When most people think about quarries, they picture massive machines crushing rock and hard physical labour. What they probably don’t picture is cutting‑edge drone technology, 3D modelling or engineers flying hands‑free aircraft from a tablet.
But that’s exactly what’s happening at Mawsons, and it’s changing the way quarries operate!
We caught up with James Brereton, a Drill & Blast Engineer, to find out how drones are shaping the future of quarrying and why this hands‑on, high‑tech career might be worth looking into.
What does a Drill & Blast Engineer do?
In simple terms, a Drill & Blast Engineer designs and manages controlled blasts that break solid rock into usable material. That rock is then used in projects we all rely on: roads, footpaths, buildings, and concrete.
James works across the entire blasting process, from planning through to execution (excluding the actual drilling). His job is all about precision, safety and efficiency. It’s not just “blowing stuff up” – every blast is carefully designed to make sure the rock breaks the right way, at the right size, without putting people or equipment at risk.
Why use explosives?
Quarries deal with extremely hard rock. Breaking it apart using machines alone would be slow, costly and inefficient. Explosives allow large volumes of rock to be broken quickly into smaller, usable fragments, making blasting the most effective and economical option.
And this is where drones come in.
Enter the drone: a new tool in quarrying
Drones at Mawsons aren’t toys; they’re powerful surveying tools.
Before any blast takes place, a drone is flown over the quarry to capture hundreds of high‑resolution photos from different angles. Each photo is tagged with exact X, Y and Z coordinates, meaning every image knows exactly where it was taken in 3D space.
Specialised software then stitches all those images together using a process called photogrammetry, creating a detailed 3D model (or point cloud) of the quarry face. This model helps engineers design blast plans with incredible accuracy, including drill hole depth, angles and spacing.
“It’s pretty impressive watching photos turn into a reliable 3D model we can use to blast safely and confidently.”
Drones don’t just plan blasts – they record them
On blast day, drones play another important role.
They can hover at safe distances to film the entire blast, capturing angles that people on the ground can’t always see. This footage is later reviewed to check blast performance and identify improvements for next time.
Drones are also used for final safety checks, scanning the site to confirm all people and equipment are clear of the blast zone before detonation.
Are these drones the same as camera drones?
Mawsons uses DJI drones, similar to those used for photography, but with extra surveying features. These include RTK (Real‑Time Kinematic) positioning, which enables drones to map the quarry with an accuracy of 1–3 centimetres. That level of detail is critical when designing blasts in tough terrain.
Why drones make the job safer
Quarry benches (or levels) can reach up to 15 metres in height, and some areas are difficult or unsafe to access on foot. Drones allow engineers to capture data from a safe distance, reducing exposure to hazards such as unstable ground or heavy vehicle traffic.
They also keep people out of active work zones, making drones one of the biggest safety improvements in modern quarrying.
Faster, smarter, more efficient!
Traditional quarry surveys could take days or even weeks. With drones, surveys can be flown and processed within hours.
“They fly fast, process fast, and give us better data,” James explains. “It’s a huge time saver.”
Is it hard to learn?
Surprisingly, no!
The drones are user‑friendly, and with the right training, approvals and licences, operators can fly them confidently. According to James, the biggest challenge isn’t the drone; it’s sometimes getting a reliable internet connection at remote quarry sites!
(And no, he hasn’t crashed one yet – thankfully!)
What does this mean for the environment?
Because drones fly from anywhere and don’t disturb the ground, they’re a non‑intrusive surveying method. That means less environmental impact compared to traditional on‑site measurement techniques.
Thinking about a future with drones?
James’ advice for teenagers interested in working with drones is simple:
Lean into technology!
Careers like drill and blast engineering combine science, maths, problem‑solving and hands‑on work with some genuinely exciting tools. You don’t just sit at a desk – you’re out on site, working with advanced equipment, and seeing real‑world results from your work!
So, what’s the best part?
For James, it’s a mix of everything.
“Flying drones is exciting on its own, but seeing the accuracy of the data, and knowing it helps us blast safely, is really satisfying.”
Quarrying might not be the first career that comes to mind, but with drones, 3D modelling and engineering data at the core, it’s becoming a high‑tech industry full of opportunity!
And who knows? Your future job might just involve taking to the skies!
