Hexagon's Green Cubes digital twin technology contributes to mining reclamation efforts across South America with Vale

Rhea-AI Summary

Hexagon (B) launched airborne 3D mapping flights for its Green Cubes digital twin initiative to support mining reclamation in Brazil with Vale and Samarco.

The program maps >20 km2 at 10 cm resolution, produces >40 points/m2 point clouds, and integrates multisensor data into an AI platform for biodiversity monitoring, ESG reporting, education and community engagement.

AI-generated analysis. Not financial advice.

Positive

• Mapped area: >20 km2 via hybrid airborne imagery and LiDAR
• High point density: >40 points per square metre enabling detailed 3D models
• Resolution: 10-centimetre 3D mapping of natural habitats
• Site scale: Deployment at a 1,908-hectare closed mine near Belo Horizonte
• Community reach: Minecraft integration reached 14,000 players in initial test

Negative

• None.

News Market Reaction – B

-1.71%

1 alert

-1.71% News Effect

On the day this news was published, B declined 1.71%, reflecting a mild negative market reaction.

Data tracked by StockTitan Argus on the day of publication.

Key Figures

Area mapped: more than 20 square kilometres Point cloud density: more than 40 points per square metre Mine site size: 1,908 hectares +5 more

8 metrics

Area mapped more than 20 square kilometres Natural habitats around mining assets

Point cloud density more than 40 points per square metre LiDAR-based 3D modelling of forest structure

Mine site size 1,908 hectares Mina de Águas Claras closed mine area

Mapping resolution 10-centimetre resolution Full 3D mapping of 20 km² area

Minecraft players 14,000 individual players Initial test on Minecraft Agonia server

Employees approximately 24,800 Hexagon global workforce

Countries 50 countries Hexagon geographic footprint

Net sales approximately 5.4bn EUR Hexagon net sales

Market Reality Check

Price: $47.00 Vol: Volume 7,825,721 vs 20-da...

low vol

$47.00 Last Close

Volume Volume 7,825,721 vs 20-day average 14,539,712 (relative volume 0.54) indicates lighter-than-usual trading. low

Technical Price at 43.85 is trading above the 200-day MA of 36.32, indicating a pre-existing upward bias.

Peers on Argus

Peers show mixed moves: WPM +0.98%, FNV -2.12%, AU -0.06%, AEM +0.16%, KGC +0.21...

Peers show mixed moves: WPM +0.98%, FNV -2.12%, AU -0.06%, AEM +0.16%, KGC +0.21%. No clear, unified sector direction relative to the stock’s +1.86% move.

Historical Context

5 past events · Latest: Apr 10 (Neutral)

Pattern 5 events

Date	Event	Sentiment	Move	Catalyst
Apr 10	Earnings timetable	Neutral	+2.6%	Announced Q1 2026 results release date and webcast details.
Apr 08	AGM materials filed	Neutral	-0.2%	Filed 2026 Information Circular and confirmed virtual-only AGM.
Apr 08	Legal appeal outcome	Positive	+2.7%	Ontario Court of Appeal dismissed case related to North Mara mine.
Apr 02	Project development update	Negative	-1.3%	Slowed Reko Diq development and flagged higher capital and timeline risk.
Apr 01	Executive appointment	Positive	+3.5%	Named a new global chief information officer to lead IT strategy.

Pattern Detected

Across the last five news items, price reactions have consistently aligned with the directional tone of the news, with no observed divergences.

Recent Company History

Recent disclosures for the company tied to ticker B include an upcoming Q1 2026 results release on May 11 and the 2026 Information Circular ahead of a virtual AGM on May 8. Legal clarity around the North Mara mine and an update on the Reko Diq project, including slower development and potential capital increases, have been material. Overall, markets have reacted directionally in line with the perceived tone of operational, legal, and project updates.

Market Pulse Summary

This announcement highlights deployment of high-resolution environmental “digital twin” technology a...

Analysis

This announcement highlights deployment of high-resolution environmental “digital twin” technology and biodiversity monitoring tools across mining sites, framed within broader ESG and community-engagement goals. In context of recent history, where legal outcomes, major project updates, and governance events have driven aligned price moves, investors may focus on how such technology might influence regulatory relationships, reclamation performance, and long-term operating profiles alongside existing project and geopolitical risks already disclosed.

