Sorrell-Smith Engineering Consultants LLC (2SEC), a full-service engineering and construction management firm, undertook a transformative project to create a comprehensive mining plan for a client in Arkansas. This project aimed to deliver short-term (3 years), mid-term (5-7 years), and long-term (7+ years) plans for a mining site, focusing on market demand, waste area identification, and stream rerouting. A robust visual representation was essential to guide strategic decisions, optimize costs, and enhance operational planning.

Leveraging YellowScan’s Vx-20 LiDAR system, 2SEC conducted detailed surveys of the mine, including adjacent undisturbed areas and regulated NGS blue line streams. The UAV LiDAR enabled high-resolution ground data capture, even under dense tree canopies, providing critical insights for permitting and compliance with environmental regulations. The survey covered 193 hectares over 3 days, generating over 89 million data points and 2,770 high-resolution images, which were processed in just 5 days.

The resulting dataset facilitated precise development and quantity calculations, helping 2SEC and the client design an optimized mining plan that balances operational efficiency with environmental stewardship.