Innovative volumetric assessment of red ochre mining: AI-driven drone surveys and underwater volume calculations using DGPS and bamboo stick methodology

Introduction

The integration of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), commonly known as drones, into mining operations has significantly transformed how volumetric assessments, topographic surveys, and environmental monitoring are conducted. Traditionally, mining operations relied on manual surveying methods or satellite imagery, which often lacked the precision, efficiency, and adaptability required for complex terrains. However, with the advent of drone technology, particularly those equipped with advanced artificial intelligence (AI) algorithms, mining companies now have access to highly accurate and cost-effective solutions for mapping, monitoring, and assessing large-scale mining areas. In this case study, we harness the power of AI-driven drones to perform high-precision surface mapping over an extensive Red Ochre mining lease area in Jalodiya Kelukhera, Tehsil Choti Sadri, District Pratapgarh, Rajasthan, India. This approach allows for the rapid generation of detailed Digital Elevation Models (DEMs), Digital Terrain Models (DTMs), and Digital Surface Models (DSMs), which form the basis of volumetric calculations. These digital models provide invaluable insights into the current state of the mining site, offering a clear understanding of excavation progress, terrain changes, and resource depletion. However, this study goes beyond standard surface volumetric calculations by addressing a critical challenge often faced in open-pit mining operations-accurately measuring the volume of excavations that are submerged beneath water. Water accumulation in mining pits is a common issue, particularly in regions where rainfall or groundwater infiltration occurs. Traditional drone-based methods, while highly effective for surface measurements, cannot accurately assess volumes below the water surface. To solve this problem, we introduce an innovative method involving a bamboo stick rover equipped with Differential Global Positioning System (DGPS) technology, designed to measure submerged sections of the excavation. This lowcost yet highly effective tool offers a practical solution for mining operations that face the challenge of calculating underwater volumes. The primary objective of this paper is to comprehensively evaluate the total excavated volume of the mining site, including both dry land and submerged sections, by integrating traditional volumetric measurement techniques with modern AI-powered drone technology. This dualmethod approach provides a more holistic and accurate assessment of mining activities, which is essential for operational planning, environmental monitoring, and regulatory compliance. Furthermore, this methodology offers a replicable framework for other mining sites facing similar challenges, particularly those in regions where water accumulation significantly impacts mining operations and volumetric estimations.

Location of the Area

The mining lease area is located near village -village Jalodiya Kelukheda, tehsil-Choti Sadri, district-Pratapgarh Rajasthan. On survey of India GT sheet 45/L-15. It is approached from Udaipur to Choti Sadri 126 km and from Choti Sadri to Jalodiya Kelukheda 19 km and from Jalodiya Kelukheda to mine site is 2 km.

Latitude and Longitude of Boundary Pillars is as under

FRP-Longitude 74°47'27.32664"E Latitude 24°22'47.95234"N These control points were meticulously placed using rover receivers, with corrections applied via Real-Time Kinematic (RTK) GPS, ensuring optimal accuracy in positioning. c. Pillar Demarcation: Lease pillars, key reference points for delineating the mining boundary, were precisely surveyed and marked with DGPS coordinates. The GCPs ensured positional accuracy during the integration of UAV data.

UAV Drone Mapping a. Flight Planning and Ground Control Point Setup:

Prior to flight, GCPs were marked at strategic locations, ensuring even distribution across the area for precise georeferencing. GCP coordinates (N, E, and Z) were obtained using DGPS for accurate ground elevation and positioning. b. Drone Flight and Image Capture: The UAV was deployed to execute pre-programmed flight patterns using an east-west trajectory. By flying at a low altitude, the UAV captured high-resolution aerial imagery across the entire project area. The drone utilized a fixed-camera orientation and consistent overlap (80% front and 60% side) to ensure comprehensive coverage of the survey area. The estimation of Volume was conducted by leveraging data obtained through a comprehensive drone survey in the field. Subsequently, the software was employed, integrating both field and processing data, for the meticulous estimation of Excavated volume.

Volumetric Calculations Calculated under the water level

The depth from the water surface to the bottom was measured using a 10-meter-long bamboo stick, which had markings at 1-meter intervals. This method ensured accurate measurement of the water level and depth. This hybrid approach sets a precedent in mining volumetric studies, particularly in the accurate assessment of submerged volumes, which are often overlooked in traditional surveys. The integration of bamboo stick depth measurements with drone data processing and DGPS technology allowed for an exceptional level of detail, ensuring reliable results that are crucial for operational planning, regulatory compliance, and environmental monitoring. The combination of these methods makes this case study one of its kind, providing a valuable framework for future volumetric assessments, especially in regions where mining operations involve water accumulation. It demonstrates that the integration of traditional techniques with cutting-edge technologies can significantly improve the accuracy of mining volume calculations, offering broader implications for the industry and environmental impact analysis in similar settings.

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