Modern Quarrying Q4 2020

entire site.” He says that, with updated 3D imagery, surveyors can stockpile volume, optimise traffic management, monitor structural movement and plan future infrastructure development. “Drone surveys create a safe work environment for surveyors, with little to no effect on production and/ or the daily operation of the quarry, resulting in a quick return on the initial investment.” He says aerial surveys provide high accuracy, ease of use, improved productivity as fewer surveyors are needed, quick results, and the ability to reach inaccessible areas, among others. Using unmanned aerial vehicles also improves safety, as these vehicles are operated remotely, and versatility, as the data gained can be used in various applications. Johan Janse van Rensburg, an aeronautical and mechanical engineer at Aquila Drones, says mining operations where UAVs are implemented in various applications soon realise the benefits and added value this technology brings to their operations. “Having access to accurate efficiency and allows for optimised management and planning, as well as subsequent coordination of resources.” He says using drones for site surveys enables quick turnaround times, from acquisition to having a digital dataset available. “The unlimited aerial data that can be collected with drone technology means engineers can record and track more information in less time, allowing them to focus on analysis and interpretation.” provides the complete survey dataset containing a high resolution ortho- mosaic image, 3D point cloud and a 3D mesh, made available online via an optional web-based cloud service. “The ‘read only’ or ‘full access’ modes allow for quick availability and sharing of the information within the company. The client can also perform their own, custom 3D measurements of distances, areas and volumes on this dataset, while and detailed information of the mining site ultimately increases Aquila Drones, in association with Darkwing Aerial Solutions,

Accurate geospatial data is crucial to managing quarry operations.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

A drone survey refers to the use of a drone or an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) with a downward- facing RGB camera to capture images of a site

A single, automated flight mission will capture aerial data rapidly and produce georeferenced imagery of the entire site

South Africa’s adoption of drone technology in the quarrying industry is slower than in the rest of the world

Benefits include improved plant and operational efficiency and safety; a reduction in survey costs; time savings and better productivity and profitability

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QUARTER 4 - 2020 MODERN QUARRYING