Kespry is showcasing work of more than 170 aggregates clients at AGG1 aggregates expo, in Houston, from the 6-8 March. The exhibition is demonstrating how its drone's survey-grade, aerial topographic data is helping companies define volumes for stockpiles, blasting and stripping.
These organisations include CSA Materials (CSA), Stoneco of Michigan and York Building Products (YBP), which use the platform to manage stockpile inventories, plan mining operations and maximize revenue.
YBP has implemented the solution to calculate the perimeter and volume of all aggregate stockpiles. It also uses it to estimate reserve levels, and compare volume measurements from stripping and mine reclamation work. The company operates in Pennsylvania, Maryland, and Delaware.
Jim Gawthrop, vice president, YBP, said: “With the Kespry drone, we can fly as often as we want across all of our sites to make sure that our production numbers are right on target. We no longer have costly surprises. Bottom line, it’s about getting the right information—and more information—just when we need it, instead of waiting for a manned aerial survey.”
Stoneco serves the Michigan Department of Transportation and Ohio Department of Transportation, and commercial organisations, with aggregates materials designed for highways, parking lots, driveways, and other applications. The innovation, according to Austin Fisher, assistant operations manager and quality control manager, Stoneco of Michigan, has enabled the company to carry out inventory management more accurately.
Texas-based CSA Materials uses the device with the intention of ensuring aggregates stockpiles are optimised to meet client demand and business forecasts.
Brian Biggerstaff, environmental manager, CSA Materials, said: “Inventory management can be a really daunting task. Now, the Kespry system lets us keeps a historical record of each flight we make. I can watch stockpiles at remote locations. If I measure one in March, June and September, I can quickly visually go between those dates and I can see that stockpile and where people have taken material from it, and how much has been removed from it. CSA Materials is pleased with the continuous improvement Kespry shows. As Kespry evolves, so does our drone program. We have grown from stockpile measurements into mine planning and other areas.”
