground or with the aid of technology. Almost every economic sector, including agriculture, mining, infrastructure, surveillance, emergency response, transportation, geospatial mapping, defence, and law enforcement, can profit greatly from drones. Because of their reach, adaptability, and simplicity of use, drones have the potential to significantly increase employment and economic growth, particularly in India’s most distant and inaccessible regions. India has the potential to become a global powerhouse for drones by 2030 because to its longstanding capabilities in innovation, information technology, economical engineering, and high domestic demand.
What are drones used for in mining industry?
Surveying and Mapping
Drones are utilized for aerial surveying, generating detailed 2D and 3D maps using advanced technologies like LiDAR. This data aids in site planning and resource estimation. They facilitate accurate stockpile volume calculations, significantly improving efficiency over traditional methods.
Inspection and Monitoring
They can access hard-to-reach areas, allowing for inspections of underground mines and hazardous zones without risking worker safety. They can identify structural issues and monitor conditions in real-time. Drones help track water and sediment flow, aiding in environmental management and compliance with regulations.
Operational Planning
Drones provide data on haul road conditions, helping to identify hazards and optimize traffic flow. By creating 3D models before drilling operations, drones allow for better planning and risk assessment related to blasting activities.
Safety Enhancements
The use of drones reduces the need for personnel to enter dangerous areas, thus minimizing accident risks. They can also perform security patrols autonomously. When equipped with sensors, they can detect potential hazards quickly, enabling immediate corrective actions.
What are the advantages of using drones in mining?
Speed: Drones can conduct surveys much faster than ground-based methods—up to 30 times quicker—allowing for more frequent assessments.
Accuracy: The data collected by drones is highly accurate, providing a reliable basis for decision-making in mining operations.
Enhanced Data Quality: Drones capture high-resolution images and extensive datasets that improve the quality of geological assessments and operational planning.
What are the challenges of using drones in mining?
Safety and Security
If not used properly by skilled personnel, drones can become dangerous. The restricted spaces in underground mines and aviation traffic could be endangered by them. Complying with local regulations can prevent more serious issues, and sensors, cameras, and GPS placement can reduce the chance of collisions.
Cybersecurity is another major issue facing the drone business as a whole. If strong security measures are not put in place, drones could be compromised and taken over. This may result in the loss of private information and, in the worst case scenario, may open a backdoor into vital systems, interfering with mining operations and endangering human life.
The importance of cybersecurity has increased to the point where, last year, the US government restricted a major manufacturer’s drone exports due to concerns about foreign policy and national security. Concerns regarding GPS spoofing, downlink intercepts, and data exploitation are quickly growing in the context of drones.
Technical Limitations of Drones
While sensor technology, artificial intelligence, machine learning, and other essential elements of contemporary drones have advanced, certain technical constraints still exist.
Drones used in mining may have limited operational effectiveness due to factors including flight time, range, cargo capacity, and battery life. Additionally, it can be difficult to integrate drones with outdated systems and other equipment. However, these obstacles can be solved by technical innovation.
For example, hybrid power systems are more appealing to mining businesses because they can overcome battery restrictions. Innovation produces increasingly powerful drone systems that can be used for project-critical tasks, just like any other technology.
Cost Considerations of Using Drones in Mining
The cost of commercial and industrial drones is higher than that of hobbyist models; high-end models can cost anywhere from $1000 to over $20,000.
It can be challenging to account for high upfront expenses, particularly when budgets are limited. However, drones are becoming a more alluring choice for businesses due to labour savings and increased productivity.
Companies can benefit greatly from drones because they eliminate the need for historically expensive equipment like helicopters for surveying, and although a fleet of drones may require a large initial capital investment, savings can be realised quickly.
Conclusion
In summary, drones are transforming mining operations by enhancing safety, improving data accuracy, reducing costs, and increasing operational efficiency. As technology continues to advance, their role is expected to expand further within the industry. Otherwise, drones offer some challenges that may be seriously considered.
References
GlobalData Thematic Intelligence (2021) Drones in Mining: Regulatory Trends [Online] mining-technology.com. Available at: https://www.mining-technology.com/comment/drones-mining-regulatory-trends
Robotics Biz (2021) Drones In Underground Mines – Challenges And Potential Solutions [Online] roboticsbiz.com. Available at: https://roboticsbiz.com/drones-in-underground-mines-challenges-and-potential-solutions
Arampatzis, A. (2022) Cybersecurity and Drones: How to Address the Security Threats [Online] tripwire.com. Available at: https://www.tripwire.com/state-of-security/cybersecurity-and-drones-how-to-address-the-security-threats
