By Jimoh Babatunde

A Nigerian engineer, Lukman Alabede, has invented a drone capable of monitoring dangerous mining environments and protecting workers.

Alabede, who is part of a research team at the New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology, said they have designed several new drone models, including their latest Tern Bird– and turkey-inspired prototypes.

“These drones are built to fly long distances, stay stable in harsh environments, and provide the kind of data that mining and safety operations urgently need,” Alabede explained.

Beyond design work, Alabede plays a major role as a Slope Engineer at Freeport-McMoRan Inc., a leading mining company in the United States. His current research focuses on how drones can be used in open-pit mining operations to monitor slope stability, detect early cracks or faults, and improve safety during blasting operations.

He said the goal is to give engineers faster and more reliable information that can prevent accidents.

“If drones can help us detect early signs of failure, we can save lives and reduce major losses,” Alabede said.

His work is not limited to open-pit mines. Alabede and his team are also studying how drones can function in dust-heavy underground mining sites, especially those where coal dust or silica puts workers at risk of respiratory diseases.

This research has already earned him major recognition in the United States.

According to him, “The application of drones in underground dust environments is challenging, but it can change safety practices forever. This work helped me win the Coal and Energy Division Award and the SME Intellectual Contribution Excellence Scholarship for 2023/2024.”

His achievements highlight the growing global impact of Nigerian engineers in advanced technology fields.

As his research continues, Alabede says he hopes to build solutions that will enhance safety not only in the United States but also in mining operations across Africa.

“This is only the beginning,” he said. “If we can keep improving these technologies, mining can become safer for workers everywhere.”