Key Benefits at a Glance

Background

At a major mining site, workers rely on a complex system of ore passes to transport extracted materials from higher levels to lower ones. These passes act as vertical conduits where the mined ore naturally flows downward to meet haulage vehicles. However, when a blockage occurs, known as a "hang-up," it disrupts the entire flow of materials and requires immediate attention.

In this instance, the hang-up occurred in a particularly difficult-to-access part of the ore pass, making it nearly invisible from below. Initial attempts using conventional scanners only revealed a vague outline of the problem area, requiring extensive drilling to confirm its exact location and composition.

Drone footage capturing the hang-up during the initial investigation

Challenges Faced

Previous efforts to resolve the hang-up involved inserting cameras and scanners into the ore pass via small access points, but these methods yielded limited results. Teams drilled numerous exploratory holes, each requiring careful placement based on assumptions about the blockage’s location. After weeks of effort, they managed to extract some debris, but the core of the problem remained untouched, leaving the ore pass effectively useless for two full months.

A CMS scan showing the general area of the hang-up

Despite repeated attempts, the team failed to make substantial progress. Management eventually decided to abandon the area, leaving the hang-up unresolved and the ore pass unused.

Solution

Later, representatives from Flyability visited the site to demonstrate the Elios 3 drone’s capabilities. When asked whether the drone could inspect the problematic ore pass, they accepted the challenge. Equipped with both live video streaming and a 3D mapping feature, the Elios 3 promised to offer a comprehensive view of the blockage.

With the Elios 3, the team gained instant access to a highly detailed 3D model of the ore pass, complete with precise geolocation data. This allowed them to visualize the blockage in ways never before possible.

Outcomes

Within minutes, the Elios 3 delivered critical insights about the blockage. Contrary to previous beliefs, the hang-up wasn’t caused by multiple smaller rocks but rather by a single massive boulder. Understanding this distinction was vital for devising an effective clearing strategy. Instead of using multiple small explosives, a single powerful charge could have fragmented the boulder into manageable pieces, restoring functionality to the ore pass.

A 3D reconstruction of the blockage generated by the Elios 3’s LiDAR data

Here’s how the Elios 3 improved the situation:

• Rapid Identification: Reduced the time required to diagnose the blockage from two months to just ten minutes.
• Improved Accuracy: Provided clear, actionable data that revealed the true nature of the hang-up.
• Cost Savings: Avoided unnecessary drilling costs and minimized labor expenses.
• Increased Safety: Eliminated the risks associated with manual exploration and drilling.

Future Implications

Following this success, mine operators plan to integrate the Elios 3 into their routine maintenance procedures. By leveraging its capabilities, they hope to address similar issues proactively, reducing downtime and enhancing operational efficiency across the board.

Moreover, they envision expanding the drone’s role beyond hang-ups to include routine inspections of hard-to-reach areas within the mine. The potential applications seem endless, promising enhanced safety, precision, and productivity for years to come.

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