A Comprehensive Review of Applications of Drone Technology in the Mining Industry

Javad Shahmoradi,Elaheh Talebi,Mostafa Hassanalian,Pedram Roghanchi

doi:10.3390/drones4030034

Javad Shahmoradi, Elaheh Talebi + Show 2 more

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https://doi.org/10.3390/drones4030034

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Abstract

This paper aims to provide a comprehensive review of the current state of drone technology and its applications in the mining industry. The mining industry has shown increased interest in the use of drones for routine operations. These applications include 3D mapping of the mine environment, ore control, rock discontinuities mapping, postblast rock fragmentation measurements, and tailing stability monitoring, to name a few. The article offers a review of drone types, specifications, and applications of commercially available drones for mining applications. Finally, the research needs for the design and implementation of drones for underground mining applications are discussed.

Highlights

Drones, including unmanned air vehicles (UAVs) and micro air vehicles (MAVs), have been used for a variety of civilian and military applications and missions. These unmanned flying systems are able to carry different sensors based on the type of their missions, such as acoustic, visual, chemical, and biological sensors
To enhance the performance and efficiency of drones, researchers have focused on the design optimization of drones that has resulted in the development and fabrication of various types of aerial vehicles with diverse capabilities
This study aims to conduct a review of the application of drone technology in the mining industry

Summary

Introduction

Drones, including unmanned air vehicles (UAVs) and micro air vehicles (MAVs), have been used for a variety of civilian and military applications and missions. These unmanned flying systems are able to carry different sensors based on the type of their missions, such as acoustic, visual, chemical, and biological sensors. To enhance the performance and efficiency of drones, researchers have focused on the design optimization of drones that has resulted in the development and fabrication of various types of aerial vehicles with diverse capabilities. The use of aerial vehicles for industrial applications goes back to the 19th century. Attention to research and development of unmanned aerial vehicles has been growing by academic and industry communities worldwide [5,6]

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