BHP testing thermal imagery to monitor health of mining equipment

BHP Group Ltd. is testing the use of drones equipped with infrared cameras to monitor the health and performance of mining equipment at its Newman iron ore operations in Western Australia, the mining giant said Aug. 23.

BHP said it is using thermal imagery to ensure that equipment such as iron ore reclaimers are operating within their optimal temperature ranges. Drones are being deployed at night, as the impact of the sun's heat on equipment is reduced during this time, the miner added.

"This innovative practice of night-time thermal surveillance underscores BHP's dedication to reliability, operational efficiency and safety," BHP said.

BHP owns an 85% stake in Newman while Mitsui & Co. Ltd. owns 10% and Itochu Corp. owns 5%.

Newman produced 56.9 million metric tons of iron ore in BHP's fiscal 2023, according to S&P Global Market Intelligence data.

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