Project number
26016
Organization
Freeport McMoRan
Offering
ENGR498-F2025-S2026
• CAD models and physical prototype of the drone system
• Software for autonomous navigation and MagCl dispensing
• Field test results and performance evaluation
• Final report with system documentation, risk assessment, and recommendations for full-scale deployment
Project Objectives
• Design a drone platform capable of carrying and dispensing MagCl solution over variable terrain.
• Develop a control system for autonomous or semi-autonomous flight paths based on GPS and geofencing.
• Integrate sensors (e.g., flow rate, altitude, wind compensation) to ensure accurate and uniform application.
• Ensure compatibility with existing Sierrita TSF monitoring systems (e.g., piezometers, inclinometers, GPS).
• Evaluate environmental and safety impacts of aerial MagCl deployment, including runoff and slope integrity.
• Determine viability compared to existing MagCl deployment systems from a cost and reliability perspective.
Background and Motivation
Sierrita’s tailings dam is an impoundment facility that covers approximately 4,400 acres and is being actively deposited on.
1. Maintaining slope stability and minimizing dust emissions are ongoing challenges, especially during dry seasons. Traditional ground-based MagCl application is labor-intensive and poses safety risks to operators on loose and wet material.
2. The drone system will support Sierrita’s goals of zero unplanned discharges, proactive risk management, and innovative tailings stewardship
3. It aligns with Freeport’s broader commitment to safe, sustainable, and technologically advanced mining operations.
• Software for autonomous navigation and MagCl dispensing
• Field test results and performance evaluation
• Final report with system documentation, risk assessment, and recommendations for full-scale deployment
Project Objectives
• Design a drone platform capable of carrying and dispensing MagCl solution over variable terrain.
• Develop a control system for autonomous or semi-autonomous flight paths based on GPS and geofencing.
• Integrate sensors (e.g., flow rate, altitude, wind compensation) to ensure accurate and uniform application.
• Ensure compatibility with existing Sierrita TSF monitoring systems (e.g., piezometers, inclinometers, GPS).
• Evaluate environmental and safety impacts of aerial MagCl deployment, including runoff and slope integrity.
• Determine viability compared to existing MagCl deployment systems from a cost and reliability perspective.
Background and Motivation
Sierrita’s tailings dam is an impoundment facility that covers approximately 4,400 acres and is being actively deposited on.
1. Maintaining slope stability and minimizing dust emissions are ongoing challenges, especially during dry seasons. Traditional ground-based MagCl application is labor-intensive and poses safety risks to operators on loose and wet material.
2. The drone system will support Sierrita’s goals of zero unplanned discharges, proactive risk management, and innovative tailings stewardship
3. It aligns with Freeport’s broader commitment to safe, sustainable, and technologically advanced mining operations.