Author: Mike Campigotto

ARTICLE HIGHLIGHTS

In the article, we cover key transformation outcomes for shaft management:

• Create a shaft digital twin accurate within a millimeter
• Reduce or remove workers from the shaft 
• Proactive Management that save workers, time, and money
• Traceable variance reports that drive work orders to manage shaft

New Digital Deliverables 

This new approach had at its roots the reduction of live work in the shaft. While we recognize in shaft inspection will always be required this approach allows a major reduction in the requirement for interval measurements shaft management workers.

In return it allows for the collection of a unique set of deliverables at whatever frequency the shaft management team deems appropriate. The results include: 

• Shaft 3D model (PTS or PTX format) by set. 
• 360 Video by set. 
• DXF measurements
  • Face to Face 
  • Guide Alignment,
  • Bunton, 
  • Divide, 
  • Guide width & depth).
• Findings Summary Table to support Work Order Definition.

The Implications 

Creating a new Digital Asset for any site: SafeSight can now create a new Shaft Digital Asset that creates an accurate baseline to the mm after a new construction or refurbishment of any shaft or shaft compartment. This digital asset can be used over the life of the shaft. 

Digital Guide Alignment;  Our digital alignment capability will allow for a 1mm alignment of the guides. For a 3000 ft shaft this takes approximately 10 hrs of data collection and 24hrs of processing. The result is the identification of specific points of variance from the headframe for the length of the shaft.

Regression Data and compare is now possible. Trends and aggregation can support more effective management and operations 

Reduce Shaft Guide Stockpile: Digital shaft measurement done at least twice annual can create enough guide insight to allow for more precise guide inventory and lower inventory requirements. That means less guides in inventory. 

The next logical step in shaft management is the application of LiDAR technology for safe, proactive shaft measurement.

Maximized Use Cases Underground 

Maximizing any return-on-investment means ensuring that the investment can be applied effectively. 

Effective application of drone technology means maximizing the flight potential and the number of situations in which flight is possible. 

SafeSight’s DB4 underground mapping drone is designed to ensure it can be leveraged in as many situations as possible. These include: 

• Narrow access as small as 1.5mX1.5m
• The ability to operate were there are leads, and obstacles in the drift or stope.
• Adaptability to ground, hand or wench-based delivery to ensure you can always gather the data. 

Features and functions that support maximum application of LiDAR technology underground are a key to ROI.

What’s often overlooked by Sites as they select high tech solutions is “support and Service Levels.”

High Availability Matters 

Technology can be a great enabler of business transformation however if the solution is not highly available and reliable it can be a business “disabler”. 

You can’t demonstrate ROI is your technology is out for repair or support. 

Equipment Outage:  Over the past 3 years we have tracked our service and support through our internal and Client facing support technology. The data shows our drones are typically in service and ready to use 99% of the operational window in which they can be used.  

Service Levels: Service and Client satisfaction are critical and tracking measurable service and support data has helped us build better solutions and ensure we respond quickly to any service interruption or service request. 

On the Rail 

Once activated the MRC RR can be integrated into standard operating procedures at the beginning of a shift or the end or both for maximum safety. 

Step 1 and Step 7 on the diagram above creates two opportunities to assess the raise. The first at the beginning of the shift to confirm the shift plan and ensure raise conditions are “known” and safe. 

The second at the end of the shift can be used to execute a survey of the raise based on the last successful round. 

At a rate of 3ft per minute the assessment does not put the shift plan and risk and in both cases ensures air, loose and orientation of the development are safe and on plan. 

Leveraging Collective Intelligence 

The video, image and point cloud data can be view on your Rail Runner tablet. The gas peak readings can be reviewed once the unit has returned to the nest. With access to your site network (underground or on surface) the data can be loaded to the MINED SIGHT portal (Step B). 

The Portal provides a cloud-based solution that allows your organization to leverage oversight and expertise from anywhere at anytime. 

Geotechnical and Supervisors can review and monitor best practice and safety related to: 

• The rail installation
• Drill pattern
• Rail orientation 
• Overall Development safety 

Once in operation the MRC RR will reduce the level of risk and increase the worker safety when developing a raise or a pass with a Mechanical Raise Climber

Creating Dynamic Response 

With the SafeSight Emergency Tool kit deployed Responders will have a wide range of response alternatives. Finding the fastest and safest incident response can be the difference between rescue and recovery. 

By Air 

Aerial inspection is possible through our emergency response drone. This micro unit with gas sensing, thermal imaging and high-definition video allows for remote reconnaissance of any incident environment inspecting for 8 signatures air quality and then overall assessment of the incident environment.

If, however Flight is not possible all this technology can be deployed for remote ground based inspection.

On the Ground 

Our DeepTraxx-Fire Response unit provides remote deployment of three formats of response. 

Thermal Model: The unit can be deployed with the emergency response drone payload. This allows for ground collection of air quality, thermal imaging, and high-definition video.

Mapping Mode: By integrating our SafeScanner technology with the DeepTraxx-Fire Response Responder’s can create a real-time 3D model the entire incident environment. A 3D model can then be used to analyzed and determine a response. 

Finally in active fire the DeepTraxx-Fire Response can be deployed with selected nozzles and connected to water supply to provide a suppressing fog or a water curtain that can assist the responder approach to fire management.

New Tools for new options in effective Emergency Response means increased Responder safety and improved reach and range in Search and Rescue on surface or underground.