Using drones on 3D modelling and identifying environmental damages in open cast mining

Abstract

The Drone technology recently has many applications. One of its very popular applications is in geology and mine field. This paper presents a case study on 3D modelling of the open cast mine in Progër - Bilisht, Albania using Drone technology. This open cast mine is located on the south east of Albania, close to Korça city. The main mineral is limestone. The altitude various from 951m to 895m. The destination of this mineral is the construction industry, cement and lime production. The yearly production capacity is around 30,000 m3 per year. The paper gives a brief explanation of the methods and materials used to create a 3D model in mining. The method used to make a 3D model and indentify the environmental damages in open cast mine is using Drone technology. Final result of the Data processing is 3D Model of Progër – Bilisht open cast mine which can be rotated, and zoomed in any direction giving the possibility to check details of the opencast mine, to measure distances, angles, surface and volumes. Furthermore the paper gives conclusions and recommendations. One of the most important conclusions is that using Drones is very easy, and cost less way to collect data, which can elaborate with different software to build 3D models. From the other side the environmental damages must be considered through reforestation of the area.