Realising the benefits of precise positioning: Mining

Date 
Wednesday, 22 March, 2017
Use Type 
Use Case
Summary 

Precise positioning technology offers an exciting opportunity for all Australians. The ability to identify a location anywhere in Australia with a real-time accuracy of three centimetres enables a range of activities to be conducted more efficiently, from growing crops to constructing roads and navigating transport networks. The industries that have been early adopters have already realised the benefits of their investment — economically, environmentally and socially.

Widespread access to precise positioning technology is estimated to boost the national economy by between $7.8 and $13.72 billion1 by 2020. Geoscience Australia is playing an important role in fostering the uptake and ongoing development of this technology through the National Positioning Infrastructure Capability.

This program will establish the necessary infrastructure on the ground that provides the foundation for the technology.

The National Positioning Infrastructure Capability will ensure all Australians have an opportunity to access continuous, reliable and precise positioning information.

To better understand these benefits and how this technology is currently being used in Australia, read the five case studies. They provide a snapshot of the new and innovative uses that will continue to arise as the technology continues to evolve and more industries get involved.

[1] ACIL Allen Consulting, 2013, The value of augmented GNSS in Australia., Accessed 24 August 2015.

http://www.ga.gov.au/scientific-topics/positioning-navigation/positionin...

 

Use Case-Requirement Category 
Agency/Working Group or Committee 
Associated Stakeholder or System 
Geoscience Australia
Benefit Realised 

Increases returns

The mining industry has been an early adopter in the use of precise positioning technology. Positioning plays a role in all activities along the production chain, from site surveying to extracting deposits, boosting the industry's productivity and profitability along the way.

 

Saves time

Precise positioning technology allows drilling equipment to extract resources in exact locations in accordance with mine plans and identified mineral deposits. It also allows mining operators to safely identify the location of trucks at any point in time, what they are carrying and where it is being deposited.

 

Benefits the environment

Precise positioning information enables site surveying to be conducted with a high level of accuracy, ensuring areas of environmental or cultural significance are safeguarded.

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