Hecla Mining Company (NYSE: HL) will start to map two of its mines in North America using a 3D mapping software to reduce production downtime and bring higher-quality information to its geologists.
Mine Visions Systems announced Monday it signed a multi-year agreement with the silver mining company that will use MVS’ FaceCapture Mapping System that will allow geologists at Hecla’s mines to capture 3D face mapping data from a secure position easily.
The mapping system also enables pick-and-click georeferencing that aligns data to mine coordinates in real-time, eliminating the need for surveys at each face.
The system allows for better and faster mine planning by generating survey-aligned meshes that improve efficiency and accuracy in data collection. It integrates geo-referenced 3D point clouds and high-resolution images into 3D meshes that can be imported into mine plans through industry-standard file formats.
Mine Vision Systems was founded in 2015 and has offered 3D mapping services to improve automation and efficiency in the mining industry.
“Our production, productivity and safety objectives are directly affected by multiple decisions we make at the mine face every day,” said Matt Blattman, MVS Corporate Director of Technical Services.
“FaceCapture will allow us to process high-quality 3D mine face data in real-time, permitting our team to make critical production decisions with reduced exposure at the mine face.”
MVS is happy to announce the release of the FaceCapture™ Mapping System!https://t.co/ujCtvac1oV
— Mine Vision Systems (@MineVisionSyst) February 16, 2023
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Hecla is one of the largest and oldest silver producers in the United States. Founded in 1891, Hecla has operations in Alaska, Idaho and Quebec, Canada. It is currently developing the Keno hill mine in the Yukon and owns a number of exploration and pre-development projects in silver and gold mining districts in North America.
“Hecla has over 130 years of experience driving and embracing new and innovative methods to achieve company objectives,” MVS CEO Mike Smocer said.
“We are proud to support Hecla’s culture of innovation and desire to provide better data to key employees when they need it.”
Hecla’s stock dropped by 2.5 per cent to $5.04 on the New York Securities Exchange.
Hecla operations in the Yukon. Photo via Hecla
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Mining companies starting to use advanced technologies to upgrade operations
Mining is a centuries-old industry that is yet to see more modern technologies applied to it but some companies are already applying advanced technologies to speed up exploration efforts and make it more sustainable.
United Kingdom-headquartered Cybertiks specializes in R&D and services using artificial intelligence, quantum spectrometric intelligence services (QSIS) and other digital tools to improve the processes of a company or government.
Its technology is all remote and can help the mining industry to become more sustainable and save resources by reducing time-consuming, repetitive tasks that would normally need more than one person and months to complete.
The Canadian government also has programs that encourage innovation and new processes to enhance efficiency, lower costs and increase productivity in the mining industry.
Last year, EarthLabs Inc. (TSXV: SPOT) (OTCQX: SPOFF) (formerly GoldSpot Discoveries Corp.) announced it used machine learning and geoscience expertise to successfully intercept copper, gold and silver mineralization at some mining operations.
EarthLabs also owns LithoLens which automatically examines old core images to create fresh and accurate geological logs. The firm also turns old core photos into intact, georeferenced core images and use deep learning algorithms to enhance images and extract geological information.
Natalia@mugglehead.com
