Introduction
Software platforms influence almost every mine in Canada. They handle photogrammetry, 3D modeling, stockpile volumes, change detection, survey workflows, cloud collaboration, and integration with mine-planning tools. Software platforms in the industry are scalable, broad, and enterprise-wide. Their impact is strongest when mines require consistent and repeatable workflows, survey teams require accurate models, operation teams need dashboards and reports, and when data must be shared across departments. This report outlines some of Canada’s leading companies that provide geospatial processing and mining-specific analytics. The companies (not listed in order of size) are generally small-to-mid-sized players within the drone / LiDAR / geospatial mining technology industry.
Canadian Companies
Candrone (LiMapper)
Candrone is a prominent Canadian provider of enterprise-grade drone technology, sales, training, and solutions for industries including mining. [1] The company’s LiMapper is a photogrammetry software designed to enhance drone mapping capabilities, enabling the creation of accurate 3D models and orthomosaics from aerial imagery. In mining, Candrone’s platforms serve purposes such as revolutionizing operations with advanced sensors like LiDAR for surveying, stockpile volume measurements, site monitoring, and automation of mine maps. [2] This facilitates consistent volume reporting, hazard avoidance in remote areas, and compliance with drone regulations specific to mining. Candrone operates primarily in Canada, with satellite locations across the country and the United States, serving clients through customized training and support. [3]
DCS Digital
DCS Digital, formerly known as Digital Content Solutions Inc., is a Canadian company specializing in AI-driven geospatial and drone solutions. Its platforms focus on point cloud intelligence, including volumetric analysis, and digital twin modeling with sub-centimeter accuracy. For mining, the purpose includes measuring stockpiles, extraction volumes, and site conditions to improve operational efficiency, as well as safety and sustainability through integrated data workflows. [4] By leveraging distributed control systems (DCS), it addresses challenges such as data silos, enabling higher productivity and cross-functional alignment in mining operations. [5] DCS Digital operates in Canada, tailoring solutions for local industries such as mining and aggregates, with a focus on remote expert support and real-time data integration.
GEO RPAS Canada
GEO RPAS Canada aligns with geospatial remotely piloted aircraft system (RPAS) services, exemplified by companies like GeoVerra, which partners with entities such as AIRmarket to advance RPAS operations in Canada. [6] The platform’s purpose in mining involves using RPAS for site surveying, collecting geo-referenced imagery to collect precise 3D site models, managing traffic flow, blast planning, and resource allocation while minimizing on-size risk for surveyors. [7] It supports investigations of surface sediments and stability monitoring, integrating with software for comprehensive data analysis. [8] Operations are centred in Canada, with collaborations across provinces such as British Columbia and Alberta, focusing on BVLOS (beyond visual line of sight) approvals and testing centres to enhance commercial drone readiness in mining contexts. [9]
DCmapp
DCmapp is a Canadian company offering rapid-mapping intelligence through professional drone-mapping services. Its platform purposes include generating accurate and detailed aerial maps using ultra-wide view 3D geomatics cameras on drones and manned aircraft, suitable for mining applications like coal mine mapping, stockpile volumetrics, and site reconnaissance. This enables rapid data acquisition for planning, reconciliation, and underground mine data elaboration. DCmapp operates in Canada, providing training in advanced rapid-mapping techniques and serving sectors including mining with high-resolution outputs. [10]
Green Valley International
Green Valley International (GVI) is a provider of LiDAR mapping solutions and point cloud data software, with products such as LiDAR360 for comprehensive processing. In mining, its platforms serve purposes such as terrain mapping, volumetrics, change detection, and creating digital twins using airborne handheld, mobile, and backpack LiDAR systems integrated with SLAM technology. [11] Software tools like LiDAR360 enable QA/QC, strip alignment, and point cloud editing for mining deliverables. [12] Although headquartered in the U.S., GVI operates internationally with a presence in Canada through distributers such as Candrone, supporting Canadian mining clients in forestry, utilities, and extraction.
