Application of unmanned aerial vehicles in the mining industry

Unmanned aerial vehicles have been actively used in the mining industry over the past decade to perform various tasks ranging from mineral exploration to reclamation of industrial areas. The study focuses on the tasks of the aeromagnetic survey, mine surveying and monitoring of tailings dumps. Using unmanned aerial vehicles offers the advantages of increased efficiency, reduced operational costs and risks, as well as improved quality of real-time data. Examples are presented of the successful use of unmanned aerial vehicles to create digital terrain models, to map geological structures and to monitor the condition of slopes and mine workings. High accuracy and efficiency of data acquisition using modern photogrammetry technologies and software are noted, which helps to optimize the planning procedures and ensure a higher level of operational safety. Despite a significant progress in using unmanned aerial vehicles, there is a need to further explore their application in more complex tasks, such as integration of digital model data into production processes and development of methods to be used in underground conditions.