Staying on Track: How MOSS Increases Line and Grade Accuracy in Underground Mining

In the dynamic world of underground mining, precision is critical. Even minor errors in line and grade can lead to misaligned development headings, overbreak, increased ground support costs, and production delays. For decades, achieving high-accuracy survey control underground was a process solely handled by specialized survey crews, often resulting in bottlenecks.

But with the introduction of MOSS (Miner Operated Survey System), a game-changing digital solution developed by NSS Canada, mining operations are now seeing significant

improvements in line and grade accuracy, delivered right at the face by the miners themselves.

The Traditional Challenge –

In traditional mining workflows, surveyors are responsible for marking the correct line and grade before each round. While effective, this system has some notable limitations:

• Surveyor availability is limited, leading to delays, especially in multi-heading operations.

• Marks may be outdated if there are delays in advancement.

• Communication gaps between planning, surveying, and operations can cause discrepancies.

• Undetected misalignments can result in costly rework or safety issues.

This dependency on survey crews often restricts how fast and accurately a mine can develop headings.

MOSS: Empowering Miners, Enhancing Accuracy –

MOSS puts survey-grade tools into the hands of the miner, eliminating reliance on manual marks and enabling operators to validate line and grade at the face—anytime, anywhere underground.

 Key Features That Improve Line and Grade:

• Digital Reference Points: Instead of relying solely on paint marks, miners can now visualize line and grade digitally using tablets and laser alignment tools integrated with MOSS.

• User-Friendly Interface: Designed for non-surveyors, MOSS uses intuitive visuals and instructions, making it easy for operators to align properly with minimal training.

• Live Validation: MOSS allows miners to verify development direction before drilling starts, reducing the chance of drifting off course.

• Augmented Reality (AR) Integration: In advanced applications, MOSS can project digital line and grade information directly onto the rock face using helmet-mounted displays or rugged tablets.

Real Impact in the Field -

Operations using MOSS report significant improvements:

• Reduces Overbreak to 10%, taking out the guesswork.

• Faster turnaround per heading, freeing up surveyors for more complex tasks

• More accurate tunnel development, resulting in fewer Overbreaks and reduced ground support

Why This Matters

When every meter counts, staying on line and grade isn’t optional—it’s essential. With MOSS:

• Accuracy is improved

• Production becomes more consistent

• Survey bottlenecks are reduced

• Mine planning stays on track

It also builds a culture of ownership. Miners become more engaged with the quality and precision of their work, contributing directly to operational success.

Ready to Take Control of Your Line and Grade?

If your site still depends entirely on traditional mark-and-go surveying, it’s time to evolve. MOSS provides a seamless, modern solution that empowers miners, enhances accuracy, and keeps your headings on track.

Contact NSS Canada to schedule a live MOSS demo or learn more about how this innovation can integrate into your existing workflow.