How connected workflows optimize mining operations

The huge volume of geospatial data generated by mining surveyors typically remains underutilized. For today’s mines, flexibility, connectivity and data accessibility hold the key to the future. As this article shows, the adoption of connected workflows expedites the efficient transfer of information between the field and office, while common data environments integrate diverse sources of data and allow real-time collaboration. Enhanced communication, transparency and utilization extend the value of geospatial data across the entire operation – from worker safety to timely decision-making by stakeholders.

A mine site functions like a mini city. It has diverse infrastructure and unique characteristics, requiring various surveying techniques to capture detailed geospatial data. Mixed facilities require mining surveyors to adapt to different situations using a variety of tools without interrupting production. Moreover, mines present inherently difficult environments, often in remote areas with extreme weather conditions. From initial design to daily operations, surveyors play a crucial role in maintaining safety and optimizing production. Capturing data efficiently, preferably from a distance, improves safety and limits the time workers are exposed to high-risk areas.

Mine surveyors generate a huge volume of geospatial data that typically remains siloed, fragmented and ultimately underutilized. Other stakeholders, from geologists and mine planners to drilling engineers and supervisors, could benefit from this information but often face accessibility barriers.

Standards are unlocking value

Emerging standards for data interconnectivity in purpose-built solutions are helping enable seamless integration between previously isolated systems. Common data environments assist by combining diverse data types in one centralized database. Cloud-based platforms offer democratic access to data without requiring specialized software and enable real-time collaboration. These new standards support a unified data ecosystem where information flows freely between departments, breaking down traditional barriers between exploration, planning, operations and reclamation teams. Simultaneously, advances in data visualization technologies are transforming how this interconnected information is presented and interpreted. Interactive 3D environments, augmented reality solutions and customizable dashboards make complex spatial relationships more intuitive for stakeholders across technical and non-technical roles. The resulting integration converts previously underused data into actionable intelligence to optimize resource extraction, minimize environmental impacts, enhance safety protocols and improve overall operational efficiency. As these standards gain wider adoption across the industry, they promise to unlock significant value from existing geospatial datasets.

Maximizing productivity in high-priority workflows

Daily surveying activities at mines vary widely – from topographic and bathymetric surveys, to stockpile analysis and borehole stakeouts. Surveyors rely on technology to complete many time-sensitive tasks while maintaining a safe work environment and meeting accuracy and quality standards. Connected workflows help maximize productivity by expediting the transfer of data between the field and the office in a range of high-priority workflows, as outlined below.

During and after construction, 3D scanners capture precise, detailed point cloud data of existing mining structures and terrain, enabling the creation of accurate as-built building information models (BIMs) that can be compared against design plans to identify discrepancies and construction errors. These digital twins serve as continuously updatable reference models for maintenance planning, asset management and future expansion projects.

Regular monitoring of slope stability through advanced measurement techniques directly prevents catastrophic failures that could result in loss of life, equipment damage and production halts costing millions per day. Survey teams equipped with drones and terrestrial laser scanning systems collect high-density point clouds to measure displacement, ensuring the detection of subtle movement patterns long before they become visible to the naked eye. Automated monitoring systems installed on risky slope areas capture data at more frequent intervals. The resulting risk maps and movement trend analyses support proactive rather than reactive management approaches, and the correct BIM design can be transmitted to machine guidance systems to direct repairs.

Production insights rely on surveys to track extraction progress, weekly volumetric reports for stockpiles, bathymetric surveys of tailings ponds and other water on site, and more. Without interrupting operations, scanners and mobile mapping systems safely collect information along linear corridors such as haul roads to ensure they meet design specifications and are well maintained to encourage smooth material transfer.

Pit mine tracking

Open-pit mines present unique challenges as large quantities of soil and rock are excavated and haul roads descend to the bottom of the pit. Regular slope surveying is crucial to ensure compliance with safety regulations and uninterrupted operations. This continuous monitoring process creates a temporal database of slope behaviour that enables engineers to compare actual performance against geotechnical design parameters and identify zones where safety factors fall below acceptable thresholds.

Due to the high-risk environment, minimizing the time surveyors are in the field is a priority. Infield analysis of conformance areas and capturing data at safe distances from active mining areas enhances safety and productivity. Scanning total stations provide valuable functionality, offering quick setup and the ability to scan large areas in minutes with a high level of accuracy when recording daily mining progress and checking pit design compliance.

Integrated software systems allow surveyors to simultaneously connect to both optical and GNSS equipment, combining the strengths of different positioning technologies in challenging environments. The captured data can be quickly transferred to the office to create surfaces, contours, cut/fill maps and volume reports. This crucial information is useful for stakeholders to identify issues and make timely decisions.

Applications in solution mining

Solution mining can be the preferred method of extraction for water-soluble minerals found deep underground. At a greenfield site, surveyors are responsible for mapping, planning and building separate areas including the wellfield, tank farm and utilities, evaporation and cooling ponds, processing plant, and storage and loading areas, in addition to office buildings, warehouses, pipelines and transportation infrastructure.

Survey activities critical to operations of a solution mine vary from day to day, but can include topographic surveys, bathymetric surveys, road and building as-builts, volumetric analysis, well centre stakeouts and other tasks. The survey team relies on an array of data collection tools to optimize safety and productivity. Total stations, 3D laser scanners, GNSS receivers, drones and survey boats allow surveyors to select the most efficient and effective approach for each task, while integrated software seamlessly combines data from multiple sources to produce analysis and reports.

The future of mine surveying

The future of mine surveying lies in flexibility, connectivity and data accessibility. Survey teams must capture data at varying scales and frequencies using multiple tools, selecting the most appropriate technology for each situation. Geospatial data should be leveraged by producing information that is easily accessible, shareable and interpretable for expanded usage across the site.

Current software offers fit-for-purpose functionality to integrate data from multiple sources, generate reports and analysis, and facilitate collaboration among stakeholders to maximize the value of the data. As mining operations become more complex and safety requirements more stringent, the role of connected workflows and common data environments will continue to grow in importance. The mine surveyor of tomorrow will not just be a data collector, but a data manager and facilitator. This will enable the entire operation to make better decisions based on comprehensive, accurate and timely geospatial information.