Introduction

The geological and mining sectors are inherently complex, involving vast and often remote terrains, challenging access, and critical demands for accurate spatial data. Traditional methods for geological mapping, mineral exploration, and mine site management, relying heavily on ground crews and manned aircraft, are frequently time-consuming, expensive, and pose significant safety risks, while often failing to capture the comprehensive detail required for modern operations. The transformative emergence of drones (Unmanned Aerial Systems - UAS) has revolutionized these industries. Equipped with high-resolution RGB cameras, multispectral, hyperspectral, and LiDAR sensors, drones can rapidly acquire precise aerial imagery, 3D models, orthophoto maps, and dense point clouds, providing unparalleled insights into geological structures, mineralogical anomalies, and mine site conditions. This unprecedented access to detailed geospatial information enables more efficient exploration, safer operations, optimized resource extraction, and enhanced environmental compliance. This essential training course focuses on Geological Mapping & Mining Applications of Drones, empowering professionals to master this cutting-edge technology for superior geological understanding and optimized mining workflows.

This intensive training course provides a comprehensive and practical guide to integrating drone technology into geological mapping and mining operations. Participants will gain hands-on experience with drone selection for rugged geological environments, mastering advanced flight planning for complex topographical features and active mine sites, and effectively utilizing specialized sensors for data collection (e.g., LiDAR for bare-earth models, hyperspectral for mineral identification). We will delve into photogrammetry and LiDAR data processing techniques to generate actionable insights for structural geology, mineral exploration, pit mapping, stockpile measurement, and reclamation monitoring. By mastering the operational workflows, technical skills, and data analysis crucial for drone-based geological and mining applications, you will be equipped to conduct efficient, accurate, and safe surveys, ultimately reducing operational costs, improving safety, and enhancing the overall profitability and sustainability of geological and mining projects.

Target Audience

• Geologists & Geoscientists
• Mining Engineers & Surveyors
• Mineral Exploration Professionals
• Geotechnical Engineers
• Mine Planners & Operators
• GIS Professionals & Remote Sensing Specialists
• Environmental Managers in Mining
• Drone Service Providers (Mining Sector)

Course Objectives

• Understand the diverse applications of drones in geological mapping and mining.
• Identify suitable drone platforms and specialized sensors for various geological and mining tasks.
• Master advanced drone flight planning and data acquisition techniques for rugged terrains and active mine sites.
• Learn to process drone imagery using photogrammetry software to create accurate 2D and 3D geological models.
• Apply LiDAR data processing techniques for generating highly accurate Digital Terrain Models (DTMs) and bare-earth surfaces.
• Understand how to utilize hyperspectral/multispectral data for mineral identification and geological unit differentiation.
• Explore the use of drones for structural geological mapping (faults, folds, lineaments).
• Develop strategies for pit mapping, stockpile volume calculation, and haul road analysis using drone data.
• Implement safety protocols and risk mitigation strategies for drone operations in mining environments.
• Integrate drone-acquired geological and mining data with GIS and CAD software.
• Design a comprehensive drone program for continuous geological and mine site monitoring.

DURATION

10 Days

COURSE CONTENT

Module 1: Introduction to Drones in Geology & Mining

• The evolving landscape of geological mapping and mining with UAS technology.
• Advantages of drones over traditional methods: safety, speed, cost-effectiveness, data density.
• Overview of drone applications: exploration, resource estimation, pit optimization, safety, reclamation.
• Key regulatory considerations for drone operations in mining and remote geological areas.
• The economic impact and ROI of drone integration in the mining lifecycle.

Module 2: Drone Platforms for Geological & Mining Use

• Characteristics of industrial-grade drones: robust design, long endurance, high wind resistance.
• Fixed-wing drones for large-area geological reconnaissance and regional mapping.
• Multirotor drones for detailed pit mapping, close-up inspections, and stockpile volumes.
• RTK/PPK GPS systems for centimeter-level accuracy in geological surveys.
• Considerations for operating in high EMI environments common in mining operations.

Module 3: Specialized Sensors for Geosciences & Mining

• High-resolution RGB cameras for visual geological interpretation and photogrammetry.
• LiDAR sensors for generating accurate bare-earth models, even under vegetation, and for precise volumetric analysis.
• Multispectral and Hyperspectral sensors for identifying mineralogical alteration zones, rock types, and vegetation stress.
• Magnetometer payloads for geophysical surveys and detecting subsurface anomalies.
• Integrating multiple sensor types for comprehensive geological understanding.

Module 4: Flight Planning for Complex Topography & Mine Sites

• Automated flight planning software for generating optimized missions over mountains, open pits, and active sites.
• Defining flight parameters: altitude, speed, overlap, and GSD to meet geological mapping requirements.
• Strategies for capturing steep slopes, high walls, and complex geological structures.
• Considerations for airspace integration and active mining operations.
• Best practices for Ground Control Point (GCP) placement in challenging geological settings.

