Emesent’s Hovermap LHD equips operators with fast, 360° visibility to reveal what matters most.
Most people wouldn’t willingly undertake a high-stakes, risk-laden task while wearing a blindfold. And mine operators shouldn’t have to, either.
Operating an underground load haul dump (LHD) machine without adequate visibility or awareness of structural hazards is akin to navigating a dark, obstacle-filled room, with the possibility of serious consequences in tow. This common undertaking can significantly increase the risk of accidents, cause production delays, and lead to costly operational setbacks.
In a bid to eliminate those pitfalls, Emesent essentially flicks on the light switch – bringing the invisible out of the shadows and into the spotlight.
Putting mine operators back in control, Emesent has developed a Hovermap LHD solution in partnership with Mining Plus.
Guided by this offering, a mapping system that provides near real-time insight into underground activity, decisions are no longer based on guesswork or delayed reports; they’re driven by what’s actually happening on the ground.
Hovermap connects directly to the LHD using a custom-built mount, slipping easily into daily workflows. As the machine moves through the stope, it captures a full 360° scan in minutes, with no lighting required. The data is streamed to an operator on the surface, providing a more complete view of the environment.
But it’s not just about spotting danger.
With accurate scans of remaining material, supervisors can plan relocations more effectively and make faster, better-informed decisions. There’s no waiting for drones or day-shift surveyors; anyone with basic training can collect high-quality scans as part of the routine shift.
The entirety of workflow, from capture to analysis, takes minutes. Once data is collected, it’s ready to review or share with technical teams for deeper insight. And because Hovermap integrates seamlessly with advanced systems, it fits into modern networked operations without missing a beat.
As mines go deeper and conditions grow more complex, the need for safe, smart decision-making continues to rise. And that was the motivation behind Emesent’s collaboration with a leading underground mining contractor to trial Hovermap LHD in an open stope environment.
The goal was to determine whether near-real-time 3D data could help operators respond faster and manage risk more effectively.
Early into that partnership, the outcome became clear.
Areas that once took up to two days to scan and process were captured in less than 10 minutes. Operators could remotely assess ground stability, detect hazardous drill angles or loose rock, and avoid sending machines into unknown conditions.
In operations where a stuck LHD can cost multiple shifts of production, the system proved its value, often paying for itself in just a few hours of avoided downtime.
Following the successful trial, the technology was rolled out more broadly, not only as a safety measure but as a practical tool to support 24–7 decision-making and increase overall productivity.
At another site, which is also one of the world’s deepest base-metal mines, the Hovermap has become an essential part of the team’s toolkit.
According to the mine’s operations manager James Comeau, the solution is a “key instrument” to ensuring safe, unhindered work.
“Out of all the scanners the Hovermap comes out at the top,” Comeau said.
When operating in some of the most challenging underground environments in the world, that level of reliability matters. It shows that when safety, productivity and precision are non-negotiable, Hovermap has earned its place – not just as a scanner, but as an asset.
By giving operators the visibility they’ve long needed, Emesent removes the blindfold, helping operators see clearly and act with confidence.
This article appeared in the Spring edition of Mining Magazine.
