Analele Universitatii din Craiova, seria Agricultura – Montanologie – Cadastru ( Annals of the University of Craiova – Agriculture,

Montanology, Cadastre Series) Vol.L/2020

MODERN TECHNOLOGIES USED IN MINES SURVEYING

AUTHORS: SPILCA, MIHAELA CECILIA1, RADU, MIHAI SORIN2

UNIVERSITY OF PETROSANI 1, UNIVERSITY OF PETROSANI2
CORRESPONDING AUTHOR: BUZATU, CLAUDIU3, UNIVERSITY OF CRAIOVA3

ABSTRACT

Today’s technology is changing the face of surveying. The goal of any survey is still
categorized into two specific areas: collecting spatial data and positioning spatial data.
With all this progress, the huge influx of data as well as these new technologies represents
a particular challenge for the working methods and equipment used today. The use of
laser scanning and the use of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) that create this data,
together with software solutions that maintain, display, analyze and manage large amounts
of spatially located digital data are necessary. Because spatially located digital data
provides a different level of visibility to a business, it becomes highly sought after for a
wide variety of users within a mining enterprise. The ability to efficiently manage, maintain,
and disseminate this spatial data to the right people at the right time will be critical to the
success of an enterprise.

Keywords: UAV, data mobility, mining operation, digital data, mine surveying, laser scanning

INTRODUCTION the operational phase of a mine, the mine

project, elaboration project and extraction
The mining sector typically become a continuous circuit. In order to
operates in a cyclic fashion with moments examine the effectiveness of planning
of strong expansion followed by inevitable methods in a mine, production evaluation
inflexions. It is currently in the throes of a is the basic element to examine both the
inflection with many owner-operators now accuracy of geological models and the
looking inwardly in an effort to identify accuracy of estimation models, which
opportunities to improve productivity, help to determine and control topographic
while reducing costs. The solution of elements, as well as the efficiency of the
these ideas is found in innovation and exploitation of the ore and metals. The
technology. clue to this is the exact positioning of
Possibly, the latest important excavations, plus the assessment of
innovation is the digitization of data, with geological characteristics, and without
its interpretation and with its use in the this step, progress is impossible to
output activity. Different types of sensors assess properly.
are able to assist incredibly exact data. Nowdays’s technology is changing
The use of this information becomes a the aspect of surveying. The objective of
way to the surplus significance over the any survey is still categorized into two
cycle life of a mine. The mining branch specific operations: collecting spatial data
moves into this era of digital information and positioning spatial data. The massive
mobility. There is a growing recognition of influx of data as well as these new and
the main importance of this information as modern technologies represents a
well as the demand to manage, maintain particular provocation for the existing
and improve it. methods and equipment used by mine
Of critical importance within a mine surveyors.
industry is spatially located digital data. In

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Analele Universitatii din Craiova, seria Agricultura – Montanologie – Cadastru ( Annals of the University of Craiova – Agriculture,
Montanology, Cadastre Series) Vol.L/2020

the right time. Like an example, iron ore

The utilization of laser scanning and the mining, land transport and shipping
utilization of unmanned aerial vehicles activities at some mines already generate
that create this data, at once with 3 terabytes of data per minute. A new
software solutions that maintain, display, terminology that has gained mindshare is
analyze and manage large outputs of big data. Big data may determine
spatially located digital data are a challenging with strong communications.
necessity.The ability to manage, The idea that big data represent the cloud
maintain, and disseminate spatial data to may not always be relevant.
the wise people at the proper time will be
great to the success of an mining
business.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

