In Russia, GoPro Cameras Are Being Lowered into Mines

Yakovlevsky Mining and Processing Plant is testing GoPro-based video monitoring systems 700 meters underground, aimed at boosting safety and accountability in one of Russia’s riskiest industries.

The Yakovlevsky Mining and Processing Plant in Russia has launched a pilot project to use GoPro cameras for video monitoring to improve underground work safety. The equipment is being tested at an active mine about 700 meters deep, where it documents the condition of mine workings, according to Globus.

The technology is integrated into daily operations. Supervisors use the cameras to record the state of mine supports before handing over shifts, creating an unbiased and complete record of the work performed. All video files are uploaded to a central server and linked to specific mine sections, making the archive easy to search and analyze.

The practical results have been significant. The system can detect problems in near real time, such as poor sealing or deviations in support spacing and back filling. Serious issues can now be corrected quickly by adjusting technical parameters. Video monitoring also motivates employees to be more thorough, while shift changes have become clearer and more objective. The video archive is no longer just a record but a valuable analytical resource.

Importantly, the innovation supplements rather than replaces existing safety regulations. If successful, the pilot project could become a model for other companies in Russia’s mining sector.