Solution(s)
Client(s) or partner(s)
Country
Canada
Mission Parameters
Supported by ODAS®
Typical area to survey (photogrammetry) : Entire Mine infrastructure
Flight duration (photogrammetry) : 10 hours
Days onsite: 7 days
Area covered: 33.5 Ha
Number of building inspected: ~30
Drone type : ARA-405 with Advance Thermal Photogrammetry Payload
Flight Endurance: 30 minutes +
Sensor & Resolution: FLIR Boson 640x512
On Ground resolution (GSD): 3.5 - 4cm/px
Minimum Operating Temperature: -50°C
Max Wind Conditions: 45 km/h
Night and Day Flights
Mining Complex
Challenge
Heating mines in Northern Canada is a major challenge due to energy scarcity and the high cost of fuel in remote locations. Without access to centralized power grids, most mines rely on diesel, which must be transported over vast distances, often through harsh winter conditions. This leads to high fuel costs, supply chain risks, and logistical inefficiencies. Minimizing heat loss is crucial to reducing energy costs, and identifying areas in need of repair or better insulation—such as poorly sealed ventilation shafts, aging infrastructure, and inefficient heating systems—can be shown with ARA Robotics’ advanced drone technology. By detecting these inefficiencies, we help conserve energy and improve operational efficiency.
Solution
At ARA, we specialize in utilizing advanced thermal scanning to help businesses overcome these challenges. Investing in thermal scans can provide significant financial benefits for a mine by identifying inefficiencies and risks that might otherwise go unnoticed. Our state-of-the-art drones are equipped with both thermal and high-resolution RGB cameras, enabling us to pinpoint heat loss across infrastructures, from poorly insulated buildings to inefficient heating systems. By detecting these issues early, mines can implement targeted improvements, reducing energy waste, lowering operational expenses, ultimately cutting costs. Our drones are built to withstand extreme conditions, providing a reliable solution for year-round operations. Designed for stability and accuracy in harsh weather, they capture high-quality thermal data where traditional methods often fall short. This is particularly crucial in Northern Canada's Arctic regions, where temperatures can plunge to -50°C. In such demanding environments, having robust and dependable UAV technology is essential for consistent data collection, ensuring that critical issues are identified before they lead to costly setbacks.
Result
The ARA-405 drone, equipped with both a thermal and high-resolution RGB camera, enables the creation of detailed 2D and 3D radiometric thermal renders using photogrammetry. This allows for precise thermal analysis and clear visualization of heat distribution across structures and environments. The capability to operate with a dual-sensor payload allows us to enhance the geometric accuracy of thermal 3D renders by leveraging the high resolution of our RGB camera. By integrating both sensors, we can precisely overlay thermal data from the infrared camera while utilizing the superior resolution of the RGB camera for detailed and accurate reconstructions.
With ARA’s remote drone operation capabilities, mining companies can benefit from continuous surveillance without exposing workers to dangerous environments. Our centralized Command and Control Center (CCC) in Montreal allows for On-Demand Aerial Surveying (ODAS®), providing real-time monitoring of mining operations from a safe distance. This reduces the need for on-site personnel, minimizing transportation costs and the risk of accidents, while optimizing the inspection process. Additionally, ODAS® supports the simultaneous operation of multiple drones, ensuring comprehensive coverage of even the largest and most complex sites, further improving operational efficiency.
Qualia now benefit from a system that not only simplifies multi-vehicle routing but also offers an unprecedented 4D airspace perspective. The precision and real-time tracking capability have elevated their RPAS functions, making them more secure and efficient than ever.
Guillaume Charland-Arcand | CTO & Co-Fondateur
Julien Savidge
Véronique is the Communications and Marketing Advisor at ARA Robotics. Having graduated from the University of UQAM with a degree in graphic design, she plays a pivotal role in shaping the brand's visual narrative and ensuring effective communication strategies.
Véronique Lapierre — Author
Qualia now benefit from a system that not only simplifies multi-vehicle routing but also offers an unprecedented 4D airspace perspective. The precision and real-time tracking capability have elevated their RPAS functions, making them more secure and efficient than ever.
Guillaume Charland-Arcand
CTO & Co-Fondateur
View from our Command and Control Center (CCC)
We're excited to leverage our advanced, made-in-Canada drone technology to improve efficiency, reduce energy waste and enhance safety in Canadian mining operations. Designed to withstand extreme temperatures down to -50°C, our drones are built to operate in the toughest conditions.
Julien Savidge | Pilote RPAS & Analyste SIG