Technology forthe pit and itsinfrastructure.

The televiewer characterizes the rock mass beyond the slope face.

Resolution depends on configuration. Characterizes the rock mass; complements continuous monitoring.

Three deliverables for slope analysis.

1. Orient the fracturesDip direction, dip and depth: identify discontinuity sets for slope analysis.
2. Characterize the rockDigital RQD, caliper and virtual core: document fracturing and changes along the borehole.
3. Support the modelStereonets and rose diagrams to compare with core and mapping, and evaluate slope failure mechanisms.

Pore pressure and response to slope depressurization.

Principle

Pressure deflects a diaphragm and changes the wire tension. Its frequency is converted to pressure using the individual calibration.

Installation

Sensors at different depths in boreholes. The design considers structures, hydrogeological units and zones of interest.

Engineering reading

Pressure u in kPa and head h = z + u/γw. Compare with pumping, horizontal drains, rainfall and pit advance.

A multilevel network allows units to be compared and shows whether depressurization reaches the target zones.

Deformation at depth and location of shear zones.

Portable probe

Biaxial readings every 0.5 m in grooved casing. The profile accumulates Δ = L·sin θ and is compared against a baseline.

Permanent chain

MEMS sensors in a chain. Automates the evolution of the profile and allows the deformation rate at depth to be tracked.

Relating the profile to geology, benches and surface movement helps define the slope mechanism.

Cracks in rock and deformation of fills and waste dumps.

Soil extensometer

Measures the change in length between anchors in fill material. Used in waste dumps or embankments with a specific design.

Crack meter

Anchors on both sides of a fissure in rock or concrete. Records opening or closing along the sensor axis.

Separating localized crack opening from fill deformation avoids interpreting both as the same phenomenon.

Automating readings reduces gaps between campaigns.

GNSS displacement at critical points on the slope.

Measurement

Estimates coordinates and displacements ΔX, ΔY, ΔZ. MEMS adds tilt and acceleration depending on configuration.

Processing modes

Post-processing for slow changes and RTK for higher frequency. Precision and latency depend on the mode and the site.

Installation

Points fixed to the ground, a stable reference, clear sky view and a link. Check for obstructions in deep benches.

Tracking the movement vector complements the line-of-sight component observed by radar.

Ground-based radar to observe large sectors of the slope.

Displacement

Maps, velocity and trends for each visible sector of the slope.

Alerts

Thresholds and persistence linked to the mechanism and the response plan.

Line-of-sight measurement. Geometry, shadows and atmosphere determine useful coverage.

Radar and camera to review movement in selected sectors.

Radar

Deformation at selected points with signal quality control.

Alert

Frequency and thresholds configured for the evolution of movement.

Camera

Supporting image to evaluate the context of the alert.

The image complements the technical evaluation. Visual coverage depends on light, dust and visibility.

Densify point tracking with stable references.

Measurement node

GNSS receiver and IMU. Observations sent by radio to calculate position relative to one or more reference nodes.

Link and processing

The gateway sends observations to the server. Users view vectors, tilt, temperature and network status.

Movement tracking during operation and closure.

Measurement

Observations processed against references to obtain displacement time series.

Deployment

Integrated power and communications. Mounted on slopes, waste dumps or infrastructure with a clear sky view.

Interpretation

Review uncertainty, persistence and consistency between points before escalating an alert.

Prism displacement with an independent method.

Principle

Angles and electronic distance measurement determine the prism coordinates; repeated series deliver displacement.

Network design

Stable station and references. Prisms in sectors of interest, with redundancy and defined cycles.

Quality

Dust, refraction and obstructions affect readings. Control atmosphere, aiming and stability.

Satellite deformation of the pit and its surroundings.

Principle

Phase differences between SAR acquisitions estimate displacement along the satellite line of sight.

Processing

Time series and velocity at coherent points, with atmospheric, topographic and orbital corrections.

Application

Trends on slopes, waste dumps and infrastructure. Excavation can reduce coherence.

Provides historical and spatial context. Updates depend on the satellite and do not constitute continuous observation.

Preferential paths of water entering the pit.

Controlled source

Electrodes inject alternating current. Water and conductive materials govern its distribution.

