Over the past decade, unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) have been used in the mining industry for various applications from mineral exploration to mine reclamation. This study aims to review academic papers on the applications of UAVs in mining by classifying the mining process into three phases: exploration, exploitation, and reclamation. Systematic reviews were performed to summarize the results of 65 articles (June 2010 to May 2020) and outline the research trend for applying UAVs in mining. This study found that UAVs are used at mining sites for geological and structural analysis via remote sensing, aerial geophysical survey, topographic surveying, rock slope analysis, working environment analysis, underground surveying, and monitoring of soil, water, ecological restoration, and ground subsidence. This study contributes to the classification of current UAV applications during the mining process as well as the identification of prevalent UAV types, data acquired by sensors, scales of targeted areas, and styles of flying control for the applications of UAVs in mining.

https://www.mdpi.com/2075-163X/10/8/663/pdf

Applications of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles in Mining from Exploration to Reclamation: A Review

Large-scale overland belt conveyor systems have been installed in mining to meet the increasing demand for higher capacity and longer distance continuous transport of bulk material. Currently, the Overall Equipment Effectiveness of belt conveyors (availability, utilization & load-factor) is a major concern for mining operators. The downtime of overland conveyors leads to the stoppage of bulk material handling, disrupting ore extraction and material processing. Root Cause Analysis shown that failures of rotating components such as idlers are the main responsible for unplanned shutdowns. Idler rollers are relatively simple and low reasonable running cost. However, their reliability has a large impact on the performance of long overland conveyors due to their large amount in service along the system (up to 26,500 idler rollers for a 10 km conveyor). The idler roller failures are stochastic. There is uncertainty in predicting its location, severity and time of occurrence. Since bearings have a limited lifespan, and a very large amount of idlers are operating under different conditions in a harsh environment, it is possible to estimate that a significant number of idler rollers are close to the fault condition, anytime. To meet cost per ton targets and zero harm goals, while reduce unplanned downtime, operators are installing different on-line condition based monitoring systems to continuously check on the health and provide early warning on problems with idler rollers. But, the deployment of idler monitoring systems presents several challenges in mining environments that must be addressed. This paper presents a technology review of idler condition monitoring systems for critical overland conveyors based on the operational key drivers claimed by personnel to upgrade their processes to predictive maintenance using a wireless-, smart-, and self-powered condition monitoring system. This includes initial investment, O&M costs, safety standards, instrumentation wiring issues, inexistence of power supply connections, and interference in wireless communications among other key design factors for mining.

A technology review of idler condition based monitoring systems for critical overland conveyors in open-pit mining applications

Drone are now commercially used in almost every industry from delivery to defense, general people also make them for hobbies, but due to lack of clear open source information, new enthusiast and even the existing one find it very difficult to build it on their own without any professional help. This paper presents a less complex and simplistic way to do all the calculations of all vital parameters needed for building any drone. This paper presents the theoretical validation of the equations which are derived and mentioned in the paper with the practical data obtained from the prototype built. The analysis of each parameter is done very precisely to make the mistakes as low as possible. All the equations which are mentioned have some assumptions and use of standard values, which is clearly mentioned with the work. The prototype built is an autonomous system containing six rotors and communication modules for sending data on the ground. The conclusion of the paper shows the difference in the accuracy between theoretical values calculated from the derived equations and what practical testing gives.

Experimental Analysis and Affirmation of Vital Parameters of Multi-Rotors Drones

Explosive development of technology and software has enabled the improvements and the spread of civilian uses of drones as well. This area was unknown until 2000, these devices are affordable and available to buy and build for anyone now. Not only hobby pilots, the film industry and commerce benefit from the spread of drones, they can also be used for cartographic and architectural purposes as well as disaster response completing preventive and post tasks. [1]. Among the organizations with public service missions in disaster management there are several possibilities of use, where the task-specific drone fulfils a given specialized task. Besides the customary camera ensuring high-resolution live images, there are also sensors and measurement tools on board. The improvements of these tools has sped up as well. Radiometers were introduced in 2011 for the first time at Fukushima nuclear power plant after the tsunami, but it has been basic sensor in a similar situation since then. [2]. Increasing number of tasks and opportunities and the limited resources urge the manufacturers to spend more time on development of necessary components for the operation (battery, control electronics, materials used) by so doing they may increase their application. In our study we present the application opportunities for a civilian drone. With particular attention to navigation side, we analyze them from the open-pit mine disaster point of view. The aim of our study how the examined and compared parameters such as flight operational time, the distance, the working load can help the prevention of the disaster or speed up the rescue operation. In order to do this, we examine the market leader drone company's newest product. Afterwards, we compare it to a rescue helicopter applied in open-pit operations mine. Our aim is to draw attention of those who work in heavy industry especially those who work in danger to the usefulness of drones helping to secure life.

Hell Peter

Papers

Civilian use of drones in the life of mining rescue helicopters