Why choose the Elios 3 drone for mine inspections & mapping?
With its patented flight controller and collision-resilient technology, the Elios 3 can safely fit through openings as small as 50x50cm and collect comprehensive data in previously inaccessible areas.
When paired with the Surveying Payload and the FARO Connect software solution, Elios 3 can create centimeter-accurate scans of ore passes, draw points, and stopes, providing rapid insights that are not accessible with traditional tools or other UAV technologies.
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Image represents: 3D model showing the Elios 3’s trajectory and some of the points of interest recorded during the mission.

The benefits of integrating mining drones in challenging underground operations
Accessibility
Complete surveying tasks in areas that are unsafe or inaccessible to humans with traditional equipment.
Efficiency
Deliver centimeter-accurate data in minutes rather than hours and make informed decisions faster.
Safety
Avoid dangerous working conditions using remote monitoring, mapping, surveying, and inspection capabilities.

Access advanced drone capabilities for a range of underground mining applications
Exploring applications for our drones in the mining industry
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Draw point inspection
Read moreInspect a draw point from a safe distance and get 100% visibility from the inside. Do it in less time than it takes to set up a traditional CMS.
Speed Ease of use Accuracy 10 min to capture high resolution point cloud data Create a live 3D map and locate the drone and its exact trajectory Detailed 3D insights with 100% coverage -
Stockpile volumetry
Read moreWith the accurate LiDAR scanning, fully calculate your stockpile inventory and tighten up your forecasting.
Speed Safety Accuracy 9 min to capture the data with Elios (one flight) No work at height. The data is collected from a safe distance 3D models provide accurate stockpile calculations -
Hang-up localization
Read morePrecisely locate hang-ups from a safe distance and gather the data needed to plan for their removal.
Speed Access Accuracy ~10 min to find the cause of an ore pass hang-up Fly directly into the ore pass and gather both visual and LiDAR data Geolocalize the hang-up in the ore and see exactly how the hang-up looks like -
Ore pass inspection
Read morePerform regular ore pass monitoring and inspections to prevent hang-ups and keep the mine safe.
Speed Access Safety ~8 min to inspect 2 Ore passes and a small stope 100% data coverage even in no-go zones No workers exposed to hazards -
Equipment inspection & monitoring
Read moreEstablish standard procedures for routine inspections of heavy mining equipment, such as conveyor belts, ball mills, SAG mills, crushers, and stockpile feeders.
Speed Cost Efficiency Safety Deploy a drone on demand without the need for elaborated safety procedures and/or complex scaffolding Perform inspections without stopping the production with one pilot only vs. standard teams of 3-4 people No workers exposed to hazards -
Inspect large excavations
Read moreQuickly map and inspect large excavations to ensure they are in a safe condition.
Speed Access Safety Deploy a drone on demand without the need for complex safety procedures Get 100% data coverage—even in no-go zones No workers exposed to hazards
See how Elios 3 helps our clients save time, money, and stay safe
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“Elios 3 can get into places that other drones can’t sneak into. I see it being a true replacement for human eyes underground.”
Meggan Gidden
Ground Control EIT, Glencore Kidd Operations
They already use our products