To increase productivity, the

attention of the mining sector has turned
to innovation. Innovation comes in
different forms. One such innovation
embraced by mining sector is the use of
digital data, including data enabled
equipment, environmental or operating
sensors, and the recognition of the use of Figure 1: Data mobility in a mine
laser scanning or point-cloud data. Digital
data will be used to support real-time The conception of one of the
tracking, surveillance, traffic world's largest mining companies
management, environmental monitoring, anticipates fully automated and remote
different automated routines (driverless controls. The company intends to exploit
trucks), and production monitoring and the resonance of spatial 3D information.
reporting. Some years ago, spatial data has
Since data from these different been captured and stored as islands of
sources becomes available to the patron data. Throughout the company,
enterprise, the mining sector needs to numerous business acts (iron ore,
leverage this digital data to target specific copper, etc.) and compartments: survey,
productivity challenges and the ability to geology, environmental, exploration, land
leverage digital data across a business is management, mineral resource
described as data mobility. management, planning, head office, etc.
Data mobility is a key to unlocking produce and consume spatial data.
value throughout the life cycle of a Spatial data is relevant for many
business (figure 1). As the mining departments. But the same data was not
industry transitions into new era of digital often shared between compartments
data mobility, there is recognition of the leading to the existence of duplicated
scale of digital data being created and the data and big stores of unmanaged data
need to better manage, maintain, and that could not be efficiently utilized for
disseminate this information across the decision making.
entire business to ensure the right
information reaches the wise people at

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Analele Universitatii din Craiova, seria Agricultura – Montanologie – Cadastru ( Annals of the University of Craiova – Agriculture,
Montanology, Cadastre Series) Vol.L/2020

The relevant data was not The operation used in the mining
integrated so a holistic view was not domain cannot afford to exist separated.
utilized to make informed decisions. From The scope is to build a GIS (Geographical
a number of compartments the company Information System) platform build on a
identified critical data sources, along with: common architecture that can provide a
- high resolution geospatial point single system for managing geospatial
cloud data scans using totally data, workflows and reports in order as
electronic stations, laser scanners; costumers of spatial data can exploit
- photo and video data with spatial multiple datasets in a common
reference: aerial photography, data geospatially referenced framework.
of autonomous vehicles, data from A mining activity needs to design
regular photos and video, etc.; and develop an infrastructure prior to its
- geological data; operation and once a mine location
- exploration data; becomes operational, the process of
- geographic information systems design, develop, and extract becomes an
(survey, topographical, satellite); integrated loop. This tests both the
- Information about planning in a accuracy of the geological and evaluation
mine (design, schedules etc.); models on which the targets are based
- CAD models used; and the efficiency of the ore and metal
Spatially referenced documents recovery departments. Key to this is the
automated services like real time data accurate positioning of the excavations
import from weather stations, air or dust mined and the geological and evaluation
monitoring stations, conveyor belt features encountered. Unless this is
sensors, location tracking, etc.; achieved, it is impossible to gauge the
production systems data like drill holes, progress made with any accuracy.
slope monitoring, etc. Additionally, there can be no
Consumers of spatial data embody improvement in the base data used for
include: evaluating the next planning cycle.
-automated machines: mapping, Timing is a main part of the control
navigation, positioning, etc; issues on a mine so the operations are
-survey: mapping, volume continuous, and snap-shots have to be
determinations for mining taken to measure planned production
excavations; against actual outputs. Monitoring the
-engineering: design, planning, actual extraction volumes versus
civil works, services, performance production target rates has traditionally
management, etc; been measured by mines surveyors at
-mining: design, planning, month’s end. There is a growing desire by
optimization, performance mines industry to measure the volume of
management, maintenance, etc; extracted material at much shorter
-exploration: targeting, planning, intervals, allowing management to better
resource characterization, etc.; monitor and define the progress of the
-resource characterization, reserve mine’s production rate.
estimation, etc;

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Analele Universitatii din Craiova, seria Agricultura – Montanologie – Cadastru ( Annals of the University of Craiova – Agriculture,
Montanology, Cadastre Series) Vol.L/2020

