Hyperspectral Mining Scanner for Real-Time Ore Grade Assessment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional open pit mining methods rely on spot-based ore grade assessments, which are time-consuming and delay blasting, recovery, and transport planning due to the need for chemical analysis of material samples, leading to inefficiencies in resource management.
Innovation Solution
A scanning module equipped with hyperspectral imagers and geometry scanners is used to generate geometric and geological information of mine bench faces, allowing for real-time ore grade assessments and informing drilling, blasting, and material processing decisions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If spot-based chemical analysis is used for ore grade assessment, then measurement precision is improved, but loss of time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical/chemical analysis system with an optical imaging system. Hyperspectral imagers capture reflected light spectra from ore surfaces, and laser scanners generate geometric data, substituting the need for physical sample collection and chemical laboratory analysis. This optical-based system provides rapid assessment while maintaining measurement precision through spectral signature analysis.
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates optical copies (hyperspectral images and laser scan data) of the ore bench faces, which can be analyzed immediately without waiting for physical sample processing. These digital copies contain sufficient information for ore grade assessment, eliminating the time delay between sampling and analysis while preserving measurement accuracy through spectral characterization.
2Productivity
If continuous scanning is implemented, then productivity is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The scanning system integrates multiple functions into a single mobile platform: hyperspectral imaging for geological composition analysis, laser scanning for geometric mapping, and GPS for positioning. This multi-functional device achieves continuous scanning capability while managing complexity through integration, enabling comprehensive data collection that improves productivity across multiple mining operations simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from static spot sampling to dynamic continuous scanning as the vehicle moves along the bench. The scanning module continuously captures hyperspectral and geometric data during movement, transforming the operation from discrete measurements to continuous monitoring. This dynamic approach improves productivity by eliminating gaps between measurements while the mobile platform manages complexity through standardized scanning protocols.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables rapid and accurate ore grade assessments, optimizing mining operations by integrating scanning data into planning and processing, reducing delays and improving resource utilization.
Implementation Method 1
The scanning module may comprise a hyperspectral imager to generate hyperspectral images of the bench face, the hyperspectral images containing geological information on the material at the bench face
Implementation Method 2
The geometry scanner may be a laser
Data Source
AI summary
A method of mining comprising: using a vehicle fitted with scanning module to scan a bench face of a mine bench for both geometric and geological information; making ore grade assessments of material at the bench face from the information provided by the bench face scan; removing material from the bench; and transporting removed material for processing. At least one of said removing, transporting, and processing is performed at least partially dependent on the ore grade assessments.