OC Global supports drone-based mine monitoring in Zambia and DR Congo

Oriental Consultants Global Co., Ltd. (OC Global), in collaboration with MSC Partners Inc., has begun supporting a demonstration project led by Aerosense Inc. to introduce remote mine monitoring services using fixed-wing vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) drones in Zambia and the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DR Congo)

The initiative has been selected under Japan’s Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI) “Global South Future-Oriented Co-Creation Project” for fiscal year 2025, funded through the supplementary budget. The programme covers small-scale demonstration initiatives and feasibility studies aimed at fostering international cooperation and developing solutions to shared economic and industrial challenges.

The project will assess how Japanese-made fixed-wing VTOL drone technology can improve oversight of mining operations across the Copperbelt region, which spans Zambia and the DR Congo. By enabling large-scale remote surveillance and collecting critical site data, the initiative aims to strengthen mining governance and improve the reliability of critical mineral supply chains, particularly those involving copper and cobalt, which are essential to Japan’s industrial and economic interests.

Addressing mining oversight and environmental risks in the copperbelt

The Copperbelt is internationally recognized as a major source of copper and cobalt, two minerals that play a vital role in global industrial production and emerging technologies. However, monitoring mining activities across this extensive region presents significant logistical challenges. The large geographical coverage of mining sites and their distance from capital cities can make effective supervision difficult, highlighting the need for greater operational transparency and more dependable mineral supply networks.

Mining operations also face environmental and safety concerns, including potential failures of tailings storage dams containing mining waste and water, as well as water contamination resulting from chemical leaks. These hazards underscore the importance of continuous monitoring across broad areas to identify potential risks, protect surrounding ecosystems and improve safety conditions for mine workers.

Through the demonstration project, the participating companies aim to evaluate drone-based monitoring as a practical solution for improving visibility into mining activities while supporting responsible resource management.

Deploying Japanese-made VTOL drones for remote mine surveillance

Aerosense’s Japan-manufactured fixed-wing VTOL drones will be deployed at selected mining locations to demonstrate three principal capabilities.

• High-resolution aerial monitoring: Equipped with high-resolution and infrared cameras, the drones will capture detailed imagery of mining sites and help assess changing operational and environmental conditions.
• Real-time video transmission: Live aerial footage will be transmitted to relevant government agencies in capital cities through LTE networks and other communication methods, enabling authorities to access information remotely.
• Topographical and environmental data collection: Surveying instruments, LiDAR technology and other onboard equipment will be used to gather terrain information and environmental data to support mine oversight and risk assessment.

These capabilities will be evaluated for their potential to improve monitoring efficiency, strengthen information sharing with government authorities and facilitate earlier identification of environmental hazards across extensive mining areas.

OC Global builds on its critical minerals expertise in Southern Africa

OC Global brings regional experience in infrastructure development, strategic planning and critical mineral supply chain studies across Southern Africa. Among its previous initiatives is the “Study for Formulating a Master Plan for the Critical Minerals Supply Chain Sector Centered on the Copperbelt,” conducted under METI’s “Global South Master Plan.”

The current drone-based mine monitoring demonstration is one of five strategic initiatives identified in the master plan developed through that study. Building on its established relationships with local governments and relevant organizations, OC Global will contribute its project management capabilities and regional expertise to support the implementation and advancement of the initiative.

Working alongside MSC Partners Inc. and Aerosense Inc., OC Global will help advance the demonstration project and assess opportunities for developing a sustainable business model for remote mine surveillance and data provision.

Strengthening critical mineral supply chains through drone technology

The project aims to establish a viable service model that uses drone technology to provide wide-area mine monitoring and reliable operational data. Improved access to timely information could help strengthen transparency across critical mineral supply chains while supporting more effective environmental oversight and risk management.

By identifying potential environmental threats and improving monitoring capabilities, the initiative also seeks to enhance workplace safety and protect the lives of local mining personnel. Its broader objectives include promoting responsible mining practices, preserving the surrounding land and environment, and strengthening the resilience of copper and cobalt supply chains connecting Southern Africa with international markets.

Through its participation in this demonstration, OC Global is advancing technology-driven solutions for mining oversight and contributing to the development of more transparent, secure and sustainable critical mineral supply chains in Zambia and the Democratic Republic of the Congo.