Mines and quarries thrive on data — knowing how much material has been moved, what the terrain looks like, and where safety risks might lie. Drones have rapidly become a go-to surveying tool in mining, replacing or augmenting traditional ground surveys and manned aircraft flights. They excel at generating accurate volume measurements, up-to-date maps of excavation sites, and frequent safety inspections of dangerous areas.
Volume Measurement & Inventory
Piles of ore, gravel, or soil can be measured far more quickly with drones. Instead of surveyors climbing stockpiles with GPS equipment — a time-consuming and risky task — a drone can fly over and capture images to create a 3D model of the pile. Photogrammetry software then calculates the volume with high precision, often within just a few percent of error.
This means mine operators can get weekly or even daily updates on how much material has been extracted or processed. Drone volume calculations help with:
- Tracking production
- Managing inventory
- Reconciling extracted vs. sold material
Many sites find that a drone survey costing only a few thousand dollars can replace traditional surveys that cost 10x more while delivering results faster and more frequently.
Excavation Mapping & Progress
In open-pit mines and quarries, the terrain changes constantly as material is extracted. Drones provide an up-to-date aerial map by capturing high-resolution imagery that’s stitched into orthomosaic maps and digital elevation models (DEMs).
Managers use these to:
- Track pit expansion and depth
- Ensure slopes stay within design limits
- Plan the next cut or excavation area
Daily or weekly flights can even detect millimeter-scale shifts in highwalls, acting as an early warning system for slope instability. Overlaying drone maps on mine plans allows engineers to confirm progress and adjust operations when necessary.
Safety Audits & Monitoring
Drones drastically improve safety by allowing inspections without putting personnel in hazardous areas. Instead of sending workers near active blast zones or unstable walls, drones can capture visuals from a safe distance.
Common safety applications include:
- Inspecting mine infrastructure (conveyors, processing plants, roofs)
- Surveying highwalls for cracks
- Monitoring berms and haul roads
- Conducting gas or dust checks with specialized sensors
Frequent drone-based safety inspections — sometimes weekly instead of annually — mean issues can be identified and fixed before they escalate into accidents. Preventing just one incident can save millions in downtime, liability, and repair costs.
Who We Work With
We serve a wide range of mining and quarrying professionals, including:
- Mine Operators
- Quarry Managers
- Geotechnical Engineers
- Safety Inspectors
Why Choose Us for Mining & Quarrying Drone Services
- Deep understanding of mining operations and compliance needs
- High-precision aerial mapping and volumetric analysis
- Proven track record in hazardous site surveying
- Cost-effective, fast turnaround on survey data
Key Benefits
- Reduce downtime and safety risks
- Get more accurate, frequent operational data
- Improve mine planning and production tracking
- Lower survey costs without sacrificing quality
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How accurate are drone-based volume measurements?
A: Our photogrammetry workflows deliver accuracy within 1–3% of actual volume, often outperforming manual survey methods.
Q: Can drones operate in active mining areas?
A: Yes — with proper safety coordination, we can work around active operations without disrupting production.
Q: Do you offer recurring survey packages?
A: Absolutely. Many clients opt for weekly or monthly flights to keep data fresh.
Get Started Today
If you’re ready to improve your mine or quarry operations with high-accuracy drone surveying, contact us today. We offer volumetric analysis, mapping, and safety inspection packages — and we’re currently onboarding select quarry and mine clients in a trial program