The idea of AI algorithms paired with low-cost cameras sounds enticing but, with more 20 years of proven performance in quarries, mines, and civil operations worldwide, Loadscan’s dual 2D LiDAR technology continues to set the global standard for volumetric load measurement.

LiDAR captures a vast number of precise distance points, using laser pulses to generate highly accurate measurement data that doesn’t rely on assumptions or inference. This is why Loadscan volume scanning systems achieve certified volumetric accuracy, independently verified across multiple industries.

Stereo 3D cameras generate images which then need heavy post-processing with software used to “refine” the images and estimate depth. This reduces transparency by adding further layers of interpretation which make results harder to independently validate.

Built tough with accuracy you can trust

Dust, rain, mud, and vastly fluctuating temperatures aren’t the “exception” – they’re daily realities in mining and quarrying. Obscured lenses, glare, and shifting image quality can affect highly-susceptible vision-based systems, but LiDAR is rarely affected by these conditions, and keeps delivering reliable measurements.

Loadscan’s dual 2D LiDAR configuration ensures that every load is measured with an accuracy camera-based systems struggle to achieve, providing clean, consistent data straight from the scan head.

Independent verification

Loadscan’s volume scanning systems have internationally recognised certification for accuracy, which means independent proof of material movement – often worth millions of dollars – is achieved time-after-time, project-after-project, unlike camera-based systems that simply haven’t demonstrated this level of verifiable performance

Long-term reliability

LiDAR laser units are precision instruments built for durability, and Loadscan systems have been running in harsh environments for decades, delivering consistent ROI with minimal maintenance. That’s why operators continue to choose Loadscan’s proven LiDAR system over experimental alternatives.

“AI-enhanced accuracy”:

By employing post-processing, it’s possible to polish the data, but stereo systems can’t outdo the accuracy of direct measurement. Inference and estimation are not substitutes for verified, accurate data delivered by the Loadscan range of volumetric scanners.

“Multi-stream flexibility”:

More data does not necessarily mean increased accuracy. In fact, more streams add more complexity and more potential failure points. By using LiDAR, Loadscan delivers the focused approach and reliability that operators need.

“Future-proof”:

While the promise of systems ‘learning’ to improve over time is an interesting one, but it’s still unproven technology. LiDAR, however, isn’t a future bet – it’s had decades of validation and remains the benchmark by which other volume scanners are measured.

“Cost-effective”:

It can be an expensive exercise buying a cheaper volume scanner because lower upfront cost doesn’t ensure long-term value. It can be a very costly mistake if you’re getting unreliable or disputed data from your system.

For more than two decades, Loadscan has led the way in volumetric load measurement with LiDAR technology that’s been independently verified, globally deployed, and field-proven in the harshest operating environments. Other companies may focus on what’s trending, but Loadscan continues to deliver what operators actually need: reliable, repeatable, and accurate measurement they can stand behind.

In high-stakes industries, “close enough” isn’t good enough. That’s why Loadscan’s LiDAR scanners remain the trusted benchmark for load volume measurement worldwide.

More from this series

1. Faster Isn’t Always Better | Volume 1, The Intelligence Series
2. The myth of “more is better” | Volume 2, The Intelligence Series
3. Why reference scans still matter. | Volume 3, The Intelligence Series
4. LiDAR: Still setting the standard in load volume measurement. | Volume 4, The intelligence Series

AI alone isn’t enough

Artificial Intelligence (AI) in volume load scanning is advancing rapidly, offering smart automation and faster insights across quarrying, mining, and civil construction.

However, no matter how impressive the algorithms become, one principle remains unchanged: accurate measurements always require a verified baseline. A scanner without a trusted reference is like a ruler without markings – it may be impressive technology, but it’s fundamentally incomplete.

Some volume measurement equipment manufacturers promote the idea that their AI-based systems can “learn” truck shapes well enough to reduce or even eliminate reference scans. While it sounds efficient, the reality is far more complex, and not nearly as accurate. Without an anchored baseline, any AI system is vulnerable to gradual drift. What appears precise today can slowly shift off target, turning reliable data into increasingly expensive guesswork.

Why AI without calibration isn’t enough

Artificial intelligence is exceptional at recognising patterns, identifying shapes, and modelling volumetric data. But it cannot maintain accuracy without routine verification, and it can’t be used in a one-size-fits-all fashion to generate accurate.

