A culvert on an open-pit mine in Australia had long been considered inaccessible—until the Elios 3 was deployed. Within just one day, the drone successfully scanned the entire structure, offering a safe and efficient alternative to manual inspections. The Elios 3 enabled access to areas that were previously off-limits, all while keeping personnel out of harm’s way. Thanks to its quick setup, the team completed the inspection in under a day and delivered results to the client efficiently. The Elios 3 captured high-quality data, which was used for a detailed visual inspection and shared with engineers to assess the structural health of the culvert. Mining operations worldwide must adhere to strict safety standards to protect workers, whether they're working in open-pit or underground environments. Regular equipment inspection and maintenance are essential components of any safety strategy. Culverts in mines serve as vital drainage systems, channeling water from one side of a road or area to another. They also provide structural support, making their integrity crucial. If a culvert fails, it can lead to subsidence or even landslides, depending on its location. That’s why regular maintenance is so important. However, inspecting culverts can be challenging due to their confined spaces and limited access points. Traditional methods often require personnel to enter these hazardous areas, which poses significant risks. This is where the Elios 3 comes in. It offers a safer and more efficient way to gather data without putting workers in danger. The compact drone can navigate through tight spaces, even when there's stagnant water, making it a reliable tool for complex inspections. Azure Integrity, an industrial drone service provider based in Adelaide, Australia, has been using the Elios 3 this year after previously using the Elios 2. The company now uses the advanced model across multiple sites, including mining and railway infrastructure. Azure Integrity was called in to inspect a culvert at a major open-pit mine in Queensland. The site had never used drones for such an inspection before, but the mine owners wanted to improve on-site safety following recent accidents that highlighted the importance of proper culvert maintenance. The culvert was 80 meters long, 3.5 meters high, and 1.5 meters wide. An energy breaker on the upstream side made the entrance too small for a person wearing breathing apparatus. Water buildup also ruled out the use of crawlers or floating inspection devices. In this scenario, the Elios 3 was the ideal solution. This project served as both a proof of concept and a successful inspection. The goal was to conduct a visual inspection of the culvert using the Elios 3's high-resolution cameras. Once on site, the Azure Integrity team quickly deployed the Elios 3 and began their flight. The drone moved smoothly through the stagnant water and covered the first 50 meters without issues. However, about halfway through the inspection, the team encountered an unexpected challenge—a family of bats had taken up residence in the culvert. Despite the pilot’s attempts to guide them out, the bats refused to leave during daylight. Thanks to the Elios 3’s flexibility, the team decided to return at night when the bats would be hunting, allowing for a clear and uninterrupted inspection. The Elios 3’s powerful lighting system—capable of 16,000 lumens—provided excellent visibility even in the dark. This allowed the pilot to complete the final 30 meters of the 80-meter culvert safely and effectively. The inspection was conducted using Flyability’s Inspector 4 software. The collected data was then reviewed by an engineer who assessed the structural integrity of the culvert and planned any necessary maintenance. Azure Integrity delivered exactly what the client needed, thanks to the Elios 3’s mobility and adaptability. This experience highlights the many advantages of using indoor drones in mining operations—quick deployment, easy adjustments, and minimal downtime. At this open-pit mine in Queensland, the team gained access to a previously unreachable area, improving safety for onsite personnel and enhancing overall site security. The client was very satisfied with the results, and the bats were able to return to their home undisturbed after the inspection. This successful workflow proves the value of drone-based inspections in mining. With the help of skilled pilots like those at Azure Integrity, mine operators can improve safety, save time, and better meet the unique demands of their work. As technology continues to evolve, the role of drones in industrial safety will only grow stronger. Aerosol Cone and Dome Production Lines Spray Can Making Machine,Aerosol Can Making Machine,Aerosol Tin Can Production Line,Aerosol Bottom Dome Making Machine Zhoushan Golden Wing Machinery Co., Ltd. , https://www.goldenwingmachines.comUsing the Elios 3 to Enhance Safety at a Mine in Australia
Key Benefits in a Nutshell
Access
Speed
Flexibility
When the team faced unexpected challenges inside the culvert, they adapted quickly using the drone's capabilities.
Accuracy
Introduction: Drone Surveying in Mining
Customer Needs: Culvert Inspection with the Elios 3
Solution: Adapting Drone Inspection Workflows with the Elios 3
Conclusion: The Success of Drone Service Providers in Mining
Using the Elios 3 to improve site safety on a mine in Australia