Drone Seeding Project

Project

The Obed Mountain Mine (OMM) required seeding of reclaimed areas that included challenging steep slopes. The reclaimed terrain included slopes that were ranging from 16°-27°, as per the mine’s EPEA Approval and reclamation plan. These slopes can be challenging for seeding via quad or foot as it relates to safety and efficiencies.

Solution

WestMET ERS utilized our seeding drone which was programmed with a flight path to capture the area requiring seed. Seed was applied to the identified area that was levelled, ripped and received topsoil. With a payload of approximately 50kg, the drone allowed for efficient seeding on areas that otherwise would have required additional time, manpower and safety requirements.

Result

Drone seeding continues to be utilized at OMM, and the WestMET ERS team has successfully seeded approximately 40ha and counting. The drone seeder has proven to be a more efficient method compared to heli-seeding for smaller areas associated to progressive reclamation. Drone seeding ideally occurs as soon as areas are reclaimed to allow for the initiation of the revegetation process rather than waiting for larger expanses of land to be ready for seeding as is the case for heli-seeding.