Eureka Implements Drone Technology to Mitigate Surveying Risks
Eureka Mine, owned by Dallaglio, is enhancing its surveying operations by incorporating drone technology to address significant risks associated with daily surveying, the Association of Mine Surveyors of Zimbabwe (AMSZ) has learnt.
by Ryan Chigoche
A recent technical visit by the AMSZ to Eureka Mine revealed that the mine is taking substantial measures to mitigate hazards faced by its surveyors. One major area of focus is the risk of high wall failure, a critical concern in open-pit mining.
Eureka Mine, an open-cast operation that began in 2021, reaches a depth of 140 meters. Due to the mine’s considerable depth, surveyors are exposed to significant dangers. Hillary Mushonga, a senior member of Eureka’s surveying department, detailed how drone technology is reducing surveyors’ exposure to these hazardous conditions.
“To address the risks associated with high wall failure, we have considerably reduced the time our staff spends near dangerous areas. For instance, drones are now used for mine design surveys, eliminating the need for our assistants to manually pick points along the toes of high walls,” Mushonga said.
He added, “For our mid-month and month-end surveys, we rely entirely on drones, ensuring our staff is not exposed to the dangers of standing near the crest or toes of high walls.”
Despite these advancements, challenges remain, particularly with measuring water levels in the pit. While personal protective equipment (PPE) like life jackets are used, they offer limited protection against drowning risks.
Surveying in mining is inherently hazardous due to the challenging environments in which surveyors operate. Geotechnical hazards, such as slope instability, present constant threats, especially in open-pit mines where landslides or rockfalls can occur suddenly. The integration of drones at Eureka represents a significant advancement in reducing these risks and enhancing the safety of surveying operations.
As they make strides in drone implementation, Eureka is nearing ROC certification with the Civil Aviation Authority of Zimbabwe (CAAZ), which will ensure compliance with regulatory standards.
“We have already paid for our ROC licensing and are working on the necessary documentation. The process is ongoing, and we made the payment about two days ago,” said Collet Nguluve, the head of the Eureka Survey department.
The AMSZ technical visit to Eureka Gold Mine provided members with practical exposure to the complexities of mining and bridged the gap between theoretical knowledge and real-world application.
Speaking at the event, Stewart Gumbi of AMSZ, commended Eureka Mine for its commitment to safety and the knowledge members gained as a result of the technical visit.
“Your willingness to open your doors and share your experience has been invaluable to our members and the broader mining community. The comprehensive tour of your operations, coupled with informative presentations by your team, has provided us with a deeper understanding of the innovations in surveying technologies and techniques that you employ. This knowledge will undoubtedly contribute to the professional development of our members. We also commend Eureka for its commitment to safety, environmental sustainability, and community engagement. Your dedication to responsible mining practices serves as an inspiration to the entire mining industry,” Gumbi said.
The Eureka Gold Mine, located in Guruve, has demonstrated impressive performance in recent years, achieving a 93% gold recovery rate. The mine, which resumed gold production in 2021 after a 20-year hiatus, has seen production increase from 420 kg in 2021 to 1,617 kg in 2023.
Technical visits offer invaluable experiences for surveyors, bridging theoretical knowledge with practical application. By observing surveying techniques and interacting with experienced professionals, surveyors enhance their problem-solving skills and practical expertise. These visits also facilitate networking and collaboration, support professional development, and promote a culture of safety-consciousness by discussing and implementing best practices.