Nexys Uncovers ROI With A Single Autonomous Flight
Exyn Technologies
TECHNOLOGY / OCTOBER 3, 2024
Dundee Precious Metals (DPM) is renowned for its forward-thinking approach to technology, continuously seeking innovative solutions to improve the safety and efficiency of its underground operations. Traditional geospatial data collection methods in underground mines were both time-consuming and limited in the amount and accuracy of data they could gather. Additionally, some areas of the mine were difficult or impossible to access with existing technology, which hindered DPM's ability to make fully informed decisions and increased the risk of inefficiencies.
The Role of Exyn Nexys
As a long-time partner of Exyn, DPM eagerly adopted the Nexys system — a modular 3D mapping solution with integrated aerial robotic autonomy. This cutting-edge system is designed to reduce the time required to capture geospatial data, increase safety, and drive efficiency in complex and dangerous mining environments. By utilizing Nexys, DPM can now safely capture data from previously inaccessible areas of the underground mine, empowering them to make more informed decisions across various mining processes. Safety, which remains DPM’s top priority, is significantly enhanced by the system's Autonomous capabilities, enabling surveyors to operate in hazardous environments without direct human involvement.
A prime example of Nexys’ value is its role in mapping a complex stope with only one access point. Traditional methods were unable to provide a detailed scan of the void due to the stope's complicated shape. Conventionally, this void would have been considered fully mined, as all visible ore appeared to have been recovered. However, when the Nexys system was deployed, it revealed a section of the stope that had not been mined, commonly referred to as an underbreak. The increased accuracy provided by the Nexys system allowed DPM to identify missed ore, leading to more efficient and profitable mining practices.
Improved Data Accuracy and Mining Efficiency
A prime example of Nexys’ value is its role in mapping a complex stope with only one access point. Traditional methods were unable to provide a detailed scan of the void due to the stope's complicated shape. Conventionally, this void would have been considered fully mined, as all visible ore appeared to have been recovered. However, when the Nexys system was deployed, it revealed a section of the stope that had not been mined, commonly referred to as an underbreak. The increased accuracy provided by the Nexys system allowed DPM to identify missed ore, leading to more efficient and profitable mining practices.
Traditional methods often resulted in deviations of 5-7%, which are typically expected in the industry. However, the more comprehensive data from the Nexys system allows for precise measurement of each cavity’s deviation, providing a complete and accurate picture of the mine’s condition. This level of detail ensures that DPM is not leaving any valuable ore behind, resulting in significant financial gains. Since implementing the Nexys system, DPM has discovered additional ore in 10-15% of their stopes. With around sixty stopes mined annually, the value of this newfound ore quickly adds up, further demonstrating the system’s positive ROI.
Increased Scan Frequency and Team Engagement
Since adopting the Nexys system, DPM’s survey team has significantly increased the number of scans conducted on production stopes. A key factor in this increase is the user-friendly nature of the system, which has made scanning operations more efficient and enjoyable for the team. According to the surveyors, operating the system is not only safe but also fun, contributing to higher engagement levels and more efficient workflows.
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