According to a 2022 report, some 70% of large mining companies have started using drones since 2016. Most of those companies are using drones for surveying and mapping and for monitoring and inspections work. They are also integrating uncrewed technology to enable safety improvements, handle route logistics, and manage stockpiles.

To learn more about the ways mining companies are adopting drones for their operations, Commercial UAV News spoke with Lauren Elmore, CEO of Firmatek. Interviewed for our latest podcast, Elmore draws on her extensive experience helping mining operations integrate drones to tell us how companies are achieving increased efficiency and safety. She also comments on what the future holds for uncrewed systems in the mining sector.