Introduction to Drones for Sustainable Mining (Blended)

Mining companies are confronted by major challenges, such as declining ore grades, volatility in commodity prices, security risks and safety concerns. Cutting-edge solutions are needed for sustainable operational excellence and technological advances and innovations.

Securing our future in the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) through technology; increasing economic pressures in the Southern African mining industry means that mine operators are exploring and using technological advanced means to extract minerals more efficiently, cost effectively and safely meeting shareholder expectations.   

The Introduction to Drones for Sustainable Mining Course is an industry-specific short course, focused on
the application of drones in the mining industry covering aspects of surveying, photographic methodologies, drilling & blasting, draglines and various downstream activities in the mining value chain.

The practical experience brought by DSL combined with the University of Pretoria’s academic excellence in these sectors, will provide delegates with a holistic course from theory through to in-field practice towards increased productivity and operational excellence.

Learning Outcomes

After completion of the course, delegates will be able to:

• Apply drones in the mining industry
• Do geotechnical modelling,
• Provide drilling and blasting assistance and
• Do performance analysis,
• Perform equipment inspection,
• Do load and haul monitoring and optimisation,
• Do Dragline monitoring and planning,
• Identify high-risk areas,
• Monitor tailings dams and settling ponds, etc.

Course Content

This course covers the following aspects:
a) Understanding the basics of Land Survey & Photogrammetry Accuracy Principles (Ground Control)
b) Identifying and selecting the most appropriate drone & sensor for aerial surveying
c) Planning Nadir & Oblique flights
d) Understanding basic image processing software to generate & visualise aerial survey outputs (orthomosiacs, DSM, 3D models & contours)
e) Basic Hardware Maintenance & Care procedures
f) Basic mining terminology and understanding