Drone surveys and volume calculations for quarries
Starting costs about $34,600 in the United States and 6,020,000 NGN in Nigeria. After 12 months, this business can bring in about $3,460 net per month in the United States and 828,000 NGN in Nigeria. The starting money comes back in about 16 months, with 35 hours of work per week.
Mundyo estimates, data as of 2026-11-02.
See the numbers for my countryFree, no account, in the currency of 247 countries.
The numbers
| Country | To start | Net per month (month 12) |
|---|---|---|
| United States | $34,600 | $3,460 |
| Nigeria | 6,020,000 NGN | 828,000 NGN |
| United Kingdom | £23,300 | £2,420 |
| Kenya | 1,530,000 KES | 116,000 KES |
| India | 763,000 INR | 84,800 INR |
Amounts adjusted to each country's price and income levels.
The problem
Quarries and aggregate traders measure stockpiles and face progress poorly, distorting inventories, invoicing and extraction plans.
The solution
Regular drone flights producing 3D models, stockpile volumes and topographic plans, delivered within 48 hours with a comparison report between campaigns.
Your customers
Quarries, sand pits, aggregate traders, concrete plants, earthworks contractors and small open-pit mines.
How you make money
€400 to €1,200 per survey depending on area, or a monthly or quarterly stockpile monitoring contract.
Competition
Traditional land surveying firms, a few general drone companies, in-house teams at large extractive groups.
Who has an edge
A surveyor or pilot trained in photogrammetry who understands inventory and safety issues on extraction sites.
The risks
Flight and site access rules, clients disputing accuracy, investment in hardware and software, slow sales cycles with operators.
The first 3 steps
- Check professional flight permits and insurance requirements
- Run a free stockpile survey for a nearby quarry
- Compare the volumes with the client's own inventory
How the numbers are calculated
Example in a high-income eurozone country, at month 12: revenue €4,800 − costs €2,400 = €2,400 net per month. Revenue: 6 surveys × €800. Costs: drone and GPS depreciation, software, insurance, travel, social contributions. For other countries, Mundyo adjusts the starting budget to the price level (World Bank) and the income to prices and customers' purchasing power, then converts at the day's exchange rate.
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to start: Drone surveys for quarries?
About $34,600 (United States), 6,020,000 NGN (Nigeria), £23,300 (United Kingdom), depending on the country. Mundyo calculates the amount for 247 countries.
How much can you earn per month?
After 12 months, about $3,460 (United States), 828,000 NGN (Nigeria), £2,420 (United Kingdom) net per month, after costs.
How long until I get my starting money back?
About 16 months, with 35 hours of work per week.
What are the risks?
Flight and site access rules, clients disputing accuracy, investment in hardware and software, slow sales cycles with operators.
Where do I start?
1. Check professional flight permits and insurance requirements 2. Run a free stockpile survey for a nearby quarry 3. Compare the volumes with the client's own inventory
Similar ideas
- Sand, gravel and aggregate brokerage for small sitesSand and gravel brokerage
- Remote permitting and HSE reporting for mine operatorsRemote mine paperwork
- Safety training and protective equipment for artisanal minersSafety for small-scale miners
- Catering and camp services for remote extraction sitesCatering for remote sites
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