An inspection carried out by Osprey Integrity using the Voliro T drone has delivered massive cost savings and operational benefits for a major Canadian mining producer. Find out more > >
By deploying advanced UAV technology equipped with Electromagnetic Acoustic Transducer (EMAT) sensors, Osprey completed a full inspection of a surge bin hopper—without interrupting operations—cutting inspection time from two weeks to just 40 minutes and saving the company an impressive $1.2 million CAD.
Traditionally, inspections of ore collection bins in oil sands facilities require full shutdowns, scaffolding, and weeks of manpower-intensive labor. These bins endure constant wear from abrasive ore, and without precise data, reliability engineers are forced to overcompensate—replacing all wear plates to avoid potential failures. This approach not only increases downtime but inflates maintenance costs unnecessarily.
Osprey Integrity’s use of the Voliro T drone redefined this process. By capturing accurate, real-time data on wear plate thickness with the EMAT payload, the engineering team identified that only half of the wear tiles required replacement. The result: reduced material costs, fewer man-hours, and zero disruption to production.
This inspection also offered a major boost to workplace safety. The drone eliminated the need for high-risk activities like rope access or confined space entry, reducing personnel exposure and the need for emergency rescue teams.
The success of this drone-based inspection demonstrates the transformative potential of UAVs in mining asset integrity. The combination of high-resolution data, minimal disruption, and enhanced safety creates a compelling case for wider adoption across industrial operations.
