20+ Ways to Use Hovermap for Underground Mining Data Collection
Geotechnical solutions
Occupational safety is a priority for all mining companies. The implementation of autonomous systems allows for the elimination, replacement, or isolation of personnel from hazardous environments. Autonomous data collection ensures accurate and timely information. Rapid access to data-rich information leads to more effective decision-making and, ultimately, improved mine efficiency.
This article discusses various applications of Hovermap's autonomous mobile scanning technology in mines.
ROCK SELECTION DURING DEVELOPMENT
The Hovermap mobile LiDAR scanning system, using drones or vehicles, allows for rapid data collection in development areas without disrupting other work or compromising personnel safety.
Comparison of constructed and designed structures allows for a detailed analysis of exceedances and the identification of areas within and outside tolerances.
Comparison of constructed and designed structures allows for a detailed analysis of exceedances and the identification of areas within and outside tolerances.
Using Hovermap, a mine working can be scanned in minutes. Operators can obtain data immediately after blasting, before other mining operations begin. Detailed point cloud data enables the creation of mine contours, which enable the capture of mine areas. Hovermap data can also be used for more detailed analytics, such as calculating volumes of material moved, filling factors, and reconciliation.
Comparing scan results before and after blasting allows determining the volume of rock in place, the volume of crushed rock after blasting, and the crushing factor.
Comparing scan results before and after blasting allows determining the volume of rock in place, the volume of crushed rock after blasting, and the crushing factor.
DEVELOPMENT RATES AND PRODUCTION VOLUMES
CONVERGENCE MONITORING
Maintaining safe working conditions during any underground operation requires precise monitoring of the mine support system. Hovermap scanning, whether performed while walking, driving, or flying, provides information superior to that obtained through large-scale survey mapping or traditional extensometric measurements.
Hovermap's accuracy is sufficient to detect changes greater than 5 mm. Rapid scanning methods allow data collection at regular intervals. This leads to more accurate recognition of convergence trends and subsidence rates. As a result, residual capacity can be estimated more accurately, and restoration schedules can be optimized accordingly.
Hovermap's accuracy is sufficient to detect changes greater than 5 mm. Rapid scanning methods allow data collection at regular intervals. This leads to more accurate recognition of convergence trends and subsidence rates. As a result, residual capacity can be estimated more accurately, and restoration schedules can be optimized accordingly.
Hovermap's high-resolution point clouds are compatible with automatic structure recognition programs such as Maptek PointStudio, Sirovision, and CloudCompare, a popular open-source point cloud analysis software.
In this example, the identified structures are of sufficient scale to guide the horizontal working profile.
A more comprehensive characterization of the rock mass includes window mapping to identify other potential influencing factors.
In this example, the identified structures are of sufficient scale to guide the horizontal working profile.
A more comprehensive characterization of the rock mass includes window mapping to identify other potential influencing factors.
DEFINITION OF STRUCTURE
THICKNESS OF SHOTCRETE CONCRETE
Hovermap can be used to record data on voids, structures, and shaft support before applying shotcrete. This data can serve as a basis for future analysis and audits.
Re-scanning the surface after applying shotcrete allows engineers to determine whether the application quality meets specifications and the actual volume. The second scan can also be used as a baseline to identify damage or movement in the shotcrete after excavation begins.
In contrast, traditional methods based on drilling and measuring widely spaced, deep holes are labor-intensive and inaccurate.
Re-scanning the surface after applying shotcrete allows engineers to determine whether the application quality meets specifications and the actual volume. The second scan can also be used as a baseline to identify damage or movement in the shotcrete after excavation begins.
In contrast, traditional methods based on drilling and measuring widely spaced, deep holes are labor-intensive and inaccurate.
Hovermap's autonomous flight beyond line-of-sight allows it to safely enter and scan high-risk geotechnical areas, such as collapse sites.
Personnel can use the resulting data to assess conditions and analyze hazards at the work site, as well as develop plans for safe re-entry.
Personnel can use the resulting data to assess conditions and analyze hazards at the work site, as well as develop plans for safe re-entry.
Re-entry into the mine
MINE SUPPORT DATA
Shaft support is essential to prevent rockfalls and ensure safe mine operations. Using Hovermap, personnel can quickly and safely collect data to visualize and report on rock bolt installation.
Scanning provides a permanent record of the location, type, and spacing of installed shaft support. This information helps understand whether the shaft support operates as a system or as individual elements, and can also be used to inform response measures to geotechnical incidents.