Over hundreds or thousands of loads, even small deviations become significant, accumulating into considerable amounts of lost product or misreported material. By the time discrepancies surface in invoicing, reconciliation, or stock audit processes, the financial impact has already been locked in.

Loadscan eliminates this risk by using proven, consistent and verified scans that don’t rely on assumptions to build their reference. The Loadscan system uses proven technology to continuously re-anchor itself to real-world conditions, ensuring ongoing volumetric accuracy and dependable reporting.

Reference scans: The Anchor point for real accuracy

A reference scan functions like the legend on a map – it defines how everything else should be interpreted. As truck bodies change over time through wear, modifications, or accumulated material, only a current reference profile can confirm what is truck and what is payload. Without this baseline, AI cannot reliably distinguish between steel, mud, or load material, opening the door to costly measurement errors.

The hidden costs of reducing reference scans

Some AI-driven systems market the idea of fewer reference scans, promising less downtime and simpler calibration. But the trade-off is increased drift risk. In industries where every cubic metre directly affects contracts, compliance, and profit margins, inaccurate volume reporting is far more expensive than a brief calibration task.

Accuracy isn’t optional

The real question is simple: do you want an approximation, or a measurement you can stand behind? AI in volume load scanning becomes truly powerful only when paired with disciplined calibration and verified reference profiles. Loadscan makes accuracy non-negotiable – because in sectors where material volume drives revenue, certainty isn’t just helpful, it’s essential.

More from this series

1. Faster Isn’t Always Better | Volume 1, The Intelligence Series
2. The myth of “more is better” | Volume 2, The Intelligence Series
3. Why reference scans still matter | Volume 3, The Intelligence Series
4. LiDAR: Still setting the standard in load volume measurement | Volume 4, The Intelligence Series

ESG isn’t a marketing exercise – it’s a license to operate.

Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) performance has become a defining measure of responsible business and no longer sits in annual reports as a corporate ideal. ESG shapes investment decisions, regulatory expectations, and a company’s license to operate.

For mining, quarrying, and civil construction, ESG carries even greater weight. These industries sit at the crossroads of environmental impact, community expectations, and regulatory oversight. They shape landscapes, influence local economies, and operate in environments where safety, transparency, and resource protection are constantly under scrutiny. In these sectors, ESG isn’t a marketing exercise – it’s a license to operate.

And this is exactly where Loadscan plays a transformative role and becomes so valuable.

Where operational performance has a measurable impact on ESG.

While many ESG tools help companies report their performance, Loadscan’s volumetric load scanners help them improve it by converting raw operational activity into accurate, real‑time, auditable data. Loadscan gives operators the evidence they need to reduce emissions, minimise waste, optimise haul efficiency, and demonstrate responsible resource management. It turns ESG from a paperwork exercise into measurable operational performance.

In industry sectors where ESG is increasingly measurement‑driven, Loadscan provides the transparency and confidence companies need to meet rising expectations. This allows operators to run cleaner, smarter, and more accountable sites, proving that operational efficiency and ESG integrity are not competing priorities, but complementary strengths.

Environmental: Turning measurement into meaningful impact

In mining, quarrying, and civil construction, the Environmental pillar of ESG demands strong, accurate data to meet daily operational responsibilities.
Using volumetric scanning technology, Loadscan delivers precise, verifiable measurement of every load that moves across a site with an accuracy of +/- 1%. That information can have a direct impact on fuel burn and Scope 1 emissions by optimising payloads and cutting unnecessary truck cycles. Volume scanning also assists in preventing over extraction, reducing rehandling, and protecting natural resources by giving operators a real time view of material movements.
Loadscan’s data can be fed straight into emissions calculations, sustainability reporting, and environmental audits. This gives companies the proof that is increasingly expected by regulators and communities, turning environmental responsibility into something measurable and manageable. This enables operators not just to reduce impact, but to prove it.

Social: Building fairness, safety, and trust

The Social pillar of ESG has become a defining measure of integrity in heavy industry. Mining, quarrying, and civil construction operate under intense scrutiny, with a focus not only how they manage resources, but also how they treat people – the workers on site, contractors who keep projects moving, and communities living alongside industrial activity.

Loadscan strengthens this pillar by bringing clarity, consistency, and integrity to material measurement with transparent, tamper proof volumetric data that ensures contractors are paid for the exact volume they deliver. No estimates. No disagreements. Just fairness and trust that supports long term working relationships.

