What are the best LiDAR systems for precise topographic mapping in mining operations?

Throughout my years of experience I realized that each of the systems has its own strengths and weaknesses and hence applicability is within a spectrum in the mining industry. Airborne is useful in large area mapping as a precursor to exploration activities. Terrestrial systems can be used for both surface and underground but are limited by obstacles and will require multiple set ups to collect maximum data. Mobile on the other hand can cover wider spaces within a short space of time. UAV is more versatile, usable on both surface and underground, has the capability to go around obstacles and map hidden areas e.g. in stopes where certain areas are partially blocked by boulders.

One thing I have found beneficial from this system is it's able to capture big topographical area quicker and faster It's precision enhance hazards identification and risks assessment which planning and environment monitoring easy for both current operations and future development. The system always makes easy penetration of the vegetation which makes it for exploration on the area

For me, LiDAR systems which best suits the work at hand, versatile or can be used for a wide range or variety of field work qualifies as the best. However, the possession of skills and knowledge to operate any of the device is key. Applying the Airborne LiDAR or the Terrestrial LiDAR without the requisite training and possession of skills will not give the desired result. From my experience, all these equipment, though very good have their low sides while being used. Therefore, to be able to get the best result, one need an operational understanding and experience of the particular equipment to make comparison.

Riegl VZ-4000 or VZ-6000: These are very powerful terrestrial LiDAR systems known for their long-range capabilities, which are particularly useful in large-scale mining environments. They can effectively capture detailed topographic data over vast areas.

One thing I have found helpful is this can be on fixed position on ground which is use on capturing stockpiles for weekly, monthly, quarterly or annually mining reports. The system can be used to measure ore depletion in dangerous areas such as stopes. The system is also suitable for monitoring the walls of the slimes dam over time. It can be used in rockmech monitoring the stability of the ground as well, to ensure efficient and effective mining as per design

You could use LiDAR for deformation monitoring or monitoring changes like on Dam walls but it is not the best tool for it due to the sheer size and time it takes to gather all that data a.k.a (millions of points or point cloud). Instead a Robotic Total stations like Topcon MS with Delta watch system is better suited. The workflow is few dozens points setup around the structure, the station is set away up to 1km or so and it toggles monitoring (observing, shooting, taking a small measurement) of the position and then switching to the next point on the list. It can do that 24/7 and with the Delta watch station it will email the user if any of the control points changed position at whatever delta value the engineers set the threshold for. ??

For precise topographic mapping in mining operations, some of the best Lidar systems include: 1. RIEGL VZ-400i: Known for its high accuracy and long-range capabilities, ideal for detailed mapping in mining environments. 2. Trimble TX8: Offers high-speed scanning with excellent range and accuracy, suitable for large-scale mining operations. 3. Leica Geosystems ALS80: Known for its high-density point clouds and accuracy, making it suitable for detailed terrain modeling in mining sites. These Lidar systems provide the precision and detail required for topographic mapping in mining, helping to optimize operations and ensure safety.

Mobility using SLAM LiDAR has fundamentally changed the way we access and map complex and inaccessible areas. With the Emesent Hovermap the trade-off between millimetre trade-off has evolved to unlocking coverage with more than sufficient range and resolution more rapidly, arguably with new sensors like the HESAI XT32 the applications and versatility have enabled a new realm for mapping and autonomy that trumps static terrestrial LiDAR for most legacy setups. Exciting times for mobile mapping!

MLS utilisation in UG Hardrock mining has improved operational safety, autonomous vehicle deployment, post blast analysis, convergence monitoring and probably most importantly rich data insights into the dull, dirty and dangerous voids or FOG. Having used a GeoSlam, Leica, XYZN (sic) and Hovermap in the same location at the same time there is a clear leader in the market with the Hovermap solution.

One thing I have found helpful is the system can access some areas which are not accessible using conventional means. They can be used in the measurement of stocks depletion in the stopes provided it's remote controlled. However, I disagree on benefits of the the conveyance of the material

One thing I have found helpful is system is beneficial for measuring stockpiles and mapping topographical maps of the area, they can be used to access some of the unsafe areas on the surface but can not be used to access unsafe areas which are found under ground

One thing I have found helpful is the system can be used to map water movement in the the open pit for example when the pit is filled with water

User (mine plan) point of view : lidar technology is a valuable tool for preliminary reserve and overview design, road, river, etc. particularly in situations where access to the ground is limited. However, it is important to recognize that lidar data has limitations in terms of accuracy. It is advisable to employ more accurate methods such as total station or laser scanner once the area is accessible. These methods is slower but provide better accuracy for an accurate model reserve. Therefore, lidar's primary advantage lies in its speed, not its accuracy. Our focus should be on developing simpler yet agile tools like drone lidar with improved accuracy. I would still caution against relying solely on lidar data for reserve determination