DJI Enterprise has published a new white paper titled “Implementing an Automated Mining Workflow using DJI Dock: A Guide for Successful Integration into Mining Operations.” Released on October 30, 2025, this report offers insights for industry leaders in the commercial mining sector, detailing a practical approach to shift from manual drone operations to fully automated drone programs for Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) missions.
The white paper emphasizes how automating workflows can facilitate more frequent inspections, enabling quicker decision-making, standardized data capture, and improved safety and efficiency across mining sites, including pits, plants, and infrastructure.
Global Automation Trends in Mining
The mining industry is a significant and expanding field, generating revenues exceeding USD 3 trillion in 2023. Automation technologies are transforming mining operations, enhancing efficiency, safety, and sustainability. The white paper outlines a comprehensive process for adopting an end-to-end automated mining workflow, utilizing DJI”s drone-in-box enterprise solution, DJI Dock, along with its flight control software, FlightHub 2.
Productivity Gains from Automated Workflows
By implementing the DJI Dock for automated mining workflows, operations can significantly boost productivity compared to traditional manual drone flights and data processing. Key improvements come from eliminating the need for travel to inspection sites, reducing on-site staffing requirements for drone pilots, and streamlining photogrammetry processing tasks. For instance, the time needed to capture and process a post-blast photogrammetry survey decreased from 1.2 hours to just 30 minutes. A single DJI Dock allows remote pilots to conduct approximately 150 to 200 flights per month, totaling up to 50 flight hours.
Worker Safety Enhancements through Automation
Mining operations often present hazardous environments, involving large machinery, open voids, and blasting activities. Automated workflows allow for more frequent inspections while ensuring operators can work safely from a Remote Operations Center (ROC), away from potentially dangerous areas. This capability enables quicker analysis of blast movements for safer restarts and facilitates regular surveys and inspections. Coupled with intelligent analysis and alert systems, operators can maintain the condition of assets and pipelines, comply with environmental regulations, and ensure proper infrastructure development.
Case Studies of Automated Mining Workflows
The white paper includes two case studies showcasing successful implementation of automated mining workflows in Australia. At Rio Tinto”s Gudai-Darri iron ore mine in the Pilbara region, automated drone operations have proven resilient in extreme weather conditions, enhancing worker safety and operational efficiency. This approach also supports data-driven decision-making through remotely monitored flights and automatic recharging.
In another case at the Paddington Operations in Kalgoorlie, the DJI Dock facilitated aerial surveys of post-blast muckpiles. Utilizing AI-driven modeling, operators improved their grade control, reduced ore dilution, and lowered processing costs by directing higher-quality ore to the processing facility.
For more detailed information, the white paper can be downloaded from DJI”s website.
