A culvert on an open-pit mine in Australia was once considered too dangerous and difficult to access. However, with the help of the Elios 3, the site was scanned in under a day, showcasing the power of modern drone technology in improving safety and efficiency. The Elios 3 allowed the team to reach areas that were previously off-limits—without putting any personnel at risk. The quick setup and operation of the Elios 3 enabled the inspection to be completed in just one day, with results delivered to the client promptly. When unexpected obstacles arose inside the culvert, the team quickly adapted, using the Elios 3 to find a solution without delay. The Elios 3 provided high-quality data that allowed engineers to conduct a detailed visual assessment of the culvert’s condition and structural integrity. Mining operations around the world must follow strict safety standards to protect workers, whether they're working in open-pit or underground environments. Regular inspections and maintenance are essential for ensuring equipment reliability and site safety. Culverts play a crucial role in mining by channeling water and providing structural support. If damaged, they can lead to serious issues like subsidence or landslides. However, inspecting these underground structures is often challenging due to limited access and hazardous conditions. Traditional methods, such as manual inspections or crawlers, are not always feasible, especially when there's standing water or restricted space. That’s where the Elios 3 comes in. This compact, durable drone offers a safe and efficient way to gather critical data from hard-to-reach areas without risking human lives. Azure Integrity, an industrial drone service provider based in Adelaide, Australia, has been using the Elios 3 to inspect critical infrastructure across various sites, including mines and railway systems. As former users of the Elios 2, they upgraded to the Elios 3 this year to enhance their capabilities. During a recent project, Azure Integrity was called to a large open-pit mine in Queensland to inspect a 80-meter-long culvert. The structure had never been inspected with drones before, but the mine owners wanted to improve safety after recent incidents highlighted the importance of regular maintenance. The culvert measured 3.5 meters in height and 1.5 meters in width. A power breaker on the upstream side made it impossible for humans to enter, and the unknown water level ruled out traditional floating inspection tools. This made the Elios 3 the ideal choice for the job. The goal was to perform a thorough visual inspection using the drone’s high-resolution cameras, which would provide the mine owners with valuable insights into the culvert’s condition. Upon arrival, the Azure Integrity team deployed the Elios 3 quickly and began their flight. They moved smoothly through the stagnant water inside the culvert without any issues. However, about 50 meters into the inspection, the team encountered an unexpected challenge—a family of bats had taken refuge inside. Despite the pilot's efforts to guide them out, the bats remained. Rather than stopping the mission, the team used the Elios 3’s powerful lighting system (16,000 lumens) to continue the inspection at night when the bats would be out hunting. This flexibility allowed the team to complete the remaining 30 meters of the 80-meter culvert. The data collected was then analyzed using Flyability’s Inspector 4 software, giving engineers a clear view of the structure’s condition and helping them plan any necessary maintenance. The project was a resounding success for both Azure Integrity and the mine operators. The Elios 3 proved to be an invaluable tool for accessing dangerous locations while maintaining high levels of safety and efficiency. This case highlights how drones are revolutionizing the mining industry, enabling faster, safer, and more accurate inspections. With the ability to adapt to changing conditions and deliver real-time data, the Elios 3 is setting a new standard in industrial drone applications. As drone technology continues to evolve, its role in mining will only grow, offering more opportunities for innovation, cost savings, and improved safety across the sector. Metal Lid / End / Ring Production Lines Metal Lid Production Line,Metal End Production Line,Metal Ring Production Line,Metal Ring Making Machine Zhoushan Golden Wing Machinery Co., Ltd. , https://www.goldenwingmachines.comUsing the Elios 3 to Enhance Site Safety at an Australian Mine
Key Benefits in a Nutshell
Access
Speed
Flexibility
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