Drones are transforming every layer of the mining industry. What was once considered a niche tool has now evolved into an indispensable asset for mining operations worldwide. The use of drones in mining is significantly enhancing operational efficiency, improving worker safety, optimising resource extraction, and supporting precise site management.
Compared to traditional methods, drones offer a solution that is faster, safer, and more data-rich. By capturing high-resolution imagery, 3D topographical data, and geospatial intelligence, drones enable mine planners and engineers to make more informed decisions.
Today, unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) are no longer niche tools—they are integral to operational efficiency and competitiveness.
principal applications of drones in mining
Drones aren’t just tools—they are transforming every phase of modern mining. From exploration to rehabilitation, their versatility enables smarter, faster, and safer workflows at every stage:
surveying and mapping
The fundamental application of drones in the mining industry is topographic surveying and mine mapping. Drones in the mining industry equipped with photogrammetry and LiDAR sensors are capable of generating highly detailed digital elevation models (DEMs) and orthomosaic maps, providing valuable insights for terrain analysis and site planning. This aerial data is helpful for site planning, ore body delineation, and geological structural analysis.
Compared to traditional methods, drone surveys are faster, accurate, and less labour-intensive, making them ideal for covering large or complex terrains.
stockpile management
Reliable stockpile inventory is vital for production tracking and material reconciliation. Drones streamline this process by:
- Capturing fast, accurate and volumetric measurements even on irregular piles
- Generating auditable digital records for logistics and compliance
- Highlighting discrepancies compared to manual counts, reducing loss and errors.
This automated approach improves efficiency, reduces labour costs, and supports real-time decision-making in inventory management.
slope stability and geotechnical monitoring
In open-pit mining, slope failures pose serious risks to both personnel and equipment. Drones help to mitigate these risks by:
- Performing regular 3D scans allows for detailed analysis of wall geometry and slope angles, supporting proactive geotechnical monitoring.
- Using AI-powered image comparison to detect early signs of ground movement or structural instability
- Enabling rapid response planning with real-time visuals and updated terrain models
This enhances geotechnical awareness, improves safety readiness, and ensures better oversight of pit conditions.
exploration and resource evaluation
During the early stages of mining, drones enhance exploration efforts by:
- Capturing high-resolution aerial imagery for regional mapping and terrain analysis
- Identifying surface mineral signatures and geological features by using multispectral or hyperspectral sensors.
- Validating satellite data with localised drone imagery enhances targeting accuracy and strengthens decision-making in mining exploration.
By reducing reliance on extensive field crews, drones accelerate exploration timelines while improving the overall accuracy and cost-efficiency.
key benefits of drones in mining
Deploying drones in the mining industry provides measurable enhancements in productivity, safety, and profitability. Key advantages include:
rapid data collection
Traditional surveying methods for stockpile measurement or progress tracking are time-consuming and often result in operational delays and potential inaccuracies. Drones can accelerate surveying processes, making them up to 30 times faster than conventional techniques. Mining survey drones capture high-resolution aerial images and generate precise 3D terrain models—such as DEMs, DSMs, and DTMs—enabling:
- Centimetre-level accuracy for topographic surveys
- Reliable stockpile volumetrics and ore body mapping
- Real-time updates for dynamic environments
enhanced worker safety
Drones enable remote inspections and environmental monitoring, reducing the need for people to enter hazardous zones such as active benches, unstable slopes, or post-blast pits. The result: fewer lost-time injuries and improved compliance with safety regulations.
precision data for strategic decision-making
Drones equipped with advanced sensors—such as high-resolution RGB cameras, LiDAR, and thermal imaging—generate vast, high-accuracy datasets. This data can be seamlessly processed into orthomosaics, 3D models, and digital elevation models.
For mining professionals, this enables:
- Precise volume calculations
- High-resolution site mapping
- Enhanced geological surveys
environmental stewardship
With high-frequency and fine-resolution aerial surveys, mining operators can closely monitor land disturbance, assess water quality, and track ecological impact. This proactive approach supports environmental sustainability and helps them to operate responsibly.
cost and resource optimisation
By replacing manned aircraft and manual ground surveys with UAV-based monitoring, mining operations can optimise both cost and time. The initial investment in drone technology typically delivers a swift return on investment (ROI) through reduced labour costs, minimised downtime, and more efficient resource deployment.
how can Infosys BPM help in leveraging drone technology in mining industry?
To fully harness the potential of drone technology in mining, partnering with a trusted expert is essential. Infosys BPM, a global leader in business process management, delivers tailored solutions to optimise the use of UAVs in the mining sector. By leveraging advanced technologies and deep industry expertise, Infosys BPM empowers mining organisations to:
- Optimise operations: Streamline workflows with drone-enabled surveying, monitoring, and data collection to enhance efficiency and reduce costs.
- Enhance safety: Improve worker safety through real-time geotechnical risk detection and remote inspections powered by AI and automation.
- Drive sustainability: Support ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) goals by integrating drone technology for precise resource management and environmentally responsible practices.
- Leverage advanced analytics: Utilise AI-driven insights and advanced analytics to improve decision-making and operational resilience.
By partnering with Infosys BPM, mining companies can seamlessly integrate UAV technology, navigate digital transformation, and achieve sustainable growth whilst maximising the benefits of drones in mining operations.
