Use of UAV Images in 3D Modelling of Waste Material Stock-Piles in an Abandoned Mixed Sulphide Mine in Mathiatis—Cyprus

The island of Cyprus is famous for its rich deposits volcanic mineralisation that yielded large quantities copper, gold, and silver. abandonment the waste material in several dump sites during exploitation severely impacted environment. A significant environmental issue acid mine drainage from hydration barren piles cover these old open pit mines. However, abandoned are still enriched precious metals perhaps even rare earth metals. These may form a new possible “deposit”, which attract companies’ economic interest. Removing stockpiles can be cost-effective, since secondary extraction process profitable, addition to benefits restoration natural case study considered here pertains North Mine Mathiatis, where unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) images were used create not only 3D topographic map but also locate finally model one stockpiles. methodology proposed by using point cloud data (x, y, z, RGB) high-resolution provided UAVs will assist mining open-pit mines defining bottom top stockpile surfaces. reconstructed calculate volume they occupy other parameters, such as gradient slopes, essential estimating cost restoration. was applied STK1 with most available drillhole data, estimated at 56,000 m3, approximately.