Safety improves as well. Predictable payloads and optimised haul efficiencies reduce truck movements, lowering the number of vehicle interactions on site and reducing the risk of accidents.

Communities benefit with fewer truck cycles, which means less traffic, reduced noise, and a smaller overall impact. And because Loadscan provides transparent, auditable reporting, regulators and community stakeholders can see real numbers rather than estimates, reinforcing trust and demonstrating responsible behaviour.

Governance: Elevating accuracy, compliance, and accountability

Strong governance is the backbone of credible ESG performance, and determines whether a company is responsibly led, managed transparently, and held accountable for decisions that shape environmental and social impact.

Loadscan helps to strengthen this foundation by delivering certified, traceable, tamper proof volumetric measurements, giving operators confidence that their reporting is precise and transparent.

Digital records generated by Loadscan are secure, consistent, and audit ready through Loadscan’s cloud-based MyScanner platform. If required, Loadscan’s LoadVision add-on can provide high-definition video and images to support the data.

This reduces the risk of fraud, misreporting, or manipulation, and gives auditors and regulators the confidence they demand.

By embedding accuracy and clarity into daily operations, Loadscan becomes a genuine risk reduction technology – strengthening compliance, improving reporting credibility, and ensuring governance is not just a policy, but a measurable operational reality.

Competitive ESG comparison: Volumetric scanning vs weighing systems.

Environmental

• Loadscan: Optimises payloads with precise volume data → fewer trips, lower emissions
• Weighbridges: Weight ≠ volume → inconsistent payloads → more trips, more fuel burn

Social

• Loadscan: Transparent, dispute‑free contractor payments
• Weighbridges: Frequent disputes due to moisture, density, and load variation

Governance

• Loadscan: Certified accuracy, tamper‑proof digital records
• Weighbridges: Vulnerable to calibration drift, manipulation, and manual error.

Operational efficiency

• Loadscan: Fast, drive‑through scanning with real‑time insights
• Weighbridges: Slower throughput, bottlenecks, and higher maintenance

The ESG winner

Volumetric scanning delivers superior environmental performance, stronger governance, and fairer social outcomes, making it the modern standard for responsible material measurement.

Tracking material volumes across multiple sites is a constant challenge for civil and earthmoving operations. Disputes over load size, inconsistent ticketing systems, and unclear measurement methods often strain relationships between contractors, suppliers, and clients.
For The Kearney Companies, volumetric scanning has transformed this dynamic, providing transparency that customers now actively request.

Eliminating Disputes with Accurate Load Data

Before volumetric scanning, disagreements over delivered volumes were common. Now, the volume scanner removes the guesswork, creating a single source of truth for every load.

“There’s no dispute with suppliers because it’s exactly what they are getting paid for—averaging about 16.5yd³ per truck,” says Alan Payne.

Daily reporting has become central to operations. Even if suppliers lack their own scanner, The Kearney Companies provide a detailed breakdown of each load hauled the previous day.

“If a load wasn’t scanned, we calculate the daily average for billing purposes,” Payne explains.

Building Trust Through Transparent Reporting

Cross-referencing scanner data with traditional ticketing ensures accuracy and alignment. Suppliers increasingly adopt the scanner’s figures as the basis for invoices. In some cases, scanners are installed at supplier or customer sites to support full end-to-end transparency.

“Some clients now ask us to pay for material based on our load scanner data,” says Payne.

By providing daily reports of hauled yards and total cubic yards moved, The Kearney Companies have built a reputation for accuracy, fairness, and reliability.

The Bottom Line: Volumetric Scanning as a Business Asset

In environments where trust is currency, volumetric scanning has become one of the company’s most valuable tools. Accurate, real-time load reporting improves client relationships, reduces disputes, and ensures operational transparency.

With volumetric scanning, contractors and suppliers can finally work from a shared source of truth, enhancing efficiency and fostering stronger partnerships across the civil and earthmoving industries.

The CSA Mine, operated by Metals Acquisition Corp (MAC) in Cobar, New South Wales, is one of Australia’s highest-grade copper mines. At 1.9 kilometres deep, it is the country’s second-deepest copper mine, producing around 40,000 tonnes of copper annually. Accurate data is critical to optimize mining operations and improve efficiency.

