LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) is a remote sensing technology that uses pulsed laser light to measure distances to the earth's surface and objects on it, generating highly accurate three-dimensional point clouds and digital elevation models (DEMs). In the mining industry, LiDAR has become an increasingly vital tool for surveying, geological mapping, volumetric calculations, slope stability monitoring, environmental assessments, and operational planning across bauxite, gold, iron ore, and diamond mining operations.
LiDAR systems can be deployed from various platforms including aircraft (airborne LiDAR), unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV or drone-mounted LiDAR), ground-based tripod systems (terrestrial LiDAR), and satellite platforms. Each deployment mode offers different trade-offs in terms of spatial resolution, area coverage, cost, and logistical requirements. Airborne LiDAR is particularly effective for large-scale topographic surveys of remote mining areas, generating centimetre-level elevation accuracy over thousands of hectares. UAV-mounted LiDAR has become increasingly popular for detailed pit surveys, stockpile volume measurements, and infrastructure monitoring due to its flexibility and lower cost compared to manned aircraft.
In open-cut mining operations, LiDAR is used for regular pit surveys to track ore extraction volumes, update mine plans, and reconcile actual versus planned extraction. It enables highly accurate stockpile volume calculations that are critical for inventory management and ore grade reconciliation. LiDAR-derived DEMs are used in hydrological modeling to understand catchment areas and surface drainage patterns relevant to water management planning.
In bauxite mining, LiDAR supports the mapping of laterite profiles and the identification of topographic features relevant to mine planning and rehabilitation scheduling. In underground gold mines, LiDAR is used for cavity scanning and as-built surveys of underground drives and stopes. In diamond mining, LiDAR aids in the mapping of kimberlite pipes and alluvial terraces.