According to the company, GeoSLAM Volumes is an end-to-end way to calculate stockpile mass, instantly turning stockpile point cloud data into actionable 3-D information for quick decision making. This is achieved using the company's handheld Zeb Horizon simultaneous localisation and mapping (SLAM) scanner, which can be utilised on foot or with an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV).

GeoSLAM stated that using lightweight and easy-to-use scanners, the new solution can capture and calculate complex data, such as the weight and bulk of stockpiles, up to 10 times faster than traditional tools. It added that GeoSLAM Volumes enables volume calculations to be calculated as frequently as required at all stages of the supply chain without disruption to site activity or compromising employee safety.

GeoSLAM Volumes is designed for use in mines and quarries, and its fully mobile technology is adaptable for untrained staff to use in any environment. In addition, the technology does not require GPS, which can open up hazardous or hard-to-reach areas that are ordinarily off-limits using traditional surveying methods.

Matthew Bester, mining product manager at GeoSLAM, said that the company was proud to draw on more than 20 years of experience in the mining sector. He commented: "GeoSLAM has a longstanding pedigree around the world in the mining and quarrying industry and we're delighted to announce our latest solution to save time and reduce costs for mine operators.

"GeoSLAM Volumes has been designed to democratise the laser scanning process in the sector. The beauty of our technology is that anyone can pick up our scanners without any previous training or understanding and have accurate, actionable data at their fingertips within minutes.

"We know that when companies are paid by volume, the need to deliver highly accurate measurements for ‘just in time' supply chains is critical. Any mistakes can lead to delays, disputes or lost revenues, but we hope that GeoSLAM Volumes will enable mining professionals to manage inventories quickly, frequently and accurately so they can focus on other areas of their jobs."

GeoSLAM's Zeb Horizon scanner, which utilises GeoSLAM's RobustSLAM algorithm, was launched in 2018. It weighs just 1.3kg and can scan 300,000 points per second at a range of 100m with a relative accuracy of between 1-3cm.