Throughout the Earth, a mine’s

operation is governed by a significant Timing is a fundamental part of control
number of rigorous regulatory issues in a mine (figure 2). Operations
requirements and these regulatory are effective, continuous, so take
requirements vary from region to region, snapshots to measure planned
with many requirements directly production versus actual production.
impacting a raft of mine surveying Mining surveyors can monitor actual
practices, processes, and workflows. It is extraction volumes against target
imperative the mining operation maintain production rates using classical but
and manage the mine’s survey data, accurate measurement methods.
including legacy survey data, in a secure However, there is a growing desire of the
environment throughout the life of the mining industry to measure the volume of
mine. Historical talking, this information material extracted at much shorter
has been maintained in hard-copy intervals, allowing managers to better
formats; however, as the mining industry monitor and define the evolution of the
transitions to digital, mechanisms and rate of production in a mine. Therefore,
solutions that manage and maintain this the ability to accurately monitor this
mixed information environment will need phase is therefore seen as a critical
to be established. Solutions offering mission, hence denoting the role of the
opportunities of secure data management mine surveyor which is an essential one
capabilities, including an ability to store all in the success of this phase.
survey data, survey control, survey notes,
survey reports, plans of surveys and mine
accurate plans will be wanted.
A mining action must design and
develop a geo spatial data infrastructure.
Once a mine site becomes operational,
the design, development and extraction
process becomes an integrated part and Figure 2. Timing
continues throughout the life of the mine,
which is often measured in years or In the World, the operation of a
decades. This cycle becomes the focus of mine is usually governed by various strict
a mining operation, with a specific focus and rigorous regulations, which vary from
on the results obtained throughout the nation to nation, resulting in a number of
extraction phase. To view the execution, different practices, processes and
effectiveness and accuracy of planning operating procedures, but it is imperative
methods in a mine, it is imperative to that the mining operation maintain and
determine the mine production. The manage the data of the last mining
precision of the geological models and measurement, including the data of other
the estimation models on which the old mining measurements, in a safe
objectives are based will be viewed, as environment throughout the life of the
well as the competence of the ore and mine. This information has often been
metal recovery compartments. The clue kept in analog, printed formats (the
to this problem is given by the exact classical format). As the mining sector
positioning of the mining excavations and moves into the digital age, solutions will
the correct estimation of the geological have to be established to manage and
characteristics occurs in the mines areal. maintain these new requirements, the
If this condition is not achieved, it is information environment being the one
impossible to assess the progress targeted and desired.
achieved with any precision.
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Analele Universitatii din Craiova, seria Agricultura – Montanologie – Cadastru ( Annals of the University of Craiova – Agriculture,
Montanology, Cadastre Series) Vol.L/2020

Month period, a number of surveys were

conducted over the 300 hectares area.
In the issue, solutions that provide Unmanned aerial vehicles based surveys
opportunities for secure data coupled with digital terrain model
management, data storage capacities for potential found within Bentley’s
mining measurements, reports, control PowerCivil were adopted. The research
opportunities for measurements, as was conducted to confirm theoretical
accurate as possible mine plans will be calculations performed during the design
necessary. period, of possible land subsidence within
Due to develop of technology, the immediate area of the underground
mine surveying’s equipment is changing operations. The results of the unmanned
all the time. aerial vehicles’s survey mixed with a
Mine surveying cover different succession of mine plans were used to
engineering problems, from measurement evaluate damages on agriculture
sciences like: Land Surveying, Geodesy, production caused by the subsidence,
Photogrammetry, etc. This is especially which was in excess of four meters in
evident for underground actions, where studied areas, therefore creating a new
surveying methods and techniques need lake and large areas of unsuitable land.
to overcome the challenges of this Validation of theoretical calculations
environment. Traditional and historical versus actual calculations was
survey workflows are still evident within established with a little discrepancy
mines sector today. However, there is an identified over the entire area. The
industry need to promote innovative unmanned aerial vehicles’s survey
techniques to measure the underground. provided imagery required for
The measurements from mining photogrammetry workflows culminating in
sector has undergone great changes due the creation of a point cloud with over
to technology accession, including the 750,000 points and an orthophoto map
introduction of electronic distance meters, mosaic of the area. Bentley’s PowerCivil
totally stations, global navigation satellite was used to create the Digital Terrain
systems and robotic total stations. In Model and perform the different analysis
present, point cloud creation technologies routines, including isopach models,
are challenging those traditional mine terrain profiling, and cross sectional plan
surveying workflows, with surveyors now production and reporting. The utilization
looking at solutions capable of quickly of unmanned aerial vehicles’s technology
producing accurate point-cloud data of and the point-cloud generated data,
the mine’s inprogress state. Technologies ending in a series of Digital Terrain
such as unmanned aerial vehicles Models conduct to a moneys saving plus
combined with photogrammetric a savings in survey and processing time
processes are now used to create point usually associated with more clasical
cloud data very quickly. survey applications.
One of the largest mining Laser scanning metods have been
companies from the world conducted a slow to make an impression within the
study based on unmanned aerial vehicles mining industry.
technology to determine the effects of
land subsidence due to underground
work carried out in a coal mine. Over a 12

