Automated Image Segmentation and Analysis of Rock Piles in an Open-Pit Mine

Measurement and image analysis of 3D surface profile data of blasted rock piles in an open-pit mine are presented. A proof-of-concept/demonstration project into determining the size distribution of the visible rocks on the pile was performed. The results demonstrate the capacity to collect high resolution 3D surface profile data using a high-end two-axis scanning laser range-finder. Furthermore, automated image analysis was applied to this data to identify and size the rocks on the pile. Areas of very fine particles, too small to individually detect, are able to be detected and classified as areas-of-fines. Detection of these areas-of-fines is extremely important as the amount of fine material is a key factor in evaluating blasting outcomes. The algorithms to perform this segmentation and classification analysis are outlined and results are shown in the form of images and sizing graphs.