An inability to adequately identify obstacles and structural hazards prior to and during Load Haul Dump or LHD (also known as scooptram or bogger) operation can lead to accidents and incidents that have significant safety, production loss and cost impacts.

Developed in partnership with Mining Plus, Hovermap’s LHD solution makes underground mine production faster and safer by bringing near real time visibility to LHD operations.

LHD incidents are all too common – with significant consequences

LHDs are vital to the efficiency and productivity of underground mining operations, providing material handling for ore extraction, development work and backfilling, as well as road maintenance. However, accidents relating to LHD use are all too common.

Blind spots, poor lighting and limited visibility offered by 2D cameras, from the cab itself or when operated remotely, result in an inability to identify obstacles and structural hazards – prior to and during LHD operation. 3D scans require specialized surveying skills & equipment, and limited data capture opportunities and extensive processing time mean decisions can take days.

The safety, productivity and cost impacts can be considerable. Loose rocks on side walls, loose mesh or fall of ground where the equipment is operating can have significant consequences for both personnel and equipment. Repeated operation over the same area can create ruts that immobilize the LHD. Stuck or lost equipment costs tens of thousands of dollars for every hour of lost production, or millions of dollars a year, plus recovery costs. There can be a long wait for replacement equipment, adding to the impact. If equipment is recoverable, production loss in that ore area can cause blending problems, or a temporary shutdown for recovery.

As well, an inability to accurately calculate blasted volumes prior to the next shift makes it challenging to optimize LHD requirements, and potentially results in resources not being sent to the area where they are most needed.