Japan’s Terra Drone Corporation has signed an investment agreement with Ontario, Canada-based Unmanned Aerial Services Incorporated (UAS Inc.) to form a new subsidiary in Canada called Terra Drone Mining. The new subsidiary will provide UAS mapping and inspection services to underground mines across the globe. 

With this new investment from Terra Drone, Terra Drone Mining will be able to expand UAS Inc.’s business beyond the U.S. to cater to areas of “thriving underground mining operations” such as South/Central America, South Africa, Central Asia, Russia, and Australia.

Using UAS in underground mines can prove to be extremely beneficial to the health of those who work in underground mines. People who work in underground mines are often prone to accidents and/or health issues, so using UAS can reduce such incidents.

To create highly detailed maps of underground areas, Terra Drone uses a mapping technology called Simultaneous Localization and Mapping (SLAM). Being that UAS can reach areas that are not easily or safely accessible to humans or traditional CMS scanners, UAS can be used by mine operators to obtain 3D models of the mines, and prevent workers from entering hazardous locations.

According to Terra Drone, the new subsidiary will not only leverage this advanced UAS technology, but also UAS Inc.’s knowledge in underground mining inspections that it has gained over the years to create a “robust local service network.”