3D Laser Mapping has supplied AngloGold Ashanti with a high tech laser monitoring system, called SiteMonitor, to support mine survey activities and improve safety at the Geita Gold Mine in Tanzania. SiteMonitor is 3D Laser Mapping’s laser monitoring solution, using laser scanning to measure change and improve mine safety and is typically used in open pit mines for the continuous or periodic stability monitoring of unstable high walls.

SiteMonitor combines breed laser scanning hardware with monitoring software specifically designed for applications in this type of environment. It is currently being used at the Nyankanga Pit to monitor slope stability and pit wall movements in order to provide early warning detections.

Jon Chicken, 3D Laser Mapping’s Director said “This system scans the pit slopes and acts as an early warning system to determine any instability and movement which could lead to slope failures or wall collapses. Slope collapses and pit wall failures caused by unexpected ground movements can result in fatalities, damage to mining equipment and loss of productivity. The laser scanning system gives a user far greater understanding of risk and helps ensure a safe working environment.”

“The scanner and software are essential tools in preventing incidents and associated injuries, as it provides a better understanding of the immediate, fundamental and contributing causes of slope failures and wall movements,” he added.

The RIEGL VZ-1000 is a long range, high speed laser scanner with a wide range of view. The VZ-1000 uses unique echo digitisation and online waveform analysis to achieve superior performance and accuracies of measurement, even under adverse weather conditions. Achieving accuracies of 5 millimetres at ranges of up to 1,400 metres the VZ-1000 can capture up to 122,000 points per second with a 100 x 360-degree field of view. /o:p>