Applications of Unmanned Aerial Systems in Mining

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Teck Resources Ltd. Line Creek Operations are in Elk Creek area of British Columbia, 25 miles north of Sparwood. The mine is in a mountainous area and with an elevation difference of approximately 700 m from base to its highest point. The entire area is approximately five kilometers posing several operational challenges. Teck wants to increase the safety in their mine operations through the implementation of Unmanned Aerial Systems. They will develop processes and procedures for safe, efficient and effective UAS surveys of the Line Creek mine area, leading to the creation of a 3D interactive model of the mine and surrounding environment. They want to use UAS for the detection and quantification of methane emissions from coal seams and blast areas. Finally, they would like to incorporate the use of UAS in their monitoring of land reclamation in formerly-mined areas to assess the success of these efforts in a reliable, consistent manner. The UAS have the potential to provide real-time information impacting decisions about the changing shape of the mine and the impact of those changes on the surrounding environment. Closer monitoring will increase knowledge and guide enhanced decision making. Monitoring the success of land reclamation after mining ceases is an application with considerable potential for a cost-effective UAS approach. The outcomes from this work will benefit Teck and other Canadian companies by showcasing the use of UAS to collectively enhance the management of large-scale open-pit mine, minimize operational impacts on the environment and increase mine operation safety while adding efficiencies environments and augment economic advantage.