What strategic investments are you making to improve your capabilities?

MD: Mining is a strong industry for us, as it represents 50% of our company's revenue. As such, we have been investing in expanding our drone fleet and increasing our involvement with geospatial AI for mining. At the same time, we are developing new algorithms to handle various types of 3D data post-processing, which enables mining companies to understand their data more quickly and gain insights more efficiently.

RD: We increased our LiDAR fleet by 20% in drones alone, but we can collect data by driving, flying, or setting up scanners on tripods. On top of that, besides LiDAR, we added thermal imaging to our drones and team with a partner for drone based hyperspectral imaging. When you combine all these tools, you get a robust multispectral geospatial dataset that provides mining teams with incredible insight.

What role did you play in the reopening of the Mineral Park mine in Arizona?

RD: The mine had been sitting idle for several years before being brought back online. Our team scanned and modeled the entire processing plant, which significantly accelerated the process of restarting operations. 

MD: By completing 3D scans and modeling of processing plants like Mineral Park, we enable mines to use AI to run simulations, become more autonomous and increase efficiencies.  This all leads to the ability to mine asteroids, the moon and other planets in the near future.

Can you highlight your work on Gunnison Copper's Gunnison project?

RD: We provide Gunnison Copper with topographic change metrics (volumetrics), land and environmental surveying and more. We also work with their subcontractors on land surveying as they expand and reopen various areas within the project site, as they ramp up copper production and bring the pit back online. 

What are the benefits of using LiDAR for monitoring and predictive maintenance?

MD: Many of the major mining companies we have worked with rely on us for change detection monitoring using LiDAR. We can measure shifts within plus or minus three millimeters, which gives them exact data. For example, we have used our drone fleet to track changes in tailings dams – not just volumetrics but shifts that could point to where additional buttressing may be needed. 

RD: We are taking that data a step further by feeding it into AI, allowing companies to see how different parts of a site are moving – from buildings to crane rails – and using predictive analysis to forecast future changes.

Are you using drones and other technologies in the exploration segment?

MD: We are making progress on several fronts to help reduce the exploration time cycle. For example, we are combining satellite imagery with different types of aerial imagery and our own drone-based data. We use multispectral analysis to highlight indicators that point to certain minerals. This approach enables us to examine stockpiles, heap leach areas and other aspects of various mine sites to identify opportunities for both critical minerals and more traditional commodities. 

RD: Much of our work involves mapping. Once a target is identified, we carry out drone-based aerial mapping and ground surveys. We then add exploration data so geologists can build ore body models. Finally, we also manage all aspects of claim staking for many of our customers.

How does Darling Geomatics add value by reviving lost skills in underground surveying?

RD: We have recently acquired a somewhat rare gyrotheodolite that lets us carry precise survey control data underground and down shafts. Survey control is critical because it allows a company to set an azimuth for a tunnel – whether to meet up with another tunnel from a different direction or to intersect an underground drift. 

What would you say distinguishes Darling Geomatics from other similar companies?

RD: We have been in the mining business for over 30 years and are still working with many of the same customers we started with. Being in the industry for so long has allowed us to build relationships that last decades, so we have developed a deep industry knowledge that is definitely a competitive advantage. 

MD: One of our most significant advantages is the fact that we are extremely nimble. If a client needs something, we will find a way to make it happen.