Exyn Technologies
Exyn Technologies develops autonomous aerial robot systems and software platforms such as ExynAI and Nexys, that integrate LiDAR-based SLAM (Simultaneous Localization and Mapping) for real-time 3D mapping in GPS-denied environments. In mining, the platforms serve purposes such as underground drone mapping for high-precision 3D modeling, cavity monitoring, post-blast safety evaluations, and optimizing operations by enhancing accuracy, safety, and efficiency – reducing re-entry times and keeping survey teams out of harm’s way. They enable automation of inspections, convergence monitoring, and resource uncovering, as demonstrated in gold mining projects. Exyn operates extensively in Canada, with case studies in British Columbia (i.e Ascot Resources’ gold mine in Stewart) and Ontario (partnerships with USCCG for operations management), focusing on multi-platform robotic autonomy for complex mining sites across provinces. [13]
Aerium Analytics
Aerium Analytics is a Canadian provider of drone-based technologies and platforms, including geospatial intelligence systems and the RoBird flapping-wing drone for wildlife management. In mining, its platforms aim to revolutionize operations by identifying and mitigating hazards, conducting site mapping with LiDAR, thermal, and multispectral sensors, as well as reducing environmental impacts (such as decreasing bird mortalities on tailing ponds). They support surface modeling, underground inspections, and automated surveillance for safer and more cost-effective energy / mining activities. Headquartered in Calgary, Alberta, Aerium operates across Canada, including northern regions and oil sands projects, serving mining, energy, and forestry sectors with custom solutions in complex environments. [14]
Airborne Imaging
Airborne Imaging specializes in aerial multi-sensor platforms and LiDAR services, modifying aircraft for specialized missions to collect high-resolution data. It primarily focuses on larger, manned fixed-wing aircraft. In mining, the platforms are used for gathering information critical to exploration and operations, including bare-earth mapping under sense vegetation, lineament and fault identification, and supporting safety through accurate elevation data for flood mapping and geomorphology assessment. They enable efficient coverage of large remote areas for DEMs (Digital Elevation Models) and vegetation penetration, aiding in gold mining districts and hydrological modeling. Based in Calgary, Alberta, Airborne Imaging operates primarily in Canada, with experienced pilots and teams supporting missions nationwide, including British Columbia gold projects, and collaborating on national standards for LiDAR acquisition. [15]
Mining Focus
Not all companies I discussed are exclusively or primarily involved in the mining of gold, silver, or critical minerals. Their technologies are versatile and apply broadly across the mining sector. The chart below highlights the type of minerals involvement for each company.
| Company | Minerals Involvement |
| Exyn Technologies | Strong focus on gold; some critical minerals |
| Aerium Analytics | Energy and mining sectors |
| Airborne Imaging | Gold projects, broader mining |
| Candrone | Supports gold, silver, critical minerals projects |
| DCS Digital | Broad mining applications, including gold, silver, critical minerals |
| DCmapp | Supports coal mining, gold, silver, general mining |
| Green Valley International | Primarily gold, silver, critical minerals; broader mining |
| GEO RPAS Canada | Primarily gold and silver; general mining |
Summary
In summary, the Canadian companies discussed offer a variety of software platforms to enhance mining efficiency, safety, and data accuracy in Canada. Their operations are involved with broad-based mining and often extend to collaborative international efforts. However, they maintain a strong Canadian focus through local offices, partnerships, and compliance with national regulations.
Sources:
[1] candrone.com, https://candrone.com/?srsltid=AfmBOoqzC8FQpp6Z-6-GqMViyEN-5f0yb2ashpiKQ4W4GO_hXsqrToGB
[2] candrone.com, https://candrone.com/pages/mining-1?srsltid=AfmBOor9pcjnH8JRJmVY7wbe2oglAA18r76h_VpTfFYSIj0tPahXsyuu and https://candrone.com/blogs/news/how-modern-mines-use-drones-for-consistent-volume-reporting?srsltid=AfmBOoplpcsCVOxmWuI7bwNwRpW-fNsjjUjvewQjwBS9CprDLOZjHyCw
[3] candrone.com, https://candrone.com/pages/about?srsltid=AfmBOopU_SL_cQDzE8dO6-lP6OWac-dxt0w_Cr-oXBBx-556oXNPrLgg
[4] dcsdigital.ca, https://www.dcsdigital.ca/point-cloud-intelligence and https://www.dcsdigital.ca/
[5] canadianminingmagazine.com, https://canadianminingmagazine.com/blog/mining-safety/five-benefits-of-implementing-dcs-in-mining-operations/
[6] geoverra.com, https://www.geoverra.com/2024/08/08/geoverras-partnership-with-airmarket-shaping-the-future-of-rpas-in-canada/
[7] cartocanada.ca, https://cartocanada.ca/mining/
[8] skygeo.com, https://skygeo.com/mining/
[9] geoverra.com, https://www.geoverra.com/2024/08/08/geoverras-partnership-with-airmarket-shaping-the-future-of-rpas-in-canada/
[10] dcmapp.ca, https://dcmapp.ca/ and https://dcmapp.ca/about-us
[11] greenvalleyintl.com, https://www.greenvalleyintl.com/
[12] bench-mark.ca, https://bench-mark.ca/product/lidar-360-survey/
[13] exyn.com, https://www.exyn.com/ and https://www.exyn.com/underground-drone-mapping and https://www.exyn.com/products/robotic-autonomy
[14] aeriumanalytics.com, https://aeriumanalytics.com/
[15] airborneimaging.net, https://www.airborneimaging.net/ and
Gold Proficiency
Disclaimer:
This summary is based on publicly available information from various company sources. It is provided for educational and informational purposes only. Though it has been taken to ensure accuracy, we make no representations or warranties of the reliability of the information.
Forward-looking statements, projections and estimates are subject to risks as outlined in the original company disclosures. Readers should consult official texts for full context. Nothing in the articles constitute forecasting, investment or financial advice. Please seek guidance from a qualified professional before making any investment decisions.