Eureka Implements Drone Technology to Mitigate Surveying Risks
Eureka Mine is enhancing its surveying operations by incorporating drone technology to mitigate significant risks associated with daily surveying, Mining Zimbabwe can report.
By Ryan Chigoche
A recent technical visit by the Association of Mine Surveyors of Zimbabwe (AMSZ) to Eureka Mine revealed that the mine is taking substantial measures to reduce hazards faced by its surveyors. A 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 substantial dangers. Hillary Mushonga, a senior member of Eureka’s surveying department, explained how drone technology is reducing surveyors’ exposure to these hazardous conditions.
“To address the risks associated with high wall failure, we have significantly 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 in measuring water levels in the pit. While personal protective equipment (PPE), such as life jackets, is used, it offers limited protection against the risk of drowning.
Surveying in mining is inherently hazardous due to the challenging environments surveyors operate in. 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 improving the safety of surveying operations.
As they progress with drone implementation, Eureka is nearing ROC certification with the Civil Aviation Authority of Zimbabwe (CAAZ), ensuring 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 Eureka’s Survey department.
The AMSZ technical visit to Eureka Gold Mine provided members with practical exposure to the complexities of mining, bridging 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 valuable knowledge members gained from 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, along 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 safety-conscious culture through discussions and the implementation of best practices.