Analytical and Numerical Solution for Better Positioning in Mines with Potential Extending Application in Space Mining

Abstract

Application of new technologies and operational methodologies in mining sector targets to obtain a beneficial outcome in the long term. Instrumentation and monitoring systems for shafts, underground tunneling, storing faculties, etc. are often automated. Implemented systems provide data of mines state, integrated enhanced protection, and early warning solutions. Navigation and positioning in mines are deemed to be unstable in parts of mining tunnels when the external reference points are very far apart, thus significantly increasing the error of the internal network. This paper demonstrates a simulation of an innovative analytical and numerical solution for better positioning in the mines, yielding to increased accuracy of the control points, while reducing the time needed for performing measurements. Based on real tunnel dimensions, different control network configurations are tested. Statistical analysis of simulated environments and virtual measurements, created by combining various instrumentation, confirms cm-level positioning accuracy. The innovative approach to a mine control network design is based on involving fixed-length bars in the network design, gaining in shorter measurements sessions, but keeping homogeneous accuracy throughout the network. The concept is tested on 27 simulated network configurations, combining network points distribution and measurement accuracy of distances and angles. Obtained results and statistical analysis prove that consistent cm-level accuracy can be expected within the network. Extending the concept to space mining, which is becoming an attractive destination for chasing the rare-earth elements (REEs), this methodology will be a spin-off for space exploration mainly applicable in the Lunar lava tube positioning, which are the most secure place to settle the new human life.

Localization for Autonomous Vehicles in Underground Mines

“…Real-time radio frequency identification (rfid) is used for real-time localization at the sub-meter positioning level [132]. It requires dedicated infrastructure and with the short coverage range, strategic deployment of readers is required in order to provide full coverage.…”

“…Low illumination, which is sometimes the case in underground mines, poses special challenges for vision based systems, and in [149] the vision based system is fused with an ultrasonic sensor measuring distances to the walls. Ultrasonic sensors are also used in [132] where centimeter level accuracy are obtained in simulations.…”

Geodetsko Praćenje Klizišta Upotrebom Mems Akcelerometra Kao Aktivacionog Elementa Pokretanja Klizišta

“…When planning the layout of points in the network, the following requirements should be considered: полигонских влакова [3]. Нивелманске (1D) мреже пројектују се у виду уметнутих нивелманских влакова који се морају ослањати на репере државне мреже, а за тачке 1D мреже у близини објекта обично се користе тачке основне 2D мреже [4] [5].…”