Blog Layout
LiDAR no longer a technological novelty
Shelley Accatino • July 17, 2024
Underground safety, productivity and profitability
LiDAR is no longer a technological novelty but a transformative tool that is reshaping the landscape of underground mining. By providing accurate, real-time data and enabling automation, LiDAR enhances the safety and efficiency of mining operations, paving the way for a more sustainable and productive future. Rio Tinto, Barrick and BHP have all published information on how Lidar has had direct benefits to their operations but you don’t need to be a multinational to enjoy the same benefits which include:
Real-Time Mapping and Monitoring
LiDAR systems can continuously scan the mine’s interior, creating real-time maps that highlight structural weaknesses, detect changes, and monitor potential hazards. By providing detailed and continuous updates, LiDAR helps mining engineers make informed decisions, plan safe excavation routes, and preemptively address any structural concerns.
Improved Navigation and Automation
Navigating the labyrinthine tunnels of an underground mine is a daunting task. Traditional methods relying on manual mapping are time-consuming and prone to error. LiDAR simplifies this process by generating accurate 3D maps that can be integrated with autonomous vehicle systems. This synergy enables automated drilling and hauling equipment to operate with precision, reducing the need for human presence in dangerous areas and thus minimizing the risk of accidents.
Streamlined Infrastructure Development
Constructing underground infrastructure such as tunnels, shafts, and ventilation systems is a complex task. LiDAR technology aids in this process by providing accurate measurements and models of the mine’s interior. This data facilitates the design and construction of infrastructure, ensuring that it is optimally placed and captured to support mine modelling and management.
Enhancing Safety and Operational Efficiency
One of the most critical challenges in underground mining is ensuring the safety of miners. The subterranean environment is fraught with hazards such as rock falls, gas leaks, and structural failures. LiDAR technology plays a pivotal role in mitigating these risks which is enhanced when deploying mobile Lidar and SLAM based technologies that extend the coverage in reduced time to capture.
By providing accurate, real-time data on underground conditions, Digital Terrain LiDAR services help optimise mining operations, reduce downtime, and minimize costly accidents or delays. The ability to remotely capture and inspect inaccessible areas also eliminates guesswork or the need for attempting manual surveys or physical inspections, saving time, resources, and manpower.
Digital Terrain
Digital Terrain have solutions that replace or augment existing capabilities for capturing, processing, analysis and reporting. We also offer onsite instruction and training where customers seek to build their own expertise.
Enjoy the sample video of our capabilities and contact David Juany for any comments, questions, or service information.
david.Jaunay@digitalterrain.io or +61434317580
Magman Stocktake New Features Stocktake compliance and balancing your magazine is a key regulatory requirement. Magman has always been focused on this through proactive alerting and email notifications. This has now been improved further by introducing a new stocktake validation workflow. This workflow prevents other transactions occurring if the magazine does not balance and requires approval via designated persons to proceed past an imbalanced magazine. The updated Magman system ensures seamless regulatory compliance and reduced downtime by enforcing users to complete a stocktake each shift prior to any other magazine transactions, removing any guesswork or administration level controls in the stock validation process and immediately requiring intervention if it does not balance. Here’s the new Magman stocktake workflow:
In the bustling ecosystem of the mining industry, where efficiency and innovation are paramount, Digital Terrain's flagship product, Simbio, stands as the embodiment of synergy and harmony. Just as flowers and bees, or clownfish and anemones, thrive through their symbiotic relationships, Simbio brings together the diverse elements of Digital Terrain's portfolio to create a seamless, integrated solution that transforms the way mining operations are managed and executed. The Power of Symbiosis: Uniting Strengths for Unparalleled Success At its core, Simbio is about the interconnectedness of all components within the Digital Terrain suite. This revolutionary product combines the strengths of PLAN, MANAGE, PLOD, Magman, IoT, Digitisation Services, and Integration Solutions, forging a unified platform that enhances every aspect of mining operations. Just as bees and flowers depend on each other for survival and growth, each element within Simbio works in perfect harmony, ensuring that data flows seamlessly, operations run smoothly, and productivity reaches new heights. PLAN: The Blueprint for Success Every great endeavor begins with a plan, and in the mining world, precision planning is the cornerstone of success. Simbio’s PLAN module is the architect of operational excellence, providing detailed blueprints that guide every phase of the mining process. With real-time data access and sophisticated analytics, PLAN ensures that every decision is informed, every action is deliberate, and every outcome is optimized. It’s not just planning; it’s orchestrating a symphony of success. MANAGE: The Conductor of Operations Once the blueprint is set, the MANAGE module takes the baton, conducting the day-to-day operations with unmatched efficiency. MANAGE brings clarity and control, allowing operators to oversee every facet of the mining process in real-time. It’s the heartbeat of the operation, ensuring that everything runs in perfect rhythm, much like the harmonious relationship between clownfish and anemones, where each supports the other to thrive in their shared environment. PLOD: Precision and Performance In the fast-paced world of mining, precision and performance are paramount. The PLOD module of Simbio delivers just that, providing real-time tracking and reporting of on-site activities. It ensures that every action is recorded, every movement is monitored, and every task is executed with pinpoint accuracy. PLOD is the watchful eye that guarantees safety, boosts productivity, and drives the operation towards its goals. Magman: Mastering the Flow of Resources Resource management is the lifeblood of any mining operation, and Magman is the master of this domain within Simbio. It optimizes the allocation and utilization of resources, ensuring that every asset is used to its fullest potential. Magman is the keystone species in the Simbio ecosystem, balancing supply and demand, much like bees pollinate flowers to ensure the continuity of their symbiotic relationship. IoT: The Pulse of Innovation In the age of digital transformation, the Internet of Things (IoT) is the pulse that keeps the Simbio ecosystem alive. IoT integration within Simbio connects every piece of equipment, every sensor, and every data point, creating a network of intelligence that drives smart decision-making. It’s the neural network of the operation, sensing, communicating, and responding to the dynamic needs of the mining environment. Digitisation Services and Integration Solutions: The Backbone of Connectivity At the heart of Simbio’s success is its robust Digitisation Services and Integration Solutions. These elements ensure that all data is seamlessly integrated, all systems are connected, and all processes are digitized for maximum efficiency. It’s the foundation that supports the entire ecosystem, much like the interconnected roots of a forest that share nutrients and resources, ensuring the health and vitality of every tree. The Future of Mining: A Symbiotic Vision Simbio is more than just a product; it’s a vision for the future of mining. It represents the pinnacle of innovation, the epitome of efficiency, and the zenith of productivity. By harnessing the power of symbiosis, Digital Terrain has created a solution that not only meets the needs of today’s mining operations but also anticipates the challenges of tomorrow. Conclusion: Thriving Together In the grand tapestry of the mining industry, where every thread must be perfectly woven to create a masterpiece, Simbio stands as the ultimate tool for achieving symbiotic success. Just as flowers and bees, and clownfish and anemones, thrive through their interdependence, so too does the Digital Terrain portfolio, united under the banner of Simbio. Together, we are not just surviving; we are thriving, reaching new heights, and setting the gold standard for the industry. With Simbio, the future of mining is not just bright; it’s brilliant.