Module 5: Photogrammetry Processing for Geological Models

• Principles of photogrammetry: turning aerial images into 3D models and orthomosaics for geological interpretation.
• Software tools for processing drone imagery (e.g., Pix4Dmapper, Agisoft Metashape, RealityCapture).
• Generating high-resolution orthophoto maps for base geological mapping.
• Creating Digital Surface Models (DSMs) and Digital Elevation Models (DEMs) for topographic analysis.
• Quality control and accuracy assessment for geological applications.

Module 6: LiDAR Data Processing & Terrain Analysis

• Understanding the advantages of LiDAR for generating precise DTMs and identifying subtle geological features.
• Processing raw LiDAR point cloud data: denoising, classification (ground, vegetation, structures).
• Techniques for extracting geological structures from LiDAR point clouds: faults, fractures, bedding planes.
• Applications in landslide monitoring, stability analysis, and slope management.
• Generating contour maps and cross-sections for detailed geological models.

Module 7: Mineral Exploration & Alteration Mapping

• Utilizing multispectral and hyperspectral drone data for detecting mineral assemblages.
• Identifying hydrothermal alteration zones indicative of mineralization.
• Applying spectral unmixing techniques to quantify mineral distribution.
• Overlaying geophysical data (e.g., magnetic anomalies) with drone-derived geological maps.
• Supporting drilling target identification and resource estimation.

Module 8: Structural Geological Mapping with Drones

• Techniques for extracting and mapping structural features (faults, folds, joints, lineaments) from drone imagery and 3D models.
• Analyzing bedding orientations and structural discontinuities from aerial perspectives.
• Creating virtual outcrops and 3D geological models for detailed analysis.
• Integrating drone data with field observations for comprehensive structural interpretations.
• Applications in hazard assessment and geotechnical stability analysis.

Module 9: Mine Pit Mapping & Optimization

• Generating accurate 3D models of open pits for blast design and fragmentation analysis.
• Monitoring pit wall stability, identifying potential failures, and tracking deformations.
• Mapping bench progression and face advancements.
• Optimizing haul road design and traffic flow using drone data.
• Volume calculations for blasted material and overburden removal.

Module 10: Stockpile Management & Resource Estimation

• Performing accurate stockpile volume calculations for inventory management and reconciliation.
• Tracking material movement and consumption within the mine site.
• Assessing ore grades and waste material segregation (where applicable).
• Providing real-time data for production planning and forecasting.
• Ensuring compliance with reporting requirements for extracted resources.

Module 11: Safety Management & Environmental Monitoring in Mining

• Conducting aerial safety inspections of active mine sites, tailings dams, and hazardous areas.
• Monitoring environmental impacts: dust plumes, water quality, rehabilitation progress.
• Detecting unauthorized access or activities on mine properties.
• Rapid response mapping for emergencies (e.g., rockfalls, dam breaches).
• Ensuring regulatory compliance through comprehensive and documented inspections.

Module 12: Integration with GIS & Mine Planning Software

• Importing drone-generated maps, point clouds, and 3D models into GIS platforms (e.g., ArcGIS, QGIS).
• Integrating drone data with geological databases, drill hole data, and geophysical surveys.
• Utilizing drone data in mine planning software (e.g., Leapfrog, Deswik, MineSight).
• Creating custom visualizations and analytical layers for geological and mining decision-making.
• Enhancing communication and collaboration among geology and mining teams.

Module 13: Mine Reclamation & Post-Closure Monitoring

• Monitoring reclamation progress: revegetation, landform reconstruction, erosion control.
• Assessing the effectiveness of environmental mitigation measures.
• Tracking long-term stability of reclaimed areas and tailings facilities.
• Documenting post-closure conditions for regulatory compliance.
• Using drones for ongoing environmental monitoring of closed mine sites.

Training Approach

This course will be delivered by our skilled trainers who have vast knowledge and experience as expert professionals in the fields. The course is taught in English and through a mix of theory, practical activities, group discussion and case studies. Course manuals and additional training materials will be provided to the participants upon completion of the training.

Tailor-Made Course

This course can also be tailor-made to meet organization requirement. For further inquiries, please contact us on: Email: info@skillsforafrica.org, training@skillsforafrica.org  Tel: +254 702 249 449

Training Venue

The training will be held at our Skills for Africa Training Institute Training Centre. We also offer training for a group at requested location all over the world. The course fee covers the course tuition, training materials, two break refreshments, and buffet lunch.

Visa application, travel expenses, airport transfers, dinners, accommodation, insurance, and other personal expenses are catered by the participant

Certification

Participants will be issued with Skills for Africa Training Institute certificate upon completion of this course.

Airport Pickup and Accommodation

Airport pickup and accommodation is arranged upon request. For booking contact our Training Coordinator through Email: info@skillsforafrica.org, training@skillsforafrica.org  Tel: +254 702 249 449

Terms of Payment: Unless otherwise agreed between the two parties’ payment of the course fee should be done 10 working days before commencement of the training.