ZIYAN F15 Successfully Completes High-Altitude Tailings Dam Inspection at 4,525m in Tibet

ZIYAN Tech has successfully completed a comprehensive tailings dam inspection trial using its F15 unmanned helicopter UAV at a mining site in Tibet, demonstrating outstanding performance in one of the world's most challenging operating environments for industrial drone systems.

Conducted at elevations reaching 4,525 metres above sea level, the trial tested the F15 under snowfall, near-freezing temperatures, thin air, and complex mountainous terrain. The project was carried out in collaboration with a major mining enterprise seeking safer, more efficient, and data-driven methods for tailings dam monitoring and infrastructure inspection.

The successful mission validates the F15's capability as a reliable UAV solution for high-altitude mining operations, where conventional inspection methods often face significant limitations.

The Challenge: Tailings Dam Inspections in High-Altitude Mining Regions

Tailings dams are among the most critical assets within mining operations. Regular inspections are essential to ensure structural integrity, operational safety, and regulatory compliance.

However, inspecting tailings storage facilities in plateau mining regions presents unique challenges:

• Difficult access to dam crests, slopes, drainage systems, and surrounding infrastructure;

• Increased safety risks for personnel operating in steep and hazardous terrain;

• Limited inspection coverage using traditional ground-based methods;

• Reduced efficiency caused by adverse weather conditions;

• Delayed data collection and reporting processes;

• Challenges for conventional UAVs operating in low-density air environments.

To evaluate whether unmanned helicopter technology could overcome these challenges, ZIYAN deployed the F15 in a real-world mining environment under demanding weather and terrain conditions.

Full-Mission Validation Under Snowfall and Low Temperatures

The inspection mission was conducted during snowfall with temperatures approaching 0°C.

Despite the harsh conditions, the F15 maintained stable flight performance throughout the operation, successfully completing all inspection tasks without communication interruptions, flight anomalies, or system faults.

Key Flight Performance Data

• Maximum operating altitude: 4,525 m

• Flight speed: 13 m/s

• Flight endurance: 57 minutes

• Control link: Stable throughout the mission

• Video transmission: Real-time and uninterrupted

• Flight status: No communication loss or mission interruption

The trial demonstrated the F15's ability to maintain reliable flight performance in high-altitude environments where reduced air density can significantly impact conventional UAV platforms.

High-Quality Inspection Data Collection

Equipped with a tri-sensor EO/IR payload, the F15 collected high-resolution visual and thermal imagery throughout the mission.

Key inspection targets included:

• Main dam structures;

• Auxiliary dams;

• Dam slopes and embankments;

• Drainage channels and facilities;

• Tailings storage areas;

• Critical mining infrastructure.

Even under snowfall conditions, the payload delivered clear and actionable inspection data, enabling operators to identify potential structural abnormalities, erosion risks, surface damage, and other safety concerns.

The integrated thermal imaging capability further enhanced visibility in low-light environments and shadowed areas, improving the effectiveness of routine inspections.

Precision Navigation in Complex Mountainous Terrain

The mining site featured steep slopes, significant elevation changes, and rugged terrain that required precise navigation and safe flight control.

Throughout the mission, the F15's integrated GPS/RTK positioning system provided highly accurate navigation performance, while the onboard obstacle avoidance system supported safe operations in complex environments.

The platform successfully accessed inspection areas that would otherwise require significant time, manpower, and risk exposure for ground inspection teams.

This capability enables mining operators to conduct more frequent inspections while reducing personnel exposure to hazardous environments.

Supporting Smart Mining and Digital Inspection Workflows

The successful completion of this trial highlights how UAV technology can support the digital transformation of mining operations.

By integrating aerial inspection, real-time video transmission, thermal imaging, and digital data management, mining companies can establish more efficient and comprehensive monitoring workflows.

Key Benefits for Mining Operators

• Reduced exposure of personnel to hazardous environments;

• Faster inspection cycles and improved operational efficiency;

• Wider inspection coverage across large mining sites;

• Real-time situational awareness;

• Improved visibility of infrastructure conditions;

• Standardised digital records for long-term asset management;

• Enhanced tailings dam safety monitoring and risk assessment.

As mining companies increasingly adopt smart mining technologies, UAV-based inspection solutions are becoming a critical tool for improving safety, efficiency, and operational decision-making.

Expanding UAV Applications in the Mining Industry

The Tibet tailings dam inspection project marks another important milestone in ZIYAN Tech's continued development of industrial UAV solutions for demanding environments.

Building on successful deployments across mining, energy, public safety, emergency response, and infrastructure inspection sectors, ZIYAN continues to optimise its unmanned helicopter platforms for operations in:

• High-altitude environments;

• Low-temperature regions;

• Mountainous terrain;

• Remote industrial sites;

• Adverse weather conditions.

The F15's proven performance at 4,525 metres demonstrates its suitability for challenging inspection missions where reliability, endurance, and situational awareness are essential.

Why Choose the ZIYAN F15 for Mining Inspections?

The F15 unmanned helicopter combines long endurance, stable flight performance, and flexible payload integration to support a wide range of mining applications, including:

• Tailings dam inspection;

• Mining infrastructure monitoring;

• Environmental assessment;

• Security patrol and surveillance;

• Emergency response support;

• Geological and terrain observation.

Its ability to operate in challenging environments makes it a practical solution for mining operators seeking to improve safety, inspection efficiency, and asset management.

FAQ

What are the advantages of using UAVs for tailings dam inspections?

UAVs improve inspection efficiency, reduce risks to personnel, provide access to difficult-to-reach areas, and generate high-quality visual data for safety assessments and long-term monitoring.

Can drones operate effectively at high altitudes?

Many conventional drones experience reduced performance at high elevations due to thinner air. The ZIYAN F15 has demonstrated reliable operation at altitudes of up to 4,525 metres in real-world mining conditions.

Why are tailings dam inspections important?

Regular inspections help identify structural issues, monitor drainage systems, improve safety management, and support regulatory compliance.

What sensors can the F15 carry for mining inspections?

The F15 can integrate EO/IR cameras, thermal imaging systems, zoom cameras, mapping sensors, and other mission-specific payloads for various inspection requirements.

About ZIYAN Tech

Founded in 2015, ZIYAN Tech is a professional manufacturer of small and medium-sized unmanned helicopter systems for both civil and defence applications. The company provides advanced UAV platforms and customised solutions for industries including mining, energy, public safety, emergency response, surveying, and infrastructure inspection.

With a focus on innovation, reliability, and mission effectiveness, ZIYAN continues to help organisations worldwide improve operational efficiency through advanced unmanned helicopter technology.