Task: Monthly Quarry Surveys

Perform monthly volumetric surveys of granular stockpiles and bank rock volumes of 40 hectare quarry. Time schedules are often restrictive and fluctuating, as the client requires the surveys be carried out in a small window where the crusher is not operating. Turn around time for the stockpile volumes are short as these numbers are crucial to ongoing quarry operations. Deliverables are often requested to be delivered in less than 24 hours.

Data acquisition by drone photogrammetry is performed and data is georeferenced and validated through the use of ground control points (GCP) and check points. GCP and check points are surveyed with L1/L2 RTK GNSS equipment. Drone surveys are performed on a monthly basis during summer season.

Drone surveys are all performed in coordination with the local NAV CANADA Flight Services Station and Tower, as the site is located in close proximity Yellowknife Airport. Operations are performed in accordance with all regulations, standard operating procedures and the operating limitations listed in the drone operating manual.

Project deliverables include orthomosaics, digital surface models and volumes. Average ground sample distance is 3 cm resolution RGB. Alietum has been successful in delivering short turn around times for use in quarry management decisions. Deliverables are also sent to the client’s southern headquarters and allow company wide monitoring of asset values.