Autonomous Bathymetry Vehicle For Tailings Impound Surveys

This research project will be used to help mining operations and other industrial proponents where applicable, ensure the integrity of their tailings ponds, reduce the risk to human life/health, and meet government regulations by reducing cost and logistic barriers to conducting tailings volume surveys.
The goal is to verify that an autonomous vehicle can conduct what would ordinarily be a dangerous sonar survey of a tailings pond. This will be accomplished by creating such a vehicle from easily sourced materials with existing supply lines, testing in variety of situations to gain this knowledge. The vehicle will be constructed from a low draught hydro-jet propelled kayak. The intern will outfit the vehicle with effective yet low-cost nautical autopilot, GPS, fishfinder/aquatic rangefinder, and associated supporting computer and radio equipment to facilitate fully autonomous, and remote-controlled operation.
KMB Resources Group will benefit by gaining knowledge they may choose to employ in their operations.

Faculty Supervisor:

Ulf Runesson

Student:

Partner:

KBM Forestry Consultants Inc

Discipline:

Engineering

Sector:

Agriculture

University:

Lakehead University

Program: