Mining Magazine September 2014 | Page 16

Machinery

Drones are beginning to take flight in the mining industry . The newly adopted technology , which has been utilized for a wide array of mining activities , is taking another step forward .

“ Ten years ago , I would have had a rat ’ s chance of convincing any mine surveyor to take a UAV on ,” HeLImetrex ceo Ray Gillinder says . “ These days it seems to be a lot more acceptable .”

Unmanned aerial vehicles , otherwise known as UAV , are turning the mining sector into an emerging frontier for new technology . In recent years , these miniature helicopters have helped the industry find cheaper and safer ways to map deposit sites and

The newly adopted done technology , which has been utilized for a wide array of mining activities , is taking another step forward explore for minerals via remote control .

“ They are really safe , easy to use , lightweight . You can put them in a small bag and take them everywhere ,” said Olivier Kung , co-founder of Switzerland ’ s Pix4D , which makes software to convert photographs from the smallest drones into usable data .

With the ability to monitor stockpiles , map exploration targets and track equipment , the usage of drones in the mining industry is limitless .

Cost efficiencies and benefits One of the biggest benefits of using UAV ’ s is the cost . Cheaper than traditional helicopters , drones are reshaping the way mining companies survey new areas , providing better

16 S eptember 2014