Drone Mining Survey Services

What Is a Drone Mining Survey?

A drone mining survey uses UAV technology to capture detailed aerial data of mining operations, quarries, and aggregate sites. Our drones equipped with high-resolution cameras and RTK GPS systems fly over your site, capturing thousands of images that we process into accurate 3D models, orthomosaics, and volume calculations.

At Drone Survey Services, we specialise in helping mining and quarrying operations across the UK track progress, manage stockpiles, and maintain accurate site records. Our surveys provide the data you need for inventory management, compliance reporting, and operational planning—all captured without disrupting your operations.

James Leslie

Owner, Engineer & Drone Pilot

"Got questions? Call me directly - I'm happy to talk through your project."

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Accurate Mining Survey Data,Delivered Fast

What You'll Receive

• Accurate stockpile volumes
• Pit mapping & progress tracking
• CAD-ready survey data
• Survey-grade accuracy (±2-5cm)

Delivered in 5-7 working days

Why Choose Us

• CAA approved & fully insured
• Mining & quarry specialists
• Latest DJI survey technology
• UK-wide coverage

Trusted by quarry operators and mining companies across the UK.

Available now — typically respond within 10 mins

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How Much Does a Drone Mining Survey Cost?

Pricing depends on your site size and survey requirements. Here's a guide to help you budget:

*Guide prices include standard deliverables. Final quote based on site complexity, access, and specific requirements.

What affects your quote?

• Site size & terrain
• Number of stockpiles
• Survey frequency
• Required deliverables

Our drone mining surveys typically save 50–70% compared to traditional ground surveys, with the added benefit of zero operational disruption. Contact us for a tailored quote.

What Is the Difference Between Drone Mining Survey and Traditional Methods?

Traditional mining surveys require surveyors to physically traverse the site with total stations or GPS equipment. This means stopping operations, ensuring safe access to active faces, and spending days on site to capture comprehensive data. The result is often limited point density and significant operational disruption.

Our drone mining surveys capture the entire site from above in hours, not days. We fly safely over active areas, unstable ground, and inaccessible faces without putting anyone at risk. The result is millions of survey points, complete site coverage, and data delivered while your operations continue uninterrupted.

What Accuracy Can a Drone Mining Survey Achieve?

Our drone mining surveys routinely achieve vertical accuracy of ±2-5cm and horizontal accuracy of ±2-3cm when using ground control points and RTK positioning. This level of precision meets the requirements for stockpile volume calculations, regulatory compliance, and operational planning.

For stockpile volumes, this accuracy translates to measurement precision within 1-2% of actual volumes—often more accurate than traditional methods. We verify every survey against known control points and provide accuracy reports with all deliverables so you can be confident in the data you're using for critical business decisions.

What Are the Applications of Drone Mining Survey?

Drone surveys have transformed how mining and quarrying operations manage their sites. Here are the key applications where our clients see the greatest value:

How Do Drones Improve Mining Safety?

Mining and quarrying are inherently hazardous environments. Traditional surveys require personnel to work near active faces, unstable slopes, and moving machinery. Every minute someone spends on the pit floor is a minute of exposure to risk.

Our drone surveys eliminate this exposure entirely. We capture complete site data from the safety of the air, surveying areas that would be too dangerous or impractical to access on foot. Steep bench faces, unstable stockpiles, active haul roads—we survey them all without putting anyone at risk.

Beyond survey safety, our aerial imagery helps identify potential hazards: slope failures, water accumulation, bench instability, and access issues can all be spotted from above before they become incidents. Regular drone surveys become part of your proactive safety management.

What Deliverables Do You Get From a Drone Mining Survey?

We tailor deliverables to your operational requirements, but our standard mining survey outputs include:

• Pit Mapping & Surface Models

  Complete 3D models of your pit or quarry showing benches, faces, haul roads, and all surface features at survey-grade accuracy.

• Volume Calculations

  Accurate stockpile volumes with detailed breakdowns. Compare against previous surveys for stock movement analysis.

• Progress Tracking Reports

  Cut/fill analysis showing extraction progress, restoration volumes, and comparison to approved plans.

• Safety & Compliance Reports

  Documentation for regulatory compliance, planning conditions, and safety records with dated imagery evidence.

• CAD Files & 3D Models

  Survey data in DWG, DXF, and other CAD formats. 3D mesh models for visualisation and planning software integration.

How Long Does a Drone Mining Survey Take?

On-site data capture is remarkably fast compared to traditional methods. We can survey most quarry sites in a single day, with larger operations taking 1-2 days. A typical 20-hectare site with multiple stockpiles takes 3-4 hours of flight time.

Processing and delivery depends on project complexity. Standard deliverables are typically ready within 5-7 working days. For operations requiring regular monthly surveys, we can establish streamlined workflows with faster turnaround. We'll confirm realistic timescales when we quote your project.

How Do I Choose a Drone Mining Survey Provider?

Not all drone survey providers understand the specific requirements of mining and quarrying operations. When evaluating providers, we recommend checking these key factors:

• Mining sector experience – Ask for examples of quarry and mining surveys they've completed
• CAA authorisation – Ensure they hold valid GVC permissions for commercial operations
• Volume accuracy track record – Ask about their accuracy on stockpile measurements
• Site safety awareness – They should understand quarry safety requirements and RAMS
• Professional insurance – Public liability and professional indemnity appropriate for mining sites

At Drone Survey Services, we tick every box. We're CAA approved, fully insured, and have delivered surveys for quarries and mining operations across the UK. We understand your operational requirements and work around your schedule.

Is Drone Mining Survey Cheaper Than Traditional Methods?

In virtually every scenario, yes—significantly cheaper. Traditional ground surveys of active mining sites require surveyors to spend days on site, often working in difficult conditions and requiring operations to pause for safe access. The cost of downtime alone often exceeds the entire cost of a drone survey.

Our drone surveys capture comprehensive site data in hours rather than days, with zero operational disruption. The cost savings typically range from 50-70% compared to traditional methods. For regular monthly surveys, the economics become even more favourable—we can offer programmed survey packages that deliver significant ongoing savings.