Dwyka Mining Services Brings Autonomous Drone Technology to African Mines

South African mining technology integrator Dwyka Mining Services has entered a reseller partnership with US-based aerospace and robotics company Starling Systems to introduce autonomous drone technology and aerial intelligence systems to African mining operations.

The partnership will give mining companies access to Starling's Pathfinder-X drone-in-a-box solution, which combines vertical take-off and landing capabilities with autonomous deployment from powered and connected docking hubs.

Unlike conventional drone operations that require pilots to prepare and launch each flight manually, the system allows remote operators to plan missions, upload flight instructions and execute repeatable aerial inspections from a central location.

Dwyka CEO Jamie van Schoor says the technology can respond quickly when security incidents or operational threats occur, providing aerial visibility while reducing the need to send personnel into potentially dangerous areas.

Autonomous drones target mine safety and security

One of the main applications is mine surveillance. Pathfinder-X can launch from its docking station to provide aerial views of security incidents, inspect mine boundaries and gather information during emergencies.

The system can also work alongside ground-based robots, including Spot, the four-legged inspection robot developed by Boston Dynamics.

Under this arrangement, aerial and ground robots can share information about their location, inspection coverage and assigned tasks. While the drone provides an overview of an incident, ground robots equipped with thermal and high-zoom cameras can inspect specific areas and collect more detailed information.

The combined systems can support perimeter inspections across large mining properties, including operations that require monitoring during the day and at night.

Robots could reduce underground waiting times

Dwyka also sees opportunities for autonomous robots in underground mining, particularly during post-blast clearance.

After blasting, mines must allow time for harmful gases to leave underground workings before workers and equipment can return. Van Schoor notes that some deep-level operations can wait up to three hours before re-entry.

Robots equipped with gas-monitoring sensors can measure conditions in underground areas and identify when they are safe to access again.

Because the readings are linked to specific locations, mine operators can identify which underground sections have cleared and prioritise those areas for earlier re-entry. This could reduce unnecessary waiting periods and improve production scheduling without exposing workers to unsafe conditions.

Autonomous underground drones also use laser navigation to capture high-resolution three-dimensional data. This information can help mining teams improve blast planning, reduce ore dilution and improve mineral recovery.

Applications extend to stockpiles and tailings facilities

On surface operations, autonomous drones can conduct scheduled inspections of conveyor belts, ore tips and stockpiles. The resulting information can support inventory management and mineral accounting.

Dwyka also identifies opportunities for autonomous multibeam sonar platforms to map tailings storage facilities and water bodies more quickly.

The wider technology offering includes ground robots designed to operate in confined, hazardous and difficult-to-access environments, where exposure to chemicals and harsh conditions can put personnel at risk.

The company says mining operations are increasingly considering robotics-as-a-service models, which allow them to access automated equipment through ongoing operating expenditure rather than making large upfront capital investments. Read More about Mining Tech HERE