Scanning provides a permanent record of the location, type, and spacing of installed shaft support. This information helps understand whether the shaft support operates as a system or as individual elements, and can also be used to inform response measures to geotechnical incidents.
Assessing the condition of a site after a significant geotechnical event and developing a restoration plan to ensure safe operation is a priority for mine owners.
The Hovermap system can be deployed to scan the area without putting personnel at risk. The resulting data can be used to create visualizations, calculate the volume and surface area of the collapse, and determine whether necessary supports are still in place. It can also serve as a basis for deformation analysis and the prediction of future ground failures and convergent activity.
The Hovermap system can be deployed to scan the area without putting personnel at risk. The resulting data can be used to create visualizations, calculate the volume and surface area of the collapse, and determine whether necessary supports are still in place. It can also serve as a basis for deformation analysis and the prediction of future ground failures and convergent activity.
ROCK CLASS
EXPLORATION OF OLD MININGS
Abandoned mines are currently being re-evaluated for reopening due to rising commodity prices. These old mines typically have poor-quality shaft support, which has deteriorated further over time.
Using Hovermap for data collection reduces the number of unknowns, allowing engineers to safely conduct a comprehensive risk assessment. They can assess the condition of the rock mass and structure to identify and mitigate hazards before personnel enter the area.
Using Hovermap for data collection reduces the number of unknowns, allowing engineers to safely conduct a comprehensive risk assessment. They can assess the condition of the rock mass and structure to identify and mitigate hazards before personnel enter the area.
Assessing the condition of a site after a significant geotechnical event and developing a restoration plan to ensure safe operation is a priority for mine owners.
The Hovermap system can be deployed to scan the area without putting personnel at risk. The resulting data can be used to create visualizations, calculate the volume and surface area of the collapse, and determine whether necessary supports are still in place. It can also serve as a basis for deformation analysis and the prediction of future ground failures and convergent activity.
The Hovermap system can be deployed to scan the area without putting personnel at risk. The resulting data can be used to create visualizations, calculate the volume and surface area of the collapse, and determine whether necessary supports are still in place. It can also serve as a basis for deformation analysis and the prediction of future ground failures and convergent activity.
ROCK CLASS
INFRASTRUCTURE OF WORKINGS
Hovermap allows you to capture the environment while flying or walking. Accurate and detailed point clouds can be quickly and easily converted into CAD (computer-aided design) plans for complex 3D structures.
Comparing successive scans allows engineers to determine whether changes have occurred between scans.
Comparing successive scans allows engineers to determine whether changes have occurred between scans.
Hovermap produces high-resolution point clouds with uniform point density and minimal shading. Accurate stope data can improve mine productivity by allowing drilling and blasting engineers to see how effective their initial drilling plan is. Plans can then be further refined to maximize orebody recovery and improve material flow.
FORM OF CLEANING WORKING
VOLUME OF CLEANED OUTPUT
High-quality Hovermap point cloud data allows geologists to more accurately analyze the final stope. The data can be used to confirm tonnage production, quantify over- and under-mining, and model depletion. Having accurate data allows for greater confidence in determining expected ore grades and ensuring that the material is deposited in the proper waste dump. Working with the plant's metallurgical department, geologists can ensure target grade blending and reduce variability in EOM approvals.
Using Hovermap to scan the stope at regular intervals during mining can provide a more complete picture of blasting performance. Comparing images over time helps identify emerging issues, such as fragmentation and overburden, which can impact the rate of rock removal or neighboring stopes.
Access to this data library allows engineers to compare mining progress against schedule and adjust subsequent operations accordingly, thereby preventing complications and costs associated with equipment downtime.
Access to this data library allows engineers to compare mining progress against schedule and adjust subsequent operations accordingly, thereby preventing complications and costs associated with equipment downtime.
EFFICIENCY OF BLASTING OPERATIONS
OVER- AND UNDER-SELECTION OF THE BREED
The value extracted from a stope is one of the key metrics for underground operations. Using Hovermap for regular scanning of stopes maximizes this value.
Thanks to the accuracy and density of Hovermap's point clouds, geotechnical engineers can conduct detailed reverse failure analysis, reliably identify the geotechnical mechanisms responsible for over- and under-extraction, and adjust their methods to minimize the likelihood of recurrence.
