3D modeling of a historical mine waste site using UAV images: Estimation of stockpile volumes

Abstract

In recent decades, the use of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV) for land surveying became very popular because of their simplicity and low cost. Aerial images of the site can be used for the reconstruction of the site’s 3D digital model. Once proper calibrations are made, these digital models can be used for several purposes including stockpile volume estimation, stability analyses, forensic engineering and archiving, etc. In this study, the 3D model of an abandoned historical mine waste disposal site located in Balıkesir-Turkey was reconstructed for the estimation of the waste stockpile volumes. The historical mine site is a facility that was abandoned more than 80 years ago. Mine wastes of different quality were disposed of in and around the site along the hydrologically intermittent creek that passes through the site. No engineered precautions were taken at the site to reduce the environmental impacts and all waste piles were exposed to the natural eroding effect of precipitation and wind. The total amount of the waste volume is not known accurately, which prevents researchers to quantify the potential impacts associated with different waste stockpiles. Thus, a 3D digital model of the site was created by using UAV data obtained from a quadcopter and later processed to obtain a digital topography of the site with an improved accuracy value of ± 2 cm. The stockpiles were later analyzed with geographic information systems to characterize the magnitude of mine wastes and to propose alternative engineering solutions for environmental mitigation. © The Author(s), under exclusive license to Springer Nature Singapore Pte Ltd 2023.