From labour costs to the specialised, large-scale equipment required, operations in the mining industry are some of the most capital-intensive in the world. Realising savings wherever possible is crucial.
Surveying is integral to every stage of a mining operation and, as such, it can take up a large portion of a project’s time and budget allocations. Selecting a surveyor that utilises the most efficient equipment and possesses in-depth industry expertise can make all the difference.
Light detection and ranging (LiDAR) technology uses remote sensing to measure distances to the earth. It has significant benefits for surveying in the mining industry as it ensures accuracy, saves time and boosts productivity.
Time is money
LiDAR technology streamlines the surveying process, reducing the time required for data collection and analysis.
After extensive market research on selecting the right tool for the job, West Coast Surveying selected a scanner that can accurately deliver 5mm repeatability, even in complex environments involving dense foliage and tree canopies.
Capable of scanning at 500,000 points per second with scanning speeds of 250 scans per second, the technology significantly enhances the detail in aerial mapping.
Each pixel is coloured to match the point measured and point clouds are colourised with an intergraded 45MP orthographic internal camera. This makes the data more visually pleasing and a welcome change from previous greyscale images.
West Coast Surveying Managing Director, Malcolm Clinton, said that LiDAR captures surfaces seamlessly when compared to other methods, reducing time in the field and providing results that can easily be repeated.
Without the extensive time barriers of fieldwork and data processing, LiDAR provides easy-to-generate reports with processing times of under an hour, much less than traditional methods.
Surveying that utilises LiDAR technology plays an important role in reducing a mining operation’s overall costs.
The accurate and high-quality data collected by LiDAR offers critical insight for mining applications involving tailings dams, bulk earthworks and road construction.
LiDAR is significantly more reliable than photogrammetry, particularly when it comes to calculating volumes moved. With its laser technology, LiDAR provides precise volume measurements, which prevents costly payment errors for material miscalculation.
A tailored solution
No two mining projects are the same and West Coast Surveying understands the unique priorities and goals different clients have. The company offers a distinct approach, with each project perfectly tailored to the needs of the client.
The experienced team of professionals use advanced technology and techniques, including LiDAR, to ensure customers’ expectations are not only met, but exceeded.
Since its establishment in 2021, the company has continued to offer its clients the latest in surveying technology.
“West Coast Surveying is the industry leader in utilising this technology; we have invested time and resources and believe that we can embrace tomorrow’s future today,” Mr Clinton said.
West Coast Surveying offers start to finish support – delivering time and cost savings from tendering stages, through to project construction.
Featured image: A stripped surface image produced by LiDAR technology. Image: West Coast Surveying
