The Use of Drones in Mining Operations

Abstract

This paper presents the possibilities and benefits of using drones in mining operations. In the first part of the paper, aspects regarding the concept, the constructive elements of autonomous aerial vehicles, legislative provisions for the use of drones, elements of flight safety and the security of people are clarified. In the second part of the paper, the possibilities of practical use of drones in mining operations, the benefits and the types of expected results are presented.

Acquisition of Photogrammetric Data Using Uav – Case Study: Bistriţa Limestone Quarry, Vâlcea

“…A permanent concern of topographical engineers is the collection of precise data, their accuracy being essential in topographical works [4,7]. In order to meet the accuracy requirements, surveying engineers have to allocate a significant amount of time to data collection, processing and correction operations, at the expense of their actual analysis and use.…”

“…Among the booming technologies we can mention the methods of acquisition and processing of photogrammetric data. By using UAV-type equipment, surveyors have the opportunity to quickly and easily collect data from the field, but they must show a permanent concern for ensuring the correctness and accuracy of the data [6,7].…”

“…At the same time, the level of risk is directly proportional to the time spent by surveyors in exploitation and to the frequency of data collection through traditional methods. So, modern methods of data acquisition (use of drones, photogrammetric and remote sensing methods) make the field activities of topographers more efficient and reduce the risks to which they are exposed [6,7]. Also, compared to traditional methods, modern methods show high efficiency and accuracy generated by the multitude of sensors that can be integrated and used [7].…”

“…Considering the wide range of mining operations that can be carried out with UAV flights, their efficiency and effectiveness, as well as the fact that most of these operations involve the acquisition of primary data and subsequent processing using photogrammetric methodologies and products [4,7,8], this paper carries out an analysis of the currently used photogrammetric methods (with general applicability) and the possibility of using these methods in the mining field. In this sense, a case study was carried out in a surface mining operation, namely the limestone quarry from Bistrița, Vâlcea county.…”

Assessing the Effects of Alcohol Influence on Manual Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Control: An Experimental Study on Flight Capability and Precision

“…Nowadays, drone manufacturers market offers a wide range of solutions with a variety of parameters, dedicated to performing specific types of aerial operations. UAVs are increasingly utilized in various civil and commercial fields, such as 2 entertainment, agriculture, forestry, mining, disaster management or climate change monitoring, to name but a few [6][7][8][9][10]. This rapid development is fueled by both technological improvements and regulatory changes that have opened up new avenues for drone usage [8,11].…”