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Advanced 3D Mapping And Visualization Solution Software
Hovermap LHD is an advanced 3D mapping and visualization solution designed to enhance the safety and efficiency of underground mining operations. Developed in partnership with Mining Plus, this system offers near real-time visibility by enabling operators to conduct 360-degree scans and high-definition 3D visualizations of production areas. It addresses critical challenges like identifying structural hazards and obstacles that traditional 2D camera systems fail to detect, thereby reducing the risk of accidents and production losses. The solution is integrated with a purpose-built mount for easy and secure connection to Load Haul Dump (LHD) equipment, allowing remote operation from the surface. Operators gain instant insights into the working face, facilitating faster and informed decision-making. Additionally, Hovermap LHD can swiftly scan areas, transmitting data via onboard WiFi to remote operators for immediate analysis. This system is compatible with advanced network operations such as Sandvik Automine, making it a versatile tool for modernizing underground mining processes.
An inability to adequately identify obstacles and structural hazards prior to and during Load Haul Dump or LHD (also known as scooptram or bogger) operation can lead to accidents and incidents that have significant safety, production loss and cost impacts.
Developed in partnership with Mining Plus, Hovermap’s LHD solution makes underground mine production faster and safer by bringing visibility to LHD operations.
LHD INCIDENTS ARE ALL TOO COMMON
LHD’s play an integral role in the efficiency and productivity of underground mining operations, providing a flexible and effective means of material handling for ore extraction, development work and backfilling, as well as road maintenance. However, accidents relating to LHD use are all too common.
Blind spots, poor lighting and a limited field of view offered by 2D camera solutions either from the LHD cab itself or when operated remotely result in an inability to identify obstacles and structural hazards – both prior to and during LHD operation. 3D scans of production areas require specialized surveying skills & equipment, and with limited data capture opportunities and extensive processing time required, decisions can take days.
The safety, productivity and cost impacts of this inability to identify hazards can be considerable. Loose rocks on side walls, loose mesh or worse, fall of ground, where the area the equipment is operating in begins to cave in, can have significant consequences for both personnel and equipment. Operating equipment repeatedly over the same area can create ruts that immobilize the LHD. Stuck or lost equipment costs operators tens of thousands of dollars for every hour of lost production, or several million dollars a year, as well as recovery costs. And there can be a long wait for replacement equipment if an LHD is damaged or ‘lost’ adding to the productivity and cost impacts. If equipment is recoverable, there is a loss of production in that ore area that can cause blending problems or a temporary shutdown of recovery processes.
PURPOSE BUILT MOUNT
Complete with magnetic mounting pads and rugged pelican case lets users attach Hovermap to an LHD in minutes
VIEW HIGH DEFINITION SURVEYS IN MINUTES
Zoom, rotate, pan, and clip using the LHD optimized version of the Commander app
STREAM AS YOU SCAN
With a 30 visualization of the environment via the Commander app as you scan
HIGH DEFINITION 3D VISUALIZATION
Enabling easier identification and analysis of hazards
EXTENDED RANGE
Up to 300m range and 360 degree field of view gives operators a complete map of the stope, even in the dark
Underground mining is inherently dangerous but as mine operations have gone deeper, and geomechanical conditions therefore become more extreme, hazards are ever increasing. Emesent’s LHD solution gives 360 degree visibility in minutes to identify:
- Loose rocks on side walls or loose mesh
- Fall of ground
- Hanging wall material, suspended obstacles
- Loose or dangerous rocks or other obstacles
- Unstable tunnel roof in open stope areas
- Uneven or rutted ground that can cause the bogger to become stuck
- Rill Angle
- Change to structure
- Angle of draw point
- Rocks on the floor
Uncovering a hidden hazard to avert potential fall of ground
A customer had been using traditional lights and a camera on an LHD during mucking before trialing Emesent’s Hovermap LHD solution on their fleet.
Immediately upon entering a stope, the Hovermap scan allowed them to identify a 30 ton rock above an entrance way that could have fallen at any time, with catastrophic consequences. This had not been visible via traditional means and the operator had been unaware of the hazard despite making a number of previous entries to the area.
Upon identifying the hazard the customer was able to conduct a mini blast to fragment the rock and remove it, rendering the area safe.
Ensuring effective rill angle operation to maximize production
A thorough understanding of the rill angle is critical, not only to maximize production but also to ensure safety. If the rill angle is too steep it may cause structural issues and compromise safety. If it’s too shallow you could be leaving valuable material behind.
Using Emesent’s LHD solution, a customer was able to visualize the operation of the LHD across an entire shift. They could view a cross section of the excavation and further manipulate the point cloud to gain different views of the entire area.
This allowed them to confirm in this case the rill angle was being effectively operated, with only a small amount of material left in the deposit to be safely taken.
Hovermap puts an advanced 3D analysis tool in the hands of operators so they can make faster, better decisions as they go, as well as allowing safe and efficient LHD operation from the surface while removing personnel from potential harm. Connecting easily and securely to the LHD via a purpose built mount, Hovermap enables an operator to remotely conduct a 360 degree scan of the working face and visualize results in near real time for analysis, allowing them to safely identify obstacles and complex structural issues before they become a problem.
Once attached to the LHD and connected to the network, Hovermap can scan the area in minutes while the equipment is being moved and transmit the data to the remote operator on the surface via onboard wifi, for a full visualization in minutes for analysis. This allows issues to be pre-emptively addressed prior to any impacts, reducing any risk to production. Hovermap also integrates into advanced network operations, including Sandvik Automine.