Magnetometric measurement

The magnetic field and its position are recorded; modeling reconstructs the current distribution.

Interpretation

Conductive connections are compared with geology, piezometers, boreholes and discharges.

The electrical response does not measure flow directly. Reach and depth depend on electrode geometry and site conductivity.

Locate potential seepage paths in the leach pad.

1. PrioritizeCross-reference conductive connections with the geometry of the pad, its berms and drainage.
2. ConfirmCompare with the solution balance, piezometry, underdrains and liner integrity tests.
3. ActWith confirmed evidence, guide repair, drainage or interception.

Passive investigation of the subsurface around the pit.

Ambient vibration acquisition

Sensors record ambient ground motion at georeferenced stations.

Response and interpretation

Spatial contrasts to interpret structures and zones of interest. Anomalies require geological correlation and boreholes.

Guides the investigation of discontinuities and possible karst features. On its own it does not determine slope stability.

Programmable acquisition and signal diagnostics.

Multi-sensor measurement

Acquires and processes geotechnical and environmental signals through compatible channels, modules and protocols.

Vibrating wire with spectral analysis

Identifies frequency and quality parameters to diagnose signal and noise.

Logic in the field

Local reading, storage and diagnostics; power and links adapted as the mine evolves.

Vibration from blasting and earthquakes to evaluate the response of slopes and infrastructure.

Thresholds defined for the pit and its receptors, with a response approved by operations.

Correlation of radar, GNSS and sensors in one platform.

Alarms with assigned responsibilities and actions by sector.

1. ValidateCheck quality, baseline, power and communications before interpreting a change.
2. InterpretRelate magnitude and velocity to piezometry, rainfall, blasting and pit advance.
3. RespondResponsibility, access restriction, escalation and re-entry criteria.

The geotechnical team defines and approves thresholds. An alarm requires an operational response protocol.

Rain and wind to put pit operations in context.

Precipitation and water balance

Cumulative rainfall and intensity to evaluate runoff and piezometric response.

Wind and evaporative potential

Wind, temperature and humidity to put dust and evaporation windows in context.

Particulates on haul roads, faces and the perimeter.

Air quality and tracking of control actions.

Configurable station

Particulates and gases according to sources and objective, with defined modules, range and maintenance.

Remote traceability

Time series, status and alerts in the cloud; record of calibrations, service and availability.

Evaluation

Compare equivalent periods before and after an intervention, with a control area or period.

Dust control on exposed surfaces and haul roads.

1. Trial designTreated and control sections; document dose, water, preparation and traffic.
2. IndicatorsPM under comparable wind and activity, persistence, erosion and response to rainfall.
3. Scale upWith dose, frequency and cost proven on the operation's material and water.

Every trip reveals the condition of the road.

Georeferenced measurement

6-axis IMU + GPS. Records vibration and locates irregularities along haul routes.

Installation on the fleet

External mounting with DC power; operates without integrating into the fleet management system.

Field-ready device

9 × 5.7 cm · IP65 · −40 to +65 °C. 4G LTE / eSIM; BLE and Wi-Fi.

1. Baseline5 devices on 5 vehicles for 30 days on representative routes.
2. InterventionGrade or treat defined sections; document date, cost and conditions.
3. ValidationReview the change at 30–60 days and cross-reference with cycle times, fuel and maintenance.

Savings must be validated with mine data before scaling up.

Locating leaks on mine water pipelines.

DTS · thermal signature

Temperature changes around the pipe; the position of the fiber determines the response.

DAS · dynamic signature

Vibration associated with leaks, impacts or nearby excavation.

Locating an anomalous section helps direct inspection of dewatering, pumping and service lines.

Conveyor temperature and infrastructure protection.

Enhanced evaporation in mine water ponds.

Physical principle

Atomization increases the water–air surface area; it depends on droplet size, residence time and vapor deficit.

Capacity

Up to 160 m³/h of feed per unit; the evaporated fraction is estimated from site conditions.

Balance

Separate water fed, effective evaporation and return; integrate wind and the capture zone.

Feed flow is not equivalent to water evaporated. Size the system with actual weather, constraints and availability.