Automated Drone Networks for Exploration Targeting and Other Mining Surveys

This paper discusses the use of automated drone networks in mining surveys, highlighting their benefits, applications, and the integration of technologies such as Lidar and hyperspectral imaging. Mining companies increasingly use high-resolution camera drones in mine development, monitoring, and volume calculations. In enhancing worker safety, drones improve worker safety by providing information about above-ground conditions and integrating Lidar technology for better data generation. Challenges of manual drones include manual operation of drones requiring significant experience and human effort, making automated drones a more efficient and safer alternative. Automated drones are valuable for surveying and mapping, infrastructure inspection, environmental monitoring, stockpile management, blast planning, mineral exploration, safety, and emergency response. Automated drones enhance efficiency by performing regular, repetitive, or hazardous operations, reducing human risk and improving data consistency and accuracy. Drone systems include remote control centers, on-site docking stations for charging and protection, and data transfer to servers for processing. Drone-based multispectral imaging helps in early detection of seepage and dusting events near tailings pond dams, providing crucial environmental data. Drone-borne hyperspectral imaging aids in identifying lithology, geological structures, and hydrothermal zones, enhancing mineral exploration efficiency and safety.