H.E. Engineer Saif Mohammed Al Shara, Assistant Undersecretary for External Audit, Ministry of Environment and Water, recently threw the spotlight on the Ministry’s commitment towards adopting the best modern practices. This aims to address environmental issues to achieve the government’s objective of strengthening its leadership in innovation at the local and global levels while establishing a sustainable environment and fully integrated infrastructure.
In the move to undergo a ‘smart’ transition as part of the directives of H.H. Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, UAE Vice President and Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, the Ministry has launched the Unmanned Aerial Vehicle, a pioneering smart technology equipment designed to efficiently control crusher and quarry operations. The first of its kind, this technology ushers in a new phase in round-the-clock inspection and monitoring of crusher and quarry activities to ensure none are in violation of facility regulations and procedures, in accordance with 2014 Ministerial Decree No. 567 which regulates the application, implementation and operation of crusher and quarry activities.
Al-Shara pointed out that the Ministry has adopted the use of Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Technology as part of its mission to support the initiative of H.H. Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, and to declare 2015 as a year of innovation which will actively contribute to the government’s transition towards implementing smart services. Al-Shara emphasized the Ministry’s commitment to actively promote environmental sustainability by ensuring the highest standards of excellence in the development of follow-up systems for enterprises operating in the crusher and quarrying field.
Al-Shara added that the Unmanned Aerial Vehicle technology is designed to monitor the movement of all quarries to ensure regulations and requirements are being properly observed in their everyday work. This is especially crucial with respect to drilling, blasting, handling materials, in-site transportation operations, flour dust disposal methods, rock blasting methods, noise, and other relevant operations.
Al-Shara noted that the Ministry has adopted this technology in order to enhance evaluation and inspection processes, as this modern equipment more accurately monitors quarries and quarrying activities. This technology is based on the mechanism of controlling irregularities in the framework of preserving the environment and the health and safety of community. The most important of these irregularities are the thick dust emissions from operations, dense fumes from exhaust engines and equipment, thick dust from the roads as well as the inadequate maintenance of dust controlling systems, and covers of cracker units. Other irregularities include the loud noise generated by quarry operations, non-observance of appropriate health and safety procedures, and irregular quarry operations.
Eng. Al-Shara explained that the Unmanned Aerial Vehicle is remotely controlled and directed to a specific site which is filmed via 3D technology to produce detailed, high-quality topographic maps for users to monitor and control any activities carried out by any quarry or crusher facility. This latest technology is taking great strides in addressing environmental abuses. It also helps local authorities during operation inspections, and strengthens the level of cooperation between local organizations and the Ministry officials as both parties ensure that facilities comply with theimplemented regulations.
He emphasized that the Ministry’s External Audit division shall monitor and evaluate the efficiency of the regionally implemented federal legislation across the various fields the Ministry operates in. The new Ministry-launched technology enhances auditing processes according to best current environmental practices, reflecting the government’s goal of strengthening its leadership in innovation globally and ensuring a sustainable environment and a fully integrated infrastructure.