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Analele Universitatii din Craiova, seria Agricultura – Montanologie – Cadastru ( Annals of the University of Craiova – Agriculture,
Montanology, Cadastre Series) Vol.L/2020

The last few years has seen a very Using a number of Bentley
different drive with terrestrial laser solutions, like Bentley Pointools,
scanning, airborne laser scanning and MicroStation, Bentley Descartes or
mobile laser scanning systems. The Bentley Rail Track, a 3D information
increase utilization of this new technology model of the rock surfaces and
can be traced back to a combination associated infrastructure (pipes,
ofelements, which include reduced size structures, etc) it was developed.
and costs of units, better performing and Plus, the 3D design of rail track
durable hardware suitable for the mining used to transport the transformer into
environment. Software sellers are now place was also created. A 3D model of
catching up with the hardware, providing the rail dolly was developed, with the
new solutions capable of efficiently minimum cross section footprint of the
working with, managing and maintaining transformer. In the final, an animation of
voluminous quantities of point-cloud data. the movement along the rail alignment
In present, laser scanners are need on a was performed, resulting in a 3D model
broad range of survey related activities showing the minimum envelope required
including end-of-month surveys, stockpile to move the transformer.
volume surveys, mine subsidence Bentley Pointools and Bentley
surveys, general 3 D topographical Navigator were used to determine where
surveys: surface and underground impacts occurred along the haulage line,
surveys, etc with either the rock surface or with soft
At one mine known as the world’s infrastructure assets or hard infrastructure
deepest underground gold mine, a assets. Each identified impact was
decision to perform a laser scan survey reviewed in detail to determine what
provided some important cost savings to correctional action should be applied
the operation. previous to the delivery of the
The final scope of underground transformer.
survey was to determine the exact The scanning of the haulage line
location of rock surfaces and associated with the initial analysis impact to
infrastructure within the haulage line transporting the transformer to the
located at one level from mine. The laser needed location resulted in the
scan, resultant point cloud data and 3D identification of a number of key impacts.
model were used to obtain the viability of The review of the precise and
transporting a new transformer to its detailed 3D models provided mines
substation location, some 600 meters control factors with information that
along the haulage line. allowed them to make well informed
Installation delivered to decisions, resulting in significant cost
underground site that doesn’t fit, as it savings for the mine. As mines sector
traverses through the mine, can be both continues its concern in increasing
costly, and operational and maintenance productivity, there are a number of more
access studies are generally considered recent survey proposals.
critical. Time and precision are base
considerations for these types of
maneuvers, so laser scanning is fast
becoming the preferred survey method.

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Analele Universitatii din Craiova, seria Agricultura – Montanologie – Cadastru ( Annals of the University of Craiova – Agriculture,
Montanology, Cadastre Series) Vol.L/2020

