Surveying in Mining

Summary

This video highlights the transformative role of drone technology in the mining industry, particularly in surveying. Over the past decade, drones have significantly improved safety, efficiency, and accuracy, reducing the need for physical labor in high-risk areas. The use of drones and advanced scanning technologies allows surveyors to remotely collect data, creating detailed 3D models and compliance reports that support engineering and operational teams. The video emphasizes the value of blending fieldwork with office data processing, fostering innovation and effective teamwork across different departments in the mining process.

Takeaways

• 😀 Drones have revolutionized surveying in the mining industry, making it safer and more efficient by reducing physical exposure to risky areas.
• 😀 Technology advancements have shifted surveying from a physically demanding outdoor job to a balanced combination of field and office work.
• 😀 Surveyors no longer need to carry GPS or laser scanning equipment manually, as drones handle these tasks remotely, saving time and effort.
• 😀 Drones now provide high-quality scans, improving the accuracy and convenience of surveys without requiring physical presence on-site.
• 😀 The use of drones and advanced equipment reduces the need for surveyors to be near large machines and dangerous equipment like excavators and trucks.
• 😀 The fast evolution of technology at companies like BHP ensures that survey teams are constantly learning, creating valuable data to help other teams within the company.
• 😀 Surveying teams bridge the gap between design plans and actual execution on the ground, helping operators understand and implement designs more effectively.
• 😀 The 3D scanning of pits allows teams to visualize the mine's layout, providing clear insights into areas like calls, dumps, and design status.
• 😀 Surveyors collect data from the field using drones and laser scanners, which is then analyzed in the office to generate meaningful insights and compliance reports.
• 😀 The role of survey teams is essential in comparing actual dug information with the design plans to track how closely operations align with the original engineering specifications.
• 😀 The surveyor role combines fieldwork and office tasks, offering a diverse and dynamic work environment that keeps the job engaging and varied.

Q & A

How has surveying in the mining industry changed in recent years?

Surveying in the mining industry has shifted from being a very physical, outdoor job to a balance of field and office work. The major change has been the integration of drone technology, which allows for remote scanning in high-risk areas, making surveying much safer.

What were the challenges with surveying before drone technology?

Before drones, surveying involved a lot of physical labor, such as carrying GPS devices and laser scanners. Surveyors had to be physically on-site, often exposed to harsh conditions like extreme heat, which made the work more dangerous and difficult.

How do drones improve the safety of surveying in mining?

Drones enable surveyors to conduct surveys remotely, reducing the need to be physically present in dangerous environments around large machines, heavy equipment, and high-risk areas. This minimizes the risk to human workers while maintaining high-quality survey data.

What are some advantages of using drones in mining surveys compared to traditional methods?

Drones provide the ability to perform surveys more efficiently, in less time, and with greater precision. They also eliminate the need for surveyors to be in direct contact with potentially hazardous machinery and environmental conditions, which improves overall safety.

What role does technology play in evolving surveying practices in mining?

Technology plays a crucial role in evolving surveying practices by constantly improving the tools available. With advancements like drones and laser scanners, surveyors can work smarter, not harder, achieving high-quality results without physically enduring the same harsh conditions as before.

How does drone technology contribute to mining operations beyond surveying?

Drone technology allows for real-time data collection that can be used across various departments, such as engineering and production teams. The data captured by drones helps those teams make informed decisions, track progress, and improve operations with accurate, up-to-date information.

What is the importance of spatial awareness in surveying, particularly in the mining industry?

Surveying requires strong spatial awareness to understand and interpret complex designs. In mining, surveyors use this skill to translate conceptual designs into actionable plans on the ground, guiding operators and ensuring that work is done according to plan.

What is 'compliance to design' in the context of mining surveys?

Compliance to design refers to ensuring that the work done in the mining pits aligns with the engineering design. Surveyors collect actual 'as-dug' data using drones or laser scanners and compare it with the original design to provide feedback on whether the project is being executed as planned.

What benefits does 3D scanning provide to mining operations?

3D scanning provides a detailed, visual representation of the mine, allowing teams to see the current state of the site. It offers a clearer understanding of the mine layout, including locations of stockpiles and other features, which aids in decision-making and planning.

What makes the blend of field and office work in surveying appealing?

The combination of field and office work keeps the job dynamic and interesting. Surveyors enjoy the variety of being outdoors to collect data and then using that data to create valuable insights and reports back in the office. This mix of practical work and technical analysis provides a fulfilling career.