Underground mining and tunnel operations require advanced monitoring systems to ensure worker safety and environmental stability. While modern ventilation and gas detection technologies play a crucial role, GASTAMINE is taking a step further by introducing an innovative aerial monitoring solution.
Supported by EIT RawMaterials and co-funded by the European Union, GASTAMINE is developing a drone equipped with advanced gas monitoring sensors. This unmanned aerial system (UAS) will be capable of measuring multiple gas concentrations, including CO2, CO, O2, NOx, CH4, H2S, and SO2, in confined and GPS-denied environments. By providing real-time data, the system will help reduce inspection time and costs, increase the coverage of inspections, and enable daily monitoring of tunnels and mining sections. The collected data will be comparable to traditional monitoring methods, such as handheld devices or fixed sensors.
Building on the achievements of the Horizon ECODRONE project (which successfully tested the GASTAMINE prototype up to TRL5 under the MINE.THE.GAP grant agreement no. 873149), this project will now focus on developing and validating a commercial-ready system.
Project Timeline
The GASTAMINE project officially started in January 2025 and will run for two years. The first year will focus on developing and validating the prototype in real-world conditions, while the second year (2026) will be dedicated to validating the system for commercial applications and preparing for market launch.
Raising Awareness: The Drone Briefcase
Beyond its technological advancements, GASTAMINE is also committed to educating the next generation about the importance of underground mining operations and their strict safety standards. As part of this initiative, the project will introduce the Drone Briefcase, an interactive educational tool designed for children aged six and older. This hands-on experience will allow young learners to explore the role of mining in everyday life and the technology used to ensure safety.
Stay tuned for updates as GASTAMINE continues to revolutionize underground gas monitoring!
