A review of laser scanning for geological and geotechnical applications in underground mining

TL;DR

This paper reviews the advancements, challenges, and applications of laser scanning technology in underground mining, highlighting its potential for automation, real-time monitoring, and structural assessments despite environmental and infrastructural constraints.

Contribution

It provides a comprehensive overview of laser scanning progress, identifies current limitations, and discusses future opportunities for underground mining applications.

Findings

Laser scanning technology has advanced in mobility and mapping.

Data collection is constrained by environmental factors like dust and water.

Laser scanning is increasingly used for mine automation and structure mapping.

Abstract

Laser scanning can provide timely assessments of mine sites despite adverse challenges in the operational environment. Although there are several published articles on laser scanning, there is a need to review them in the context of underground mining applications. To this end, a holistic review of laser scanning is presented including progress in 3D scanning systems, data capture/processing techniques and primary applications in underground mines. Laser scanning technology has advanced significantly in terms of mobility and mapping, but there are constraints in coherent and consistent data collection at certain mines due to feature deficiency, dynamics, and environmental influences such as dust and water. Studies suggest that laser scanning has matured over the years for change detection, clearance measurements and structure mapping applications. However, there is scope for improvements in lithology identification, surface parameter measurements, logistic tracking and autonomous navigation. Laser scanning has the potential to provide real-time solutions but the lack of infrastructure in underground mines for data transfer, geodetic networking and processing capacity remain limiting factors. Nevertheless, laser scanners are becoming an integral part of mine automation thanks to their affordability, accuracy and mobility, which should support their widespread usage in years to come.