Cutting through the dust

Emesent’s versatile Hovermap scanner can be deployed via drone, robot and vehicle. The unit can be carried by hand or backpack or attached to a pole and other accessories.

As mining operations grow more complex, the need for rapid, informed decision-making becomes critical. Hovermap LHD sets a new standard by providing real-time, accurate data in a user-friendly package, making underground mining safer, smarter, and more productive.

In the demanding environment of underground mining, safety and productivity are inseparable. The safer our operations, the more effectively we can extract valuable resources, driving better business outcomes. Among the critical components of this balance are Load-Haul-Dump (LHD) machines, which play a pivotal role in transporting ore and waste material from the mining face to designated dumping points. While remote control and automation systems have enabled safer operation, they present unique challenges, especially in low-visibility typical of underground mines.   

Remote LHD operators often rely on 2D cameras, which offer a limited, poorly lit view, making it difficult to accurately assess the remaining material in a stope or detect geotechnical hazards like loose rocks and overhangs. These hazards pose a significant risk to equipment, with damage leading to costly downtime, and replacement machinery often taking years to deliver.  

Traditionally, Cavity Monitoring Systems (CMS) have helped mitigate these risks, but they come with their own set of challenges. CMS requires specialized skills and the presence of trained surveyors, typically only available during the day shift. This dependency can delay critical decisions, reduce productivity, and complicate equipment relocations.  

At Emesent, we recognize these challenges and are committed to pioneering solutions that address them. Our latest innovation, the Hovermap LHD, is engineered to optimize the entire underground mining workflow by enhancing safety and boosting productivity.

In underground mining, where conditions can change rapidly, having access to real-time data is crucial. The Hovermap LHD significantly enhances the data available to operators, enabling them to make informed, in-the-moment decisions that safeguard both personnel and equipment.  

Combining the proven capabilities of Emesent’s Hovermap LiDAR scanner with our robust LHD mount and wireless data offload system, Hovermap LHD enables real-time stope visibility.  This advanced technology allows operators to rapidly identify hidden, obstructed, or hard-to-see objects that could damage equipment or hinder productivity.  

Hovermap LHD offers a 360-degree field of view with a range of up to 300 meters and captures 1.9 million points per second for high-definition scanning. This unparalleled level of detail enables operators to visualize complex 3D structures, such as overhangs, undercuts, and loose rocks, even in complete darkness. Unlike traditional 2D cameras, Hovermap LHD delivers a comprehensive, real-time map of the stope, allowing operators to identify and address potential hazards before they escalate.  

The value of derisking LHD production activities can easily be quantified. In a hypothetical copper-gold mining operation, an LHD becoming stuck can result in 1-2 shifts of lost production, or even several days. With Hovermap LHD, the system can pay for itself within just 2-3 hours of downtime prevention.

One of Hovermap LHD’s standout features is its ease of use. Unlike traditional CMS systems that require extensive training and time-consuming data processing, Hovermap LHD can be mounted and operational within minutes, even by personnel with minimal training.   

Once data is captured, Hovermap LHD’s preview mode enables in-field visualization of the entire stope in under two minutes. This eliminates the need to wait until dayshift for a CMS pick-up —what you see is what you get, right there in the field. This capability accelerates stope turnover, allowing underground crews to quickly assess an area and make rapid decisions on equipment relocation when the stope is clear.

At Emesent, innovation is driven by the needs of industry. The Hovermap LHD solution was developed in close collaboration with our partners in the field, ensuring it directly addresses the challenges faced by today’s mining professionals. Whether you’re dealing with poor lighting conditions, complex geological formations, or the need for quick decisions, Hovermap LHD is the tool you need to stay ahead of the curve.   

Join us in embracing the future of mining technology. With Hovermap LHD, we’re not just improving operations — we’re making mining safer, smarter, and more productive for everyone involved.   

Learn more about Emesent’s Hovermap LHD solution and how it can benefit your operations by visiting us here.

Emesent is exhibiting at MINExpo booth 12040 in the West Hall. Come see our latest mining solutions for Convergence Monitoring and Underground Mine Production, as well as products and accessories such as the Hovermap LHD mount specially designed for mining use cases. New releases of Emesent’s data processing and visualization software Aura, and the mission control app Commander, will also be on display.