DJI Enterprise Unveils New White Paper on Mining Automation

DJI Enterprise has released a significant white paper detailing the automation of mining workflows using its innovative DJI Dock. Titled “Implementing an Automated Mining Workflow using DJI Dock: How to Guide for Successfully Integrating the DJI Dock into Your Mining Operations,” the report aims to assist industry leaders in transitioning from manual to automated drone operations for BVLOS (Beyond Visual Line of Sight) missions. This shift promises to enhance operational efficiency, data accuracy, and worker safety at mining sites.

The mining industry, valued at over US$3 trillion in 2023, is undergoing a transformation through automation technologies. These advancements are not only driving productivity but are also crucial for improving safety and sustainability. The white paper serves as a practical roadmap for mining companies seeking to implement automated workflows, leveraging DJI’s drone-in-box enterprise solution alongside its flight control software, FlightHub 2.

Productivity Gains and Operational Efficiency

By adopting an automated mining workflow with the DJI Dock, mining operations can see substantial productivity increases compared to traditional methods. The white paper highlights that the time required for conducting post-blast photogrammetry surveys has decreased significantly, from 1.2 hours to just 30 minutes. This efficiency is attributed to the elimination of on-site drone pilots and the necessity for manual data processing.

With a single DJI Dock, remote pilots can conduct approximately 150-200 flights per month, amounting to up to 50 flight hours in an eight-hour shift. The integration of automated ground control points can also reduce data processing time by as much as 94%, enabling more timely and accurate reporting.

Enhancing Safety in Hazardous Environments

Mining operations are inherently risky, involving large machinery and unpredictable conditions. The introduction of automated workflows allows for more frequent inspections, conducted safely from a Remote Operations Center (ROC). This distance from the hazardous environment not only protects workers but also enhances the speed of operational assessments, particularly in analyzing blast movements for safe restarts.

The ability to carry out repeatable surveys and inspections more frequently contributes to maintaining asset integrity and ensuring compliance with environmental regulations. In addition, the use of intelligent analysis and alerts helps operators promptly address any issues related to infrastructure and environmental conditions.

The white paper includes two compelling case studies that illustrate the practical application of these automated workflows in Australian mining operations. At the Rio Tinto Gudai-Darri iron ore mine in the Pilbara region, the resilience of automated drone operations was tested under extreme weather conditions, including heat and cyclones. This implementation not only improved efficiency but also facilitated data-driven decision-making through remotely monitored flights and automatic recharging.

Similarly, at the Paddington Operations in Kalgoorlie, the DJI Dock was utilized for aerial surveys of post-blast muckpiles. By leveraging AI-driven modeling, operators were able to enhance grade control, minimize ore dilution, and reduce processing costs by ensuring that higher-quality ore was directed to the processing plant.

As automation technology continues to evolve, DJI Enterprise’s white paper provides a valuable resource for the mining industry, outlining best practices and demonstrating the potential for enhanced operational efficiency and safety in mining workflows. For more information, the full white paper can be downloaded from DJI’s website.