Integrating lidar technology in artisanal and small-scale mining: A comparative study of iPad Pro LiDAR sensor and traditional surveying methods in Ecuador's artisanal gold mine

This research evaluates the use of the iPad Pro 11 with LiDAR sensor (LS) for geospatial surveying in Ecuador's artisanal and small-scale mining (ASM) sector, a key contributor to the national economy; however, it is hindered by outdated equipment and environmental challenges. It was conducted at "La Zamorana," an underground gold mine. The study compares the efficacy of iPad LS against traditional surveying methods across five phases, including control point establishment, traditional and LiDAR surveying, data postprocessing, and an electronic survey assessing ASM's technological readiness. The findings indicate that the iPad LS outperforms traditional methods in detail and accuracy, particularly in elevation measurements, with most discrepancies under 5 cm. The precision of the LiDAR methodology is highlighted by the closer alignment of points to control points than traditional surveying methods. In summary, the iPad Pro 11 with LS shows promise as an affordable ASM tool for geospatial surveying in ASM in Ecuador. The research emphasizes how receptive the industry is to new technology developments. However, further research is recommended to explore the technology's effectiveness in diverse mining environments, ensuring its comprehensive applicability in ASM.