OFFICIAL 2.2. Sensor Fusion for rockfall monitoring Rockfall detection and analysis systems in open-pit mining can significantly enhance operational safety, improve rockfall simulator calibration, and provide quantitative data to validate standoff designs. Despite the availability of technologies such as radar, vision, and LiDAR, no fully effective system currently exists. A comprehensive monitoring solution capable of capturing rockfall events along the entire highwall strike is therefore needed. Integrating existing sensors with geological and structural data can enable accurate detection of rockfall movements, including bounce kinematics, impact points, and final positions. Through ACARP funded research, CSIRO initiated a scoping study to define technical requirements for a fused sensor system combining computer vision, radar, and acoustic monitoring. Bench tests and preliminary field trials confirmed that detecting small rocks (~10 cm) and estimating full 3D trajectories was achievable using sensor fusion. Radar vendors were engaged to explore deployment opportunities and concepts of operation. Microseismic simulations and testing showed promising results, with geophones detecting 10 cm rock impacts at 30 m (Elmouttie et. al. 2020; Duan et. al. 2023). Phase 2 research, summarised in Figure 2, focused on developing a TRL 4/5 prototype for field trials. The design included distributed fibre-optic seismic sensing to improve slope coverage, wide-field cameras, and data acquisition systems, and although not tested during the research, optional radar integration. Challenges in hosting equipment at mine sites led to the development of a mobile, trailer-based platform (TRL 6) similar to slope radar systems. Field trials at CSIRO demonstrated successful detection and tracking of rockfalls from 1–10 kg using seismic and vision systems. While localisation for smaller rocks remains challenging, results confirm feasibility assuming algorithm improvements. Future work includes extended trials at mine sites and collaboration with OEMs to refine and deploy the technology widely. (a) (b)
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