Driving efficiency across the mining lifecycle

Surface mines are large mining operations where materials are extracted from the Earth. They are called "open pit" because they are created by removing large amounts of rock and soil from the ground, creating a large open hole or pit. As the mine depth is around 650 meters being able to monitor potential collapses is crucial. Pléiades is capable of capturing images with high-resolution and large-scale coverage. 

Gold mining seeks to separate gold from other ores using various processes. At the Muruntau mine, a hydrometallurgical method is employed, which involves solubilizing the metal to facilitate purification. Once extracted, the ore is processed in its entirety using a heap leaching process. Muruntau uses open-pit mining techniques with a conveyor-driven ore transport system. Alongside Pléiades Neo 30cm VHR enables the identification of specific trucks. 

Extraction involves removing overburden ore, then transporting it the ore to a processing plant. Treatment includes crushing and grinding the ore, followed by concentration methods such as gravity separation or cyanide leaching to extract the gold, and finally refining the gold to achieve high purity. Pléiades Neo precision from mineral processing infrastructures to large hoses enables to clearly identify equipment necessary for the proper functioning of the mine and study the infrastructure network in its entirety. 

North of the mine, a town with geology centers, schools and convenience stores support Muruntau’s mine workers life. In 2022, more than 2,000 people working in the mine lived in the town. Since then, a decision has been taken to extend the mining site, and the small Muruntau city will continue to grow to house future workers and their families.