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.

Key Figures

Net sales: 5.4bn EUR Employees: 24,800 employees Countries: 50 countries +5 more

8 metrics

Net sales 5.4bn EUR Company net sales, as stated in article

Employees 24,800 employees Global workforce size, as stated in article

Countries 50 countries Number of countries where Hexagon operates

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

Mapped area more than 20 square kilometres Area to be mapped by airborne LiDAR flights

Point cloud density more than 40 points per square metre Density of LiDAR point clouds for 3D modelling

Bird species identified 146 bird species Species identified over 90 days using AI-enhanced traps

Minecraft players 14,000 individual players Players hosted on the Minecraft Agonia server test

Market Reality Check

normal vol

Market Pulse Summary

This announcement highlighted Hexagon’s Green Cubes deployment with large iron ore producers, using ...

Analysis

This announcement highlighted Hexagon’s Green Cubes deployment with large iron ore producers, using hybrid airborne imagery and LiDAR to map over 20 square kilometres and monitor biodiversity with detailed 3D models. It also noted engagement initiatives like Minecraft integration and AI-enhanced monitoring that identified 146 bird species. With no trading or historical reaction data provided, the key focus is on tracking future contracts, wider deployments, and how these technologies support Hexagon’s 5.4bn EUR sales base.

Key Terms

digital twin, lidar, light detection and ranging, ground-penetrating radar, +4 more

8 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.

light detection and ranging technical

"LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) technology"

Light detection and ranging is a remote sensing method that sends rapid laser pulses to measure how long light takes to bounce back, producing precise distance data that can be assembled into detailed 3D maps—think of it as a camera that measures depth like a bat uses echoes. Investors watch developments in this technology because it drives capabilities and costs in industries such as autonomous vehicles, mapping, drones, construction and agriculture, so advances or shifts in demand can materially affect company revenues and valuations.

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.

point clouds technical

"The system produces high-density point clouds with more than 40 points per"

A point cloud is a digital collection of millions of tiny dots that represent the surface of objects or environments in three dimensions, created by scanners or sensors like lidar. Investors care because companies that produce or use point clouds enable detailed mapping, inