Mining surveying

Change doesn't have to be this difficult

We are aware of the fact that changing the company performing measurement supervision at a mining plant is a difficult step, which is why we are flexible in preparing the offer. Due to this fact - if you are not yet ready for our team to fully take over the service, but want to significantly increase the quality and safety of measurements, hybrid solutions are possible. This may involve, for example, 3D Format taking over the measurement process and updating mining maps, while leaving the rest of the tasks to your experienced surveying and geological department. We have been using this solution for several years, including: with KOSD Niemodlin for their rock aggregate mines and gravel pits.

We perform our measurements in the field of mining geodesy throughout Poland and abroad. We have already been trusted by several dozen mining plants, mainly in the province. Lower Silesia, Silesia, Łódź, Lesser Poland and Świętokrzyskie. The location of our office at the intersection of the A1 and A4 motorways in Gliwice allows us to reach any part of the country in a short time.

Modern work tools, simple solutions

3D models, point clouds, orthophotomaps are some of the products we provide. Each new technology can be overwhelming - a change in approach, a different type and size of resulting files, and many other factors. For this reason, we try to familiarize our clients with the new type of data by providing convenient web applications (click on the link to see an example) or processing large files into accessible formats. How do we perform these measurements then?

• Drones, i.e. the so-called unmanned aerial vehicles - our pilots carry out raids on multi-hectare mining excavations, mapping them in a photorealistic way with an accuracy of single centimeters. As a result of the measurements, orthophotomaps and 3D models are created. Here we have 2 technologies available:
  • 
    Photogrammetry – a technique that allows mapping the topography of the area based on a large number of photos taken. The measurement takes place indirectly after processing the photos into a 3D point cloud
  • Airborne laser scanning (so-called LiDAR) - a technology that allows direct measurement of point coordinates "from the air" with the possibility of obtaining information about terrain elevations even in the presence of trees and dense vegetation
• Terrestrial laser scanners - if accuracy at the millimeter level is required and you are planning, for example, reconstruction of the infrastructure of a processing plant, we use a tool that allows direct measurement of millions of points within a few minutes
• An unmanned bathymetric vessel - a device that allows measuring the depth of a water reservoir and precisely mapping its bottom
• Thermal imaging cameras - thanks to a high-resolution camera installed on the drone operating in the near infrared range, it is possible to identify any anomalies occurring at the processing plant, which are reflected in the temperature difference. An example would be a worn roller bearing. overheating gears or belt conveyor motors
• Classic surveying equipment - despite the use of the latest technologies, GPS receivers, total stations and levels that have been used by surveyors for years are no stranger to us, so if the situation requires it, we also use these solutions

But how do these modern technologies relate to the Geological and Mining Law?

They are in line with the regulations, even though the executive act to the Act - the Regulation of the Minister of the Environment of December 22, 2011 on surveying and geological documentation does not make direct reference to photogrammetry, laser scanning or even GPS measurement techniques. Multiple inspections by inspectors of District Mining Offices in various voivodeships where our mining plants are located (Lower Silesia, Łódź, Silesia) confirmed that the photogrammetric measurements we carried out relating to the horizontal and height of the state matrix were performed properly, and there were no comments regarding the measurement techniques used and their documentation methods. Moreover, OUG inspectors expressed their satisfaction with the use of the photogrammetry technique in the measurement of mining excavations due to the awareness of data transparency, clarity, accuracy and, above all, safety of measurements. For example, a dozen or so years ago there was no option - a team of surveyors had to physically measure a mining excavation, lasting up to several days, never being sure whether when a GPS pole or a mirror was placed, the rock masses would not detach or the mining slope would collapse.  If measurements are made using non-invasive techniques, the mining plant operations manager (KRZG) - who is responsible for people staying in the mining area - can rest easy. Instead of several days of measurement for a medium-sized rock aggregate mine, we have an inventory lasting several minutes, made with a drone moving fully autonomously, and the pilot only observes its operation in a safe place that does not disturb the operation of the mining plant. We consult our experience in the use of unmanned techniques on an ongoing basis with employees of the State Mining Office, jointly paving the way for solutions that are more beneficial for each party - both for the mining entrepreneur, officials and for us, contractors.

Measurement is not everything

Our work in open-pit mines is not always related to surveying services. We often start our adventure with mining plants with more or less advanced monitoring of the operation, movements of rock or earth masses and precise measurements of the volume of reserves. Currently, there is no better way to settle with contractors work related to, e.g. removal of overburden, than cyclical photogrammetric raids, which result in a precise value of the loss. Full control of the raw material extraction process allows you to optimize the operation of a mining plant by precisely determining the amount of extracted minerals, mining waste or finished product at the processing plant, and then identifying those places where there are differences from the expected values.

Our specialty in this area is precise volumetric measurements using drones. To improve and automate this process, we have created our own, unique volume measurement system - VolumeMonit. The solution allows for very quick provision of information on the amount of inventory collected at a processing plant, excavation site or railway siding and verification of inventory levels with an accuracy of 1%. Since nowadays drone flights are very convenient and simple, we decided on a revolution - you take the measurement at any time convenient for you, and we do what we are best at - data processing and performing accurate calculations.

Presentation of data

In addition to providing the client with the right documentation, we ensure that the spatial models we acquire can be used as widely as possible. We always try to choose the optimal way of presentation and transfer of data. We provide, among others:

• Internet platform with access to 3D model, orthophoto-map or DSM model with the possibility to browse, make measurements and cross-sections or even apply your own layers or design
  See an example
• Printing models on 3D printers
• Virtual flights through 3D models in mp4 files.
  See an example
• 3D models on the Sketchfab platform
  See an example