At CSA, the Business Improvement (BI) team focuses on leveraging advanced tools to track material and support data-driven decisions. One key innovation is the Pitram and Loadscan integration, which enhances material tracking, fleet management, and operational visibility.

The Challenge: Traditional Truck Factor Estimates

Before this integration, CSA relied on truck factors—estimates based on truck size and load—to measure material movement. This method posed several challenges:

• Inaccurate load data: Estimates could lead to errors in tonnage reporting, inventory, and scheduling.

• Limited visibility: Mine control teams could not verify loads in real-time.

• Operational inefficiencies: Lack of precise data made fleet optimization difficult, leading to higher fuel costs and equipment wear.

The Solution: Pitram and Loadscan Integration

The integration connects Loadscan’s Mine Payload Scanner (MPS) with Micromine Pitram. As trucks pass through the scanner at the 9040 level underground, advanced 3D laser scanning captures the exact volume of material in each load.

This volumetric data is sent via an API to Pitram, which calculates tonnage, tracks truck performance, and generates KPIs like Truck Kilometres per Tonne (TKM). Operators now receive accurate, real-time data instead of relying on estimates.

Additionally, Loadscan monitors haulback—material left in the truck bin—to ensure the next load is clean and maximize efficiency.

Advanced Features: Dashboards and Visual Monitoring

The integration includes a vision camera in the Loadscan scanner, giving operators real-time visibility of each truck load. Dashboards display:

• Loadscan Analytics: Real-time volumetric data for precise material tracking.
• Target Tracking: Monitor load efficiency, weight, and TKM goals.
• Live Camera Feed: Visually inspect truck material for quality and verification.
• Performance Insights: Track fleet utilization, trip times, and operational bottlenecks.

These features improve decision-making, operational control, and transparency.

Benefits: Accuracy, Efficiency, and Control

The Pitram and Loadscan integration delivers significant benefits:

• Accurate load data: Volumetric scanning eliminates truck factor estimates.
• Improved efficiency: Real-time insights optimize fleet performance and resource use.
• Enhanced visibility: Operators can monitor material and make immediate adjustments.
• Data-driven decision-making: Access to KPIs allows proactive management of trucks and loads.

By combining volumetric scanning with advanced fleet management, CSA Cobar sets a benchmark for data-driven mining. The Pitram and Loadscan integration improves load accuracy, fleet efficiency, and operational transparency, reducing costs while boosting performance.

Loadscan, the global leader in volumetric measurement, has launched the LoadVision camera system. This new camera module adds real-time imaging to the company’s Load Volume Scanner (LVS). As a result, customers who work with aggregate, soil, sand, gravel, cleanfill and other bulk materials can gain clearer, more reliable load data.

Clear Visual Records for Every Load

The LoadVision camera system captures images and video as each truck passes through the scanner. These visuals create a complete record of the load and help remove uncertainty from the process. Because of this, customers can resolve disputes faster and improve accountability across their sites.

In addition, the images strengthen site security. Each load now includes a visual record that matches the volumetric data, which increases trust and helps prevent mistakes or tampering.

Real-Time Data Sync with the MyScanner Platform

LoadVision works hand-in-hand with MyScanner, Loadscan’s cloud platform. The system syncs every image and video clip with the corresponding scan data. Users can then view, download or share these files through the cloud dashboard.

Furthermore, LoadVision also supports live viewing. A third-party mobile app provides a real-time camera feed, which gives teams full visibility even when they are off-site. This feature helps operations stay consistent and transparent across remote or busy locations.

Greater Accuracy, Better Oversight, and Stronger Compliance

By combining visual records with 3D volumetric scans, the LoadVision camera system gives operations a deeper level of confidence. It improves load accuracy, strengthens proof for invoicing, and reduces the chance of disputes.

It also supports quality checks for cleanfill, which helps teams stay compliant with industry standards. Overall, the system delivers clearer information, smoother workflows, and stronger operational control.

“The LoadVision camera system is another step forward in our goal to deliver smarter and more efficient tools for our customers,” said Carey West, CEO of Loadscan. “This upgrade gives businesses more clarity and confidence in every load.”

Easy Integration for New and Existing LVS Units

LoadScan designed the LoadVision camera system as a flexible add-on. New scanners can include the module from day one, and existing scanners can be upgraded without major changes. This makes the system a practical option for operations that want better verification without replacing their equipment.