The BMX Fragmenter uses both two dimensional and 3D fragmentation analysis to gather hundreds of thousands of individual particle measurements from drone images, for full analysis of the entire muckpile.

BMX Fragmenter can work on its own or be hooked up to a Blastmetric unmanned aerial vehicle.

The system works off the drone's GPS coordinates, so no ground reference markers are needed.

BMX Fragmenter generates millions of 3D data points and reviews up to 200 photos per hour.

A 3D post-blast model is automatically generated that shows the width, throw and height of the muckpile, with particle sizes color-coded to give a quick gradation overview and for easy visualisation of oversized material.

Robert A. McClure president Robert McClure said delineation using only 2D analysis could lead to inaccurate measurements, due to shadowing and the particle's contour and structure.

"Adding the third dimension offers more accurate delineation through shape, and the 2D analysis is used for refinement and smaller particle detection," he said.

The system also generates summary reports for blast program optimisation.

McClure said the system could be used in open-pit mining operations and debris flow, dam and underground applications.

"For continuous cyclic optimisation of a surface blasting program, miners need a reproduceable blast design and objective analysis and quantification of the results," he said.

"New BMX Fragmenter offers simple, fast and incredibly accurate analysis of the post-blast muckpile gradation, critical for a mine's KPI program."