An integrated Locata & Leica Geosystems Positioning System for Open-cut Mining Applications

Open-cut mining techniques have come to rely heavily on GNSS technology as a critical input into machine control systems. However, as open-cut mines get deeper the visibility to GNSS satellites is greatly reduced, and therefore reducing the effectiveness of GNSS positioning systems placed on mining equipment. Locata and Leica have been working together to develop a solution to this problem using Locata’s ground-based positioning technology. During late 2006 through to early 2007 the first integrated Leica and Locata equipment was installed and tested at a major open-cut mine in South Africa. A backpack, dozer and drill system were equipped with integrated Leica/Locata positioning technology. This paper will discuss the design and installation of the first “real-world” open-cut mine trial of Locata enabled technology, and present results and analysis demonstrating the performance of the proof-of-concept Leica/Locata mining systems.