The history of human civilization is rich in terms of experiences-successes and failure in pursuit of economic development, social growth and advances in technologies.

These events, some phenomenal while others plain conventional, however, could not have been made possible without the identification of mineral resources endowment and subsequent development, and the utilization of their corresponding derivative products. These in turn created wealth and spurned other industrial endeavors.

Mineral resource endowment has always been the backbone of human activity. Next to agriculture, mining as an industry, has been widely considered integral to modern societal survival, and in particular, to humanity’s sustained existence as a species.

Just as the needs and applications of mineral resources have evolved through the years, from mankind’s primitive past, though recent industrialization push and to the current computer age, technologies have been geared towards more efficient methods. It developed with much greater emphasis on spatial and temporal reliability, accuracy, maneuverability, and most importantly, their safety and non-invasive application properties.

Adoption of current available “state of the art” techniques, equipment, computer hardware and software and expertise has therefore become imperative. To the private business sector, it means adherence to sound business practice and social responsibility; to the general public, it means improved/enhanced acceptability of mining as an important land use; and to the government, the resources managers and regulators, it means timely data acquisition, field assessment, evaluation of outcomes, with the end view of crafting policies, which are attuned to the needs of current generation and the future, thus making well-informed decisions and providing  the  vital technical and scientific  knowledge  base.

MGB Initiatives in 2017

In keeping with its mandate to deliver the best possible services to the public, the Mines Geosciences Bureau (MGB), through the Mining Technology Division (MTD), has taken the bull by the horn and positioned itself in this agenda well ahead in the year 2017. 

MTD has acquired modern equipment: software and hardware; and developed expertise in the corresponding field assessment and investigation.

The overarching objectives of MTD’s thrust are to establish a more reliable and accurate pool of data during on-site investigation, fact-finding and ground inter-action; timeliness of data acquisition; safety of field personnel and staff; and development of technical capabilities in the service and institution.

Technologies Acquired and Capabilities Developed

In 2017, the MTD, following its Annual Procurement Plan (APP), acquired three (3) apparatus to enhance its capability in conducting a rapid, but highly reliable measurement of stockpile volume verification.

This inventory is broken down to as follows: Laser Rangefinder, RTK-GPS and 3D Laser Scanner.  This brings to date the total MTD equipment for such utilization to four (4), including the requisition / acquisition of 2 units of surveillance drones (released January 2018).

Details, Description, Specifications and Applications

1. 1. True Pulse 360B Laser Range Finder - The range finder is generally a device that can measure distance from the position of the observer to the target.

By emitting a beam of laser at the push of a button, the beams bounce off distant objects and the rangefinder’s built-in high-speed clock measures the total time it takes from the beam being fired to returning to the device.  After this, the device displays the distance it measured derived from the time measurements it took.

The rangefinder is used for quick and reliable measurement of stockpiles even from a distance, across terrain, and without leaving carbon footprints during fieldwork.

1. 2. .X91+ GNSS Real Time Kinematics (RTK) GPS-The RTK GPS is device operating under the Global Positioning System (GPS), that is used to determine, by utilizing a second receiver on a known point, to correct GPS data.

The base station calculates the difference from the GPS solution and compares it to the accepted positional value. A correctional value is then calculated and transmitted via a radio modem to one or more GPS rover units.

RTK consists of a base station, one or several rover users, and a communication channel with which the base broadcasts information to the users at real time.

The RTK-GPS is designed for high accuracy and productivity  even in harsh environments. It is easy to use and efficient providing intuitive work flow; it designed for advanced network RTK survey.

1. 3. Geo-Max Zoom300 3D Laser Scanner – This laser scanner is a device that collects precise spatial data of objects or environments. The collected point cloud data can then be used to construct digital three-dimensional models. (See Photo 3).

1. 4. Drones - In the last quarter of 2017, MTD made a requisition for 2 units of surveillance drone and were released to MTD in January of 2018. These drones, given the capability to take video footages on the alleged and reported illegal mining operations without alerting attention, contribute directly to the enhanced safety of personnel and staff.  The drones can also be used for stockpile volumetric calculation.

The DJI Phantom 4        Advanced – The Phantom 4 Advance drone is equipped with a 1 inch 20-megapixel sensor capable of shooting 4K/60fps video. It has four vision sensors and one main camera, 30 minutes of flight time, and 4.1 miles of transmission range.

Utilization: Actual Level of Performance

In September 2017, MTD personnel, together with representatives from Regional Offices, participated a training entitled “Modern Techniques of Volume Estimation,” which was held in the MTD conference room.

Included in the training were the basic operational procedures on the use of Range Finder, Real Time Kinematics (RTK) and 3D Laser Scanner, including their respective computer software in the volumetric measurement of mineral ore / stockpile materials.

The RTK-GPS and Rangefinder were utilized by the MGB on many its fieldworks in 2017 and early 2018.

One of its many advantages is that during the fieldwork, the equipment provides accurate and rapid information, with minimal manpower. In contrast, with the use of the previously acquired total station for surveying, the equipment does not affect the environment of the area (like tree and grass cutting).

Commentary

Mining’s contribution to humanity cannot be measured. But with the activities involved in its conduct, it still poses great degrees of risk and at times, with perceived repercussions to both personnel and equipment; and impacts its surrounding environment.

Addressing this has led to the development of technologies and field equipment whose properties and applications promote safety and non-invasiveness, without sacrificing timeliness, efficiency and accuracy.

As technology continues to advance, mining techniques used in the field have become even more responsive.

In the office, processing of data and establishing a well-founded basis for decision-making has become a reality, a necessity to be more specific.

As personnel expertise and capabilities get enhanced over time, the quality of services to be delivered is improved; acquired revolutionary technologies may eliminate the need for longer hands-on involvement and field exposure. A faster decision-making exercise could be possible.

• [Editor:王可]