DJI Enterprise Unveils White Paper on Automating Mining Workflows

DJI Enterprise has released a new white paper detailing the implementation of automated workflows in mining operations, particularly through the use of its DJI Dock technology. 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 provide a comprehensive roadmap for the commercial mining sector transitioning to automated drone operations for BVLOS (Beyond Visual Line of Sight) missions.

The white paper emphasizes that automating workflows can significantly enhance inspection frequency, expedite decision-making, and improve both worker safety and operational efficiency across mining sites. By adopting these technologies, mining operations can standardize data capture and reporting while reducing reliance on manual processes.

Transforming Mining Operations with Automation

The mining industry, valued at over US$3 trillion in 2023, is experiencing a technological transformation. Automation is at the forefront of this change, enabling mining companies to enhance efficiency and sustainability. The white paper focuses on DJI’s drone-in-box solution, the DJI Dock, alongside the flight control software, FlightHub 2. These tools facilitate an end-to-end automated mining workflow that can lead to substantial productivity gains.

Implementing an automated workflow can dramatically reduce the time required for processes such as photogrammetry surveys. For instance, tests revealed that capturing and processing a post-blast survey decreased from 1.2 hours to just 30 minutes. With a single DJI Dock, remote pilots can conduct approximately 150-200 flights and achieve up to 50 flight hours each month, underscoring the efficiency of this technology.

Another significant advancement includes automated ground control points (GCP) markings, which can cut data processing time by as much as 94%. This efficiency allows for trigger-based data captures, enhancing reporting capabilities when changes or objects are detected on-site.

Enhancing Safety and Efficiency

Mining operations pose various hazards, including large machinery, blasting activities, and challenging environmental conditions. Automated workflows enable remote monitoring, allowing operators to conduct inspections safely from a Remote Operations Center (ROC), away from high-risk areas. This capability enhances safety while ensuring that inspections can be performed more regularly.

The ability to quickly analyze blast movements through automated systems allows for safer restarts after blasting. Furthermore, repeatable surveys and inspections can be executed more frequently, supporting proactive maintenance and compliance with environmental regulations.

The white paper includes case studies from two Australian mining operations that have adopted these automated workflows. 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 operational efficiency but also facilitated data-driven decision-making through remote monitoring and automatic recharging.

Similarly, at the Paddington Operations in Kalgoorlie, the use of the DJI Dock for aerial surveys of post-blast muckpiles demonstrated significant improvements in grade control. By utilizing AI-driven modeling, operators were able to reduce ore dilution and lower processing costs by ensuring higher-quality ore was sent to the processing plant.

The findings and insights presented in this white paper illustrate the potential of automation to revolutionize mining operations. As the industry continues to embrace these technologies, the emphasis on safety, efficiency, and sustainability remains paramount.

For those interested in exploring the full report, the white paper is available for download from DJI Enterprise’s official website.