Applications of UAVs in mine industry: A scoping review

Abstract

In recent years, a variety of technologies have improved mining operations. One of them is the Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs), the emerging technology that has been changing the mining process, boosting mining safety and productivity. The main purpose of this paper is to review the applications of UAVs in the mining industry based on the results of 113 research papers over the past twelve years, from 2010 to May 2022. The potential applications of UAVs in the mining industry are broad. Based on the paper identified, eight categories are used to classify UAV applications in the mining sector. The reviewed literature revealed that UAVs are an excellent tool for multitasking at any stage of a mining project and in any type of mine. The findings of this study may serve as some guidelines for developing the necessary requirements for the use of UAV technology in mine sites.