Safety Data collected with the Elios 3 helps operators identify risks like subsidence, unintended access, and harmful gases. This ensures safer operations in old mine workings. Efficiency The Elios 3 delivered new data in just 15 hours of flight, giving the team critical insights into the condition of the old mine tunnels quickly and effectively. Accuracy Using the Elios 3 provided the team with precise data on the state of the old workings, helping them determine if any maintenance or sealing was necessary. Access The Elios 3 only needs 60x60 cm of space to operate, compared to the previous system that required 3x3 meters. This makes it ideal for tight underground spaces. Mines around the world vary greatly in size, material, and age. As they grow older, managing them becomes more complex. Some of the oldest mines were already in use in the 1800s, and today, knowing the exact location and condition of these old tunnels is essential for safety and efficiency. Monitoring and sealing these areas can prevent future hazards and improve operational planning. Old mine workings can be dangerous, whether they're part of a disused site or an active operation. These areas might contain unstable structures, hazardous gases, or even unknown substances. In some cases, there may be no up-to-date records of their layout or condition, making exploration risky. If new excavations happen without proper knowledge, entering an old tunnel could lead to serious accidents.
Operators typically aim to prevent subsidence, control access, manage hazardous materials, and ensure all equipment is properly secured. Without accurate information, these tasks become much more challenging and potentially dangerous. The Empire State Mine, owned by Titan Mining, is located in upstate New York. It’s a large base metal mine producing high-quality zinc ore. With operations dating back to the 1920s, some infrastructure has been in use for decades. The mine shaft extends 2300 feet at a 40-degree angle, making it a complex environment for surveying.
Kirk Farrell, a technical services manager at Titan Mining, has been using the Elios 3 to map old workings from the 1930s. The drone replaced a previous system that required 9x9 feet of space, which was impractical for tight tunnels. The Elios 3, with its compact size of 50x50 cm, offered a much better solution. It also operates without GPS, making it perfect for underground mapping. Titan Mining wanted an updated view of the mine shaft and its connecting tunnels to update their records and compare them with surface activity. They needed a full understanding of the mine's layout, but existing maps lacked accuracy and consistency. Kirk and his team used the Elios 3 to map the entire inactive section of the mine. Some tunnels were as narrow as 1.2 meters, which would have been impossible for previous systems to access. The Elios 3 made it possible to safely inspect these areas without exposing personnel to confined spaces.
The intricate map of tunnels created with the help of the Elios 3's data is informing mine management
By analyzing both visual and LiDAR data, Kirk found that the tunnels had minimal degradation, showing the excellent quality of the rock over nearly a century. This project unlocked valuable information that had never been available before. The Elios 3 not only improved safety but also opened up new possibilities for exploring and mapping old workings in greater detail. There's potential that the data will help identify new mining areas in the future. Kirk and his team combined the Elios 3 data with above-ground surveys to create a comprehensive 3D model of the entire mine. In just 15 hours of flying, they gathered a wealth of previously unavailable information.
The Elios 3's LiDAR point clouds are helping digitize mines in a way that is "a game changer"
"The drone is a real game-changer for anyone in underground mining. No one was at risk while we got these maps, and we now have more detailed data than ever before," said Kirk Farrell, Technical Services Manager at Empire State Mines. The Elios 3 has given mine managers new insights into past operations, helping them plan future activities more effectively. It has not only kept the surveying team safe but also set a new standard for efficient and accurate underground mapping. Learn more about the Elios 3 and its advanced surveying capabilities. Commerical Espresso Coffee Machine Italian stlye automatic espresso coffee machine,Best Commercial Espresso Coffee Machine,Professional Commerical Espresso Coffee Machine Heshan Zilong Home Appliance Technology CO.Ltd , https://www.techonele.comSurveying Old Workings in a Mine with the Elios 3
Key Benefits at a Glance
What Are the Risks of Old Workings in Mines?
The expanse of a mine underground is a complete mystery from the surface
Using Drone Surveys in a Mine
Surveyors at the Empire State Mine using the Elios 3 as they navigate underground tunnels
Mapping Old Workings Around a Shaft
Results of an Underground Mine Survey with a Drone
