Six Applications for the DJI Dock 2 in Mining Operations

The DJI Dock 2 was launched just a few weeks ago and enterprise companies are already tapping into the varied applications offered by this newer, more compact, and highly capable piece of automated drone surveying technology.

When the Dock 1 landed in 2023, it shifted the future of drone operations into a new gear of true remote operations, unlocking the potential of autonomous drones soon flying overhead. It is only with the Dock 2 that we are now beginning to realise the potential of fully-automated mining operational workflows, which have traditionally focused on surveying and engineering applications.

For mining operations in particular, the introduction of a survey-capable drone has opened up a multitude of functions, including:

1. Aerial Surveys and Mapping: The DJI Dock 2, with its new DJI Matrice 3D drone, can autonomously deploy drones for aerial surveys and mapping of mining     sites. Drones equipped with high-resolution cameras or LiDAR sensors can capture detailed images and data, facilitating geological mapping, stockpile volume calculations, and terrain analysis.
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2. Safety Inspections: Deploying drones from the DJI Dock 2 for safety inspections can improve worker safety by reducing the need for personnel to access hazardous areas. Drones equipped with thermal imaging cameras can detect hotspots, equipment failures, or gas leaks, allowing for proactive maintenance and risk mitigation.
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3. Stockpile Management: The DJI Dock 2 can regularly monitor stockpiles of ore, minerals, or waste material. By capturing aerial imagery and utilizing     photogrammetry software through DJI FlightHub 2, mines can accurately measure stockpile volumes, track inventory levels, and optimize material handling processes.
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4. Security and Surveillance: The Dock 2’s M3TD drone can serve as a hub for drone-based security and surveillance operations in mining sites. Drones equipped with cameras and AI-powered analytics can patrol perimeters, monitor unauthorized access, and detect potential security breaches, enhancing site security and asset protection.
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5. Thermographic Inspection: Using the Dock 2 with M3TD drone, simultaneous capture of thermal and high-resolution RGB imagery for solar farm and electrical     infrastructure inspection can be conducted at increased frequency to enable timely identification and response to anomalies.
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6. Emergency Response: In the event of an emergency such as a fire, landslide, or equipment failure, drones from the Dock 2 can provide rapid situational     awareness and support emergency response efforts. Thermal imaging cameras can aid in locating hotspots or missing personnel, while real-time aerial footage can assist management in making informed decisions.

As always, a seasoned drone operator with a clear understanding of industry specific needs is critical to implementing, running and maintaining these systems. RocketDNA’s SurveyBot solution provides a drone-in-a-box system which is operated by highly qualified pilots in Remote Operating Centres in Australia. Our SurveyBot can conduct frequent scheduled survey flight missions across your operations and produce consistent results which are measurable, fast and accurate.

Please download our full case study on the Dock 2 here.