Surveyors are essential to controlling dilution in mining, as they deliver accurate spatial and volumetric data that support the clear separation of ore from waste.
Surveyors regularly conduct stope face and wall surveys to provide accurate data for mine planning. This information helps engineers guide extraction activities and monitor deviations by comparing actual excavations to blast designs. The data also supports the creation of 3D stope models to visualize overbreak and identify dilution zones(Dilution Control Purposes in Stope Surveying…, n.d.).
Monitoring and measuring overbreak unintended excavation beyond the planned stope boundaries, a major source of dilution is carried out using advanced technologies such as laser scanning and photogrammetry(Jorquera, n.d.).
Surveyors contribute to dilution control by calculating the volumes of extracted ore and waste, enabling comparisons with mine designs and blast plans to identify deviations that may lead to dilution. They also support grade control by aligning survey data with sampling results, helping to maintain ore quality, ensure compliance with mining plans, and optimize metal recovery(Mubita, 2005).
Dilution is an enemy of profitability, and the mine surveyor is the first line of defense! What precise role do surveyors play in controlling dilution, and how does their data directly impact the efficiency of mining operations? Share your insights!
Reference:
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Dilution control purposes in Stope surveying… (n.d.). Filo. Retrieved October 14, 2025, from https://askfilo.com/user-question-answers-smart-solutions/dilution-control-purposes-in-stope-surveying-3337323632393738
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Jorquera, M. (n.d.). Underground mining dilution: Management, trends and the role of machine learning.
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Mubita, D. M. (2005). Recent initiatives in reducing dilution at Konkola Mine, Zambia.