precise determining the 3D spatial

With the use of lightweight and location of points or features on or below
compact laser scanners to the market, the Globe’s surface.
the combined benefits of UAVs and laser The scope of any survey can be
scanning offers surveyors another option diveded into two specific areas:
to create point clouds. These combined - Collecting spatial data
technologies provide a low cost, quick, - Positioning spatial data.
and precise choice to map a mine’s in- Mine surveying specialists are also
progress state, using the point cloud data called upon to analyze and validate
to create 3D information models: digital spatial data; to manage and maintain
terrain models, etc. An important spatial data.
manufacturer of unmanned aerial Bentley Systems launched Bentley
vehicles, named Microdrones GmbH, OpenMine Survey, a comprehensive
recently announced a solution for the surface and underground survey
mining industry: the laser microdrone, application for the mining sector.
which is a highly integrated system with Bentley OpenMine Survey will give
various sensors. Riegl, another leading a proven and stable platform available to
laser scanner constructer also recently the mining sector. This solution
released a lightweight scanner named addresses the survey ensuring all data
Riegl VUX-1. generated throughout the survey process
So, within the mining sector, is automatically incorporated within the
different laser scanning techniques have broader geospatial requirements and
been used to collect and map a mine’s in workflows.
progress state. In present, the mobile Corresponding for both surface
laser scanning techniques have been and underground operations, Bentley
adopted for underground mining OpenMine Survey offers functionality to
applications. address key survey workflows such as:
Using a simultaneous localization operational surveys check surveys,
and a mapping technique named SLAM, control surveys, setout surveys, and
which consists of a spinning 2D LiDAR topographical surveys. The main aspect
unit and an industrial grade mounted of survey data management gives a
inertial measurement unit, the acquired central and clue component, including
scan data is processed through a series provisions for: comprehensive auditing
of steps to produce a dense and accurate capabilities, fusion of survey and spatial
geo-referenced 3D point cloud that can data, reporting and dissemenination of
be collected quickly, without disrupting survey data, maintenance of spatial data,
mining actions. management and storage of survey data.
In a mine can be made a research MineCycle Survey from Bentley is
using a lightweight handheld laser a new mine survey software used on
scanner mounted on a simple spring some mines, an underground and surface
mechanism that continuously scans, in mine survey application that accelerates
time when mines surveyors walks through data processing and vizualization to
the environment. As the scanner deliver more timely information to
oscillates about the spring, it produces a planning and operations.
rotation that converts 2D laser “Bentley is providing the software
measurements into 3D fields of view. that will revolutionize the mine survey and
The technology is called ZEB planning discipline”.
obtaining a 3D model, conforming to
mine’s plans. Indifferent of the survey
technology adopted, mine surveying still
remains the technique and science of

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Analele Universitatii din Craiova, seria Agricultura – Montanologie – Cadastru ( Annals of the University of Craiova – Agriculture,
Montanology, Cadastre Series) Vol.L/2020

digital data is considered a totally

RESULTS AND DISCUSSIONS separate application to be handled
exclusively by a GIS. However, and as
As the mining sector begins the shown, spatially located digital data will
transition to a productivity approach, be created by many and various sources.
digital data is set to become influential The use of an industry-standard
throughout a mine business enterprise. database, such as Oracle Spatial or SQL
Spatially located digital data gives Server Spatial, is recommended.
another level of visibility to an enterprise. 4. Obtain your survey solution.
The capability to manage, maintain, and Your organization’s survey solution needs
disseminate the spatial data to the wise to support today’s requirements and the
people at the right time will be a critical survey solution needs to prepare for
factor to the success of a mine business. tomorrow’s needs. As the mine surveyor
Spatially located digital data enters an transitions to digital data they will need a
enterprise from different sources. While survey solution that supports both
every mining operation, the mining sector traditional and future workflows from a
can draw on the collective experience of variety of survey sensors and vendors.
those owner operators and software Ensure your survey solution has the
traders delivering solutions for present’s capabilities to support transitional
requirements and tomorrow’s needs. A workflows and requirements. Ensure your
number of recommendations include: solution seamlessly supports the
1. See the vision of your group. enterprise wide vision, requiring that all
Determine whether your actual systems data generated throughout the survey
are capable of supporting and delivering process is automatically incorporated
on this vision. Review the impact of within the broader geospatial
increase in digital data may have to your requirements and workflows.
systems. See if these systems can
efficiently manage, maintain, and BIBLIOGRAPHY
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3. Think about spatial ystems
enablement. Typically, spatially located

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