Measurement and image analysis of 3D surface profile data of blasted rock piles in an open-pit mine are presented. A proof-of-concept/demonstration project into determining the size distribution of the visible rocks on the pile was performed. The results demonstrate the capacity to collect high resolution 3D surface profile data using a high-end two-axis scanning laser range-finder. Furthermore, automated image analysis was applied to this data to identify and size the rocks on the pile. Areas

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... f very fine particles, too small to individually detect, are able to be detected and classified as areas-of-fines. Detection of these areasof-fines is extremely important as the amount of fine material is a key factor in evaluating blasting outcomes. The algorithms to perform this segmentation and classification analysis are outlined and results are shown in the form of images and sizing graphs.