Aggregates Manager Digital Magazine
Issue link: http://read.dmtmag.com/i/772143
A great example of a company that's using drones for stockpile measurement is Whitaker Contracting. Founded in 1957 and headquartered in Alabama, Whitaker Contracting, a leading aggregates company, previously used employees and third- party surveyors, to measure their stockpiles. By using drones, Whitaker's combined yearly cost is 22% less than before and they're able to measure their stockpiles twice as frequently, while spending four times less time. 2) Mine Planning Due to the cost of manned aerial surveys, many companies may only do an aerial survey once a year, while using ground-based surveyors in between. In search of a way to collect data on any site at any time, companies are incorporating drones into the mine planning process. They're finding value in the 2D and 3D models created from data captured by drones. The aerial maps provide them with a greater perspective on large quarries. Companies are also using drones to compare volume measurements from stripping, takeoffs and mine reclamation work, as well as to estimate levels of reserves. For example, Sully- Miller (part of Colas USA) uses the data from Kespry drones to overlay known information such as borehole data, mine limits, property boundaries and setbacks, which ensures that mining is following the prescribed plan and eliminating unforeseen surprises. 3) Safety For staff at aggregate companies, doing inventory at quarries means having to climb up and down stockpiles, while carrying heavy equipment, which often results in tripping, falling or sliding down. By using drones, staff no longer need to access unsafe environments, with data being collected remotely and safely. To learn how the Kespry Automated Drone System can save you time and money, while increasing safety, visit www.kespry.com/aggregates PARTNER SOLUTIONS 3D Models provide a unique perspective for mine planning Manual inspection of stockpiles often results in slipping or falling Using drones saved Whitaker 22% on yearly stockpile measurement costs Companies can view and download contours