Starting the project

Under the current framework agreement, Mitta began mine surveying in May 2023. As the project advanced, a new vision took shape: could safety and production be further enhanced through an innovative approach? Mitta answered this challenge by introducing a tunnel UAS (unmanned aircraft system) LIDAR scanning service. The initiative started with testing the system in underground environments, and based on the promising results, Outokumpu decided to adopt the service.

Outokumpu’s representative Marika Näätsaari, mine surveyor at the Kemi mine, notes that every stage of the project was executed successfully, from the initial planning and throughout the pilot phase.

“Communication has been seamless, and everything has been organized so that we always know exactly what will happen and when.”

Implementation, safety and efficiency

Mine surveying continues to play a key role in supporting production and engineering for Outokumpu and its subcontractors. Tasks include surveying and stakeout measurements for areas such as drilling, blasting and excavation operations, and measurement work related to mining infrastructure equipment.

Mitta’s five-person team operates on a shift-work model, performing surveys in two shifts, seven days a week.

The introduction of tunnel drone scanning technology has delivered significant benefits: surveys are now safer, faster, and more accurate. The drone system also enables rapid inspections in areas that were previously inaccessible due to collapse risks. Its utilization rate is exceptionally high, with the system being used daily in a variety of applications.

“The drone has greatly improved occupational safety for surveyors working underground. It also provides valuable data on the mine’s vertical structures, among other things”

“The drone has greatly improved occupational safety for surveyors working underground. It also provides valuable data on the mine’s vertical structures, among other things,” explains Näätsaari.

Kimmo Mäcklin, Head of UAS Services at Mitta, has played a pivotal role in developing the tunnel drone project and has witnessed firsthand how this new service has unlocked entirely new possibilities alongside traditional mine surveying techniques.

“It’s been fantastic to see the significant benefits the tunnel drone brings to the Elijärvi mine. We continuously monitor the market and strive to deliver innovative solutions that create real value for our customers”, says Mäcklin.

Sustainability and technological benefits

Outokumpu’s order volumes have continued to grow as new applications for its material emerge, driving the need for rapid, quality data. The introduction of tunnel UAS technology has transformed mine surveying by enabling the creation of high-quality point clouds, videos, and images across a much wider area than traditional methods. This innovation directly supports the mine’s sustainability goals—improving safety while allowing production to be planned with greater accuracy and efficiency.

Mitta has been a trusted partner for Outokumpu for more than 15 years. At the Kemi mine, the collaboration has been particularly successful thanks to Mitta’s comprehensive service model, where drone-captured data is processed with precision to meet customer specifications.

“I can confidently recommend Mitta’s services to others. Their work is high-quality, efficient, and professional. Moreover, Mitta has consistently adapted to our evolving needs,” Näätsaari emphasizes.