A remote-controlled, semi-autonomous vehicle that can detect blast movement monitor (BMM) locations post-blast has been launched, in answer to the growing demand for mining digitisation.
The system is aimed at helping mining companies to maximise ore recovery and profitability, while reducing waste and costs.
The flight enabled detector (FED) is an alternative detector for mines that either do not allow or prefer not to use mine personnel to walk the post-blast muck pile. The use of the semi-autonomous vehicle to retrieve the movement data aims to address safety and environmental concerns and to allow for faster access and a broader, more in-depth range of data acquisition following the blast stand-off period. The system works in openpit mines and across a range of geologies and commodities.
The FED from Australia-based company Blast Movement Technologies is a drone based on the DJI Matrice M600Pro platform, fitted with a BMM detector and Global Positioning System to find and report the position of BMMs.
The system will be commercially available from 2020 and includes the following features:
- Automated flight control and customisable flight plan
- Vertical and horizontal collision detection systems
- Built-in Global Navigation Satellite System receiver
- DJI M600 Pro Airframe
- Returns home on 25% battery power and once the batteries are replaced, can resume the mission from the point where it was suspended