Elios 3 Enhances Safety and Precision in Salt Mine Stockpile Measurements

At a salt mine in Germany, mining engineers used the Elios 3 drone equipped with LiDAR technology to measure stockpiles more efficiently, accurately, and safely than traditional manual methods.

Key Benefits at a Glance

Speed

Measuring large salt stockpiles manually is a time-consuming task. The Elios 3 allows surveyors to remain on the ground while flying the drone through the area, quickly generating accurate 3D models of the stored material.

Accuracy

The 3D models created by the Elios 3 offer greater precision compared to manual measurements, ensuring that volume calculations are more reliable and consistent.

Safety

Traditional methods required surveyors to climb unstable salt cones, posing risks related to working at heights. The Elios 3 eliminates this danger, allowing data collection from a safe distance.

Introduction

Volume measurements are an essential part of operations in mining and aggregates industries, where large quantities of materials are stored over long periods. These measurements help track inventory, plan backfilling, and ensure operational efficiency.

Traditionally, surveyors have relied on manual methods, such as climbing stockpiles or using handheld sensors, which are not only slow but also prone to inaccuracies. In many cases, these approaches lead to unreliable data, making it difficult to manage resources effectively.

Despite these challenges, volume calculations are critical for planning and decision-making. Mines spend significant time and resources on manual surveys, often accepting that the results will be approximate at best.

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Customer Needs

A salt mine in Germany needed a more efficient and safer way to measure its stockpiles. Their current process involved surveyors climbing large salt piles every month, which was both physically demanding and time-consuming.

They would then use CAD software to draw the cones and calculate volumes based on manual measurements. This method was not only slow but also led to inconsistencies in data accuracy.

With the need for more reliable information, the mine’s survey team was looking for a solution that could improve both speed and safety in their daily operations.

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Solution

Engineers at the mine discovered Flyability’s Elios 3, an indoor drone equipped with a LiDAR sensor and powered by the SLAM-based FlyAware system. This allowed real-time 3D mapping as the drone flew through the space.

Given the drone’s proven performance in mining environments, the team decided to test it for their stockpile measurements. They hoped the Elios 3 would provide faster, more accurate data without requiring surveyors to climb the salt cones.

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Results

The test was a success. The Elios 3 produced high-quality 3D maps of multiple salt stockpiles, proving its effectiveness for volume calculations. Surveyors reported significant improvements in all key areas:

  • Speed: Data collection was much faster than manual methods, reducing the time required for each survey.
  • Accuracy: The LiDAR data provided precise volume measurements, far surpassing manual techniques.
  • Safety: Surveyors no longer had to climb the salt cones, eliminating the risk of falls or injuries.
  • Ease of Use: Even those new to drones found the Elios 3 easy to operate, with a stable flight experience and intuitive interface.

"I had never flown a drone before, but the application was very user-friendly. Within a day, I was able to collect the data I needed. It's stable, easy to handle, and the display is excellent," said one mining engineer.

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Conclusion

Both engineers and surveyors were impressed with the performance of the Elios 3 during the test. The results showed that the drone could significantly enhance the efficiency, accuracy, and safety of stockpile measurements.

As a result, the mine is considering adopting the Elios 3 for all future volume calculations. This shift would save valuable time, improve data quality, and reduce safety risks for the team.

Beyond just stockpile measurements, the Elios 3 has the potential to transform how the mine manages its entire environment. The surveying department is now exploring the possibility of using the drone to create full 3D maps of the mine, replacing outdated 2D plans with detailed, accurate representations of the site.

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