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Jun 20, 2024Keywords:
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Application of Unmanned Aerial Photography for the Estimation of Extracted Rocks – Beautiful Rock Quarry, Nigeria Experience
Abstract
This research was carried out to investigate the application of unmanned aerial photography in estimating the respective tonnages of extracted rocks at Beautiful Rock Quarry, Lokoja, Nigeria. To attain the aim of the research, the aerial views of the 2D images captured were used to generate aerial views in the form of 3D models, namely, Digital Terrain Models (DTMs) and Digital Surface Models (DSMs). ImageJ and Regard3D components of Image Processing Software, were used for the processing of the images. Owing to the tilted aerial photograph, correction checks were conducted for the sensor coordinates, and the ground coordinates were established. Images of the extracted pits and stockpiles were analyzed by applying image processing software, which identified elevation spots and generated Z-plots for these feature. With the results generated from the image processing software, the extracted rocks from the pit were calculated to weigh 1,027,204.512 tons, while the total production of aggregates sold from the quarry between 2012 and 2020 was documented to weigh 1,715,800 tons. The difference between the tonnage of extracted rocks from the pit and the total production of aggregates sold was due to the swell factor of the rock (1.70), the fly rock issuing from the blasting operations and the loss of aggregates during the loading and haulage phases of the mining operation. The stockpile calculated from the 3D images weighed 44,695.39 tons. The expected tonnage of the extracted rocks from the pit after excavation and crushing into aggregates was expected to be 1,746,247.670tons, which is about two percent higher than the total aggregate weighing 30,447.67 tons produced from the quarry. Therefore, approximately two percent should be allowed for the extracted tonnage expected from the pit after excavation and crushing into aggregates, as well as for the total aggregate produced from the quarry.
