A NEW SCOPE FOR STOPE

EMESENT’S HOVERMAP LHD HAS HELPED BYRNECUT ACHIEVE NEAR-REAL-TIME 3D STOPE HAZARD AND VOLUME ASSESSMENTS.

Load haul dump (LHD) machines, also known as scooptrams or boggers, are essential in underground mining operations, transporting ore and waste material from the mining face to designated dumping points.

While remote control and automation systems allow for safer operation, they also present challenges, particularly in low-visibility conditions common in underground mines.

Operators often rely on 2D cameras, which can provide a limited, poorly lit view, making it difficult to accurately assess the remaining material in a stope or detect geotechnical hazards like loose rocks and overhangs.

Limited visibility not only impacts productivity but also increases the risk of operational hazards, such as equipment damage or entrapment.

These risks can be particularly pronounced in cave-style mines, where LHDs are more likely to become trapped under falling rock.

The loss of equipment can halt ore extraction and lead to costly delays, with replacement machinery sometimes taking years to deliver.

Traditionally, cavity monitoring systems (CMS) have been used to measure stope volumes and assess hazards, but these systems require specialist training and are dependent on the availability of trained surveyors, typically only available during day shifts.