EPC Metrics’ Stockpile Service
First published in the March 2025 issue of Quarry Management
The future of stock inventory on site
EPC-UK have announced that sister company EPC Metrics will bring proven drone technology and 3D mapping capabilities together this year to create a full topographical stockpile survey service for customers, helping to improve their mineral processing (stockpiling) operations.
Jointly, EPC-UK and EPC Metrics are already making quarrying operations safer across the board through their use of digitalized processes and computer software, and this latest focus on stockpiling will further improve efficiencies offered in terms of safety and service.
‘Stockpiling is the controlled storage of mined or quarried minerals on site. Being able to quantify stockpiles through the use of surveying techniques and representing them in the form of volume reports is essential to effective quarry management,’ explained EPC Metrics’ senior explosives engineer and drone fleet manager, Dan Richards.
Digitalized results
‘To make stockpile surveying ‘fit for the future’, we’re using digital expertise and drone technology to capture individual stock volume measurements,’ continued Mr Richards. ‘From here we generate models with key data converted into a stockpile survey. This digitally produced, highly accurate stock inventory can be translated into a monthly, quarterly or ad hoc report to support customers’ financial administration.’
Safety
Mr Richards went on to explain that as well as being faster and more precise, the digitalized stockpile service is significantly safer than manual stockpiling methods, as it removes the need for operatives to physically take measurements on sites where mobile plant machinery is in operation. EPC Metrics’ use of drones in the quarry environment also conforms fully to the QNJAC guidance designed to help understand the rules regarding the use of drones, the terminology around drone flights, and the associated risk assessments provided by drone contractors.
Technology
‘From a point of personal safety on a customer’s site, we can collect highly accurate data on the stockpiles by using an RTK-enabled drone in conjunction with an established ground control point network,’ continued Mr Richards. ‘The drone then takes measurements which are used to create complex topographies. We calculate and interpret these using Smart Drone Surveying Software, so customers can understand at a glance the volumes, tonnages, and monetary value of any project they’re progressing over time.’
Key advantages:
Provides customers with efficient and accurate stockpile volume reports
Uses the latest drone and GPS technologies
Utilizes a Smart Drone Surveying Software platform
Aligns with EPC-UK’s ROG+ Service.
Additional digital analysis services include:
Cut and fill mineral deposit calculations
Excavated volumes
Face angle assessments
Floor height assessments
Bund height checks and haul road gradient assessments
The ability to compare historic datasets and volumes over time.
The commercial view
Continuing to outline the service’s benefits, EPC-UK’s commercial executive, James Morgan, said: ‘There’s a notable cost effectiveness to utilizing the EPC Metrics stockpile service. It can be provided as a standalone solution or tagged on to a customer’s ROG+ package, allowing all the service elements to be tied together, streamlining efficiencies and reducing overall financial outlay. This gives the Metrics team the opportunity to emphasize their adaptability and willingness to tailor solutions to individual operator’s needs.
‘In addition, our extensive understanding of drone mapping techniques and data analysis can enable those operators to better develop the future productivity of their sites so, for example, if we’re profiling stocks for 12 months, data collected can show the level of change over a fiscal year. Furthermore, by working in partnership with our experienced team and its SPIRIT value approach to service and results (Safety, Passion, Integrity, Respect, Innovation and Teamwork), safety on site is heightened and everyone can benefit from our shared working culture of trust.
‘In terms of our technology in action, the accuracy of volumes we can record provide customers with a direct database of their monetary stock value at each individual site.’
A service supported by experience
‘Whilst the stockpiling service may be a new addition to the suite of solutions provided by EPC Metrics, the capabilities we’re offering are backed extensively through the expertise of experienced EPC-UK engineers and competent drone pilots,’ continued Mr Morgan. ‘Historically, EPC Metrics performed whole-site surveys using large-scale drone equipment, including the WingtraOne Professional vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) fixed-wing drone, alongside several multi-rotor drones. However, over the past five years the drone technology capabilities of both EPC Metrics and EPC-UK have grown considerably, bringing us to the point where we can now successfully carry out stockpile services.
‘The history behind the knowledge really begins in 2015. We were one of the very early adopters of drone technology within quarrying environments and since then our experience has grown significantly, as has the use of drones within our industry across the world. In 2017 we began performing accuracy trials between drones and lasers, then in 2019 our introduction of the WingtraOne to the fleet enabled us to embark on large-scale site mapping projects. As a team, we’re always looking to expand our digital suite of services and optimize the latest technologies, with stockpile digital analysis marking the next stage of EPC-UK and EPC Metrics’ ever-evolving drone technology capabilities.’
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