Thanks to the accuracy and density of Hovermap's point clouds, geotechnical engineers can conduct detailed reverse failure analysis, reliably identify the geotechnical mechanisms responsible for over- and under-extraction, and adjust their methods to minimize the likelihood of recurrence.
Hovermap's high-resolution, accurate point cloud data allows geotechnical engineers to identify structural traces and planes with greater confidence. Structural characteristics such as dip and azimuth, resistance, roughness, and element spacing can be extracted and used to characterize the rock mass and for design purposes.
Stop mining depends on the stability of large load-bearing walls, so identifying structural features that may impact current and future stope performance can improve the cost-effectiveness of stope mining.
Traditional scanning methods do not allow for this level of detailed analysis.
Stop mining depends on the stability of large load-bearing walls, so identifying structural features that may impact current and future stope performance can improve the cost-effectiveness of stope mining.
Traditional scanning methods do not allow for this level of detailed analysis.
DEFINITION OF STRUCTURE
BACKBACK HEIGHT/VOLUME
Hovermap scanning allows for monitoring of fill height and ensuring the correct fill type. Instead of relying on bucket counts, planners can obtain accurate data on the remaining volumes of waste and distribute material accordingly.
Hovermap imagery allows mine surveyors to create highly accurate void models. This is a legal requirement for mines in many countries. Traditional CMS void modeling methods typically result in data gaps, which can expose mine surveyors to legal risk in the event of an incident.
Furthermore, having accurate, high-resolution spatial models of stopes limits the need for other technical teams to conduct their own surveys.
Furthermore, having accurate, high-resolution spatial models of stopes limits the need for other technical teams to conduct their own surveys.
DIMENSIONS OF THE WORKING
EYEBROW DEFORMATION
In the event of a curb collapse, Hovermap images can be used to create a complete picture of the damaged area and obtain detailed damage measurements. Engineers can use this data to determine whether the section should be restored or abandoned. Traditional CMS methods cannot provide this level of clarity, and obtaining scan results can put operators and equipment at risk.
Hovermap imagery allows engineers to gain a comprehensive understanding of oversized material and obstructions in mines, stopes, and collapsed workings. These phenomena pose a hazard to personnel and equipment used to clear them. Hovermap's LiDAR range and wide field of view can be acquired from the air or by loader, providing images that provide a more accurate representation of the obstruction than those obtained using traditional CMS methods.
ORT CHECK
INSPECTION OF THE VENTILATION RAISING WORKING
Ventilation is a critical component of any mine. Hovermap can easily and cost-effectively scan ventilation holes: by flight if the diameter exceeds four meters, and by installing a protective housing and lowering it on a cable for holes smaller than four meters.
Using Hovermap, engineers can quickly create ventilation system designs for comparison with original specifications. Stress-induced damage can be easily identified, and this data allows geologists to more accurately understand the nature of the deformation.
Using Hovermap, engineers can quickly create ventilation system designs for comparison with original specifications. Stress-induced damage can be easily identified, and this data allows geologists to more accurately understand the nature of the deformation.
Maintaining the structural integrity of ore passes helps miners achieve production targets. Regular inspections allow engineers to promptly detect changes, deformations, and blockages, as well as ensure there are no undercuts at the tip of the ore pass. A hovermap, lowered into the cage, can quickly and easily scan ore passes hundreds of meters long, providing accurate condition data that can be used to make restoration decisions.
INSPECTION OF THE ORE PASS
DETERMINATION OF GEOLOGICAL FEATURES
In mines, geological features such as fractures, faults, lithological changes, and rock and tectonic stresses can alter the behavior of rock masses. Monitoring deformations and failures in raise borings, as well as determining the need for and cost-effectiveness of restoration work, is a pressing issue.
Hovermap LiDAR data analysis allows geologists to infer a wide range of geological features and improve rock mass characterization.
This advanced analysis can be used to inform management responses.
Hovermap LiDAR data analysis allows geologists to infer a wide range of geological features and improve rock mass characterization.
This advanced analysis can be used to inform management responses.
Local, mine, or regional structures can significantly impact the performance of a raise boring. When embedded in a protective enclosure, Hovermap can be used to acquire high-resolution, multi-characteristic data, enabling structural analysis of vertical raise borings and other underground voids. Identifying the structures responsible for an existing failure using Maptek PointStudio, Sirovision, or CloudCompare allows geotechnical engineers to assess the potential for more significant failure and conduct reverse engineering to improve future designs.
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