Key Terms

digital twin, lidar, ground-penetrating radar, acoustic sensors, +1 more

5 terms

digital twin technical

"Green Cubes – a digital twin capturing the complexities of natural environments –"

A digital twin is a live virtual replica of a physical asset, process, or system that mirrors real-world behavior using data and models so users can test changes, predict problems, and measure performance without touching the real thing. For investors, digital twins matter because they can lower maintenance costs, speed product development, improve uptime and reliability, and make future cash flows and risks easier to forecast — like using a flight simulator to safely train and tune a real airplane.

lidar technical

"deploying advanced hybrid airborne imagery and LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) technology."

Lidar, which stands for Light Detection and Ranging, is a technology that uses laser beams to create detailed, three-dimensional maps of the environment. It works like a sophisticated eye that measures distances by bouncing light off objects, helping machines see and understand their surroundings. For investors, lidar is important because it enables advancements in autonomous vehicles, robotics, and mapping, which can drive innovation and growth in related industries.

ground-penetrating radar technical

"acoustic sensors, and ground-penetrating radar."

Ground-penetrating radar is a non‑invasive survey tool that sends short pulses into the ground and reads the returning signals to reveal buried objects, layers, voids or utilities without digging. For investors it matters because the technology reduces project surprises—like unknown pipes, archaeological finds, or unstable soil—helping estimate cleanup, construction or development costs, speed permits, and lower regulatory and schedule risk, much like an ultrasound reveals hidden problems before surgery.

acoustic sensors technical

"terrestrial LiDAR, camera traps, acoustic sensors, and ground-penetrating radar."

Acoustic sensors are devices that detect and measure sound or vibrations—think of them as electronic “ears” or microphones that can convert noises, impacts or ultrasonic signals into data a machine can understand. They matter to investors because they enable new products and services (from safety systems to medical diagnostics and industrial monitoring), can create recurring data-driven revenue, and influence manufacturing costs, regulatory compliance and market demand for companies that make or use them.

esg financial

"It also strengthens ESG reporting, community engagement, and the development of educational"

ESG stands for Environmental, Social, and Governance, which are key factors investors consider when evaluating how sustainable and responsible a company is. It involves assessing how a company manages its impact on the environment, treats its employees and communities, and operates transparently and ethically. Investors use ESG criteria to identify businesses that align with their values and have the potential for long-term success.

AI-generated analysis. Not financial advice.

• Hexagon's R-evolution has begun aerial 3D mapping flights, marking the next phase of the Green Cubes Digital Reality initiative and creating digital twins to support reclamation across Brazil's mining sector.
• Vale, the world's largest iron ore producer, is using Green Cubes – which measures and visualises the environment in cubic metres – to assess and test innovative methodologies for monitoring biodiversity and restoration processes.
• It also strengthens ESG reporting, community engagement, and the development of educational and digital solutions that help drive resource mobilisation and long-term sustainability.
• Green Cubes' cubic-metre visualisation is also brought to life in the popular online game Minecraft, enabling new levels of community engagement and bringing nature closer to future generations.

STOCKHOLM, April 15, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- R-evolution, Hexagon's green-tech subsidiary, has launched its first missions deploying advanced hybrid airborne imagery and LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) technology. This milestone supports reclamation efforts within the extractive industry and marks a key phase of the Hexagon Green Cubes initiative.

Green Cubes – a digital twin capturing the complexities of natural environments – integrates multiple reality capture technologies, including satellite and airborne LiDAR and imagery, terrestrial LiDAR, camera traps, acoustic sensors, and ground-penetrating radar. The solution provides the extractive industry with an integrated 3D environmental monitoring system. These insights are presented through an AI-powered Green Cubes platform, offering a "digital window" into forest ecosystems.

Powered by Leica Geosystems' hybrid airborne system, which simultaneously captures high-resolution imagery and LiDAR, the flights will map more than 20 square kilometres to generate a digital twin of natural habitats around mining assets, protected areas, and their surrounding landscapes.

The system produces high-density point clouds with more than 40 points per square metre, enabling highly detailed 3D modelling of forest structure. This level of precision provides accurate insight into environmental conditions – from large trees to ground-level vegetation –  and can detect even the smallest branches. These digital twins can support mining companies in monitoring biodiversity, assessing rehabilitation progress, and managing sustainability efforts with greater accuracy, while also creating new opportunities for community engagement and educational initiatives that promote long-term resource mobilisation.

"Green Cubes is redefining how the extraction industry approaches environmental responsibility – providing transparency from space to the roots," said Erik Josefsson, President of Hexagon's R-evolution. "By embedding Green Cubes digital reality into the mining life cycle, we're enabling our mining partners to accelerate restoration, improve compliance, and unlock new value through natural capital."

Vale, one of the world's largest iron ore producers, is already deploying Green Cubes at its Mina de Águas Claras site near Belo Horizonte, Brazil. This 1,908-hectare closed mine, now undergoing repurposing, has already seen notable environmental monitoring results: the first Puma concolor sighting in 10 years, the first recorded maned wolves on video at the site, and 146 bird species identified over 90 days using AI-enhanced camera and sound traps. Now, with the new airborne LiDAR flights, the entire 20 km² area will be mapped in full 3D at 10-centimetre resolution.

To further connect with younger generations through education and gamification, Green Cubes is now also integrated into the open world game Minecraft. By recreating parts of the mining site within the game, players can explore nature, learn about biodiversity, and understand the role of miners in reclamation and restoration. In its initial test, a portion of the mine site was recreated on the Minecraft Agonia server, hosting 14,000 individual players.

Green Cubes is also gaining traction with Samarco, another major iron ore producer. The solution is currently deployed in Gaio and Horto Alegria, with potential expansion into wider areas and additional applications.

Learn more about Green Cubes [here].

FOR MORE INFORMATION, CONTACT:  

Deborah Thomas, VP Corporate Communications, Hexagon, media@hexagon.com
Lena Spicer, Account Director, MikeWorldWide, Hexagon@mww.com

About Hexagon:

Hexagon is the global leader in measurement technologies. We provide the confidence that vital industries rely on to build, navigate, and innovate. From microns to Mars, our solutions ensure productivity, quality, safety, and sustainability in everything from manufacturing and construction to mining and autonomous systems.

Hexagon (NASDAQ STOCKHOLM: HEXA B) has approximately 24,800 employees in 50 countries and net sales of approximately 5.4bn EUR. Learn more at hexagon.com.

 

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/hexagons-green-cubes-digital-twin-technology-contributes-to-mining-reclamation-efforts-across-south-america-with-vale-302739372.html

SOURCE Hexagon

FAQ

What does Hexagon's Green Cubes mapping for Vale (B) cover and why does it matter?

Green Cubes maps more than 20 km2 around mining assets to create 3D digital twins. According to Hexagon, the high-resolution data and AI platform enable biodiversity monitoring, rehabilitation assessment, and improved ESG reporting for mining reclamation efforts.

How detailed is the Green Cubes 3D data used at Vale's site (B)?

The airborne LiDAR captures >40 points/m2 and 10-centimetre resolution 3D models. According to Hexagon, this density allows precise modelling from canopy to ground, improving detection of vegetation structure and subtle rehabilitation changes over time.

Which Vale site is Green Cubes deployed at and what were early biodiversity results?

Green Cubes is deployed at Mina de Águas Claras near Belo Horizonte (1,908 hectares). According to Hexagon, AI camera and sound traps recorded 146 bird species and notable mammal sightings during initial monitoring.

How does Minecraft integration support Hexagon's Green Cubes outreach (B)?

Green Cubes recreated parts of the mine in Minecraft to engage younger audiences and teach biodiversity concepts. According to Hexagon, an initial test on the Agonia server hosted 14,000 individual players, linking education with reclamation awareness.

Is Green Cubes being used beyond Vale and what are the expansion signs (B)?

Yes. According to Hexagon, Samarco is deploying Green Cubes at Gaio and Horto Alegria with potential wider rollouts. The company cites additional applications and possible geographic expansion in extractive-sector reclamation work.

What sensors and technologies power Hexagon's Green Cubes digital twin (B)?

Green Cubes integrates satellite and airborne LiDAR and imagery, terrestrial LiDAR, camera traps, acoustic sensors and ground-penetrating radar. According to Hexagon, these multisensor inputs feed an AI platform creating a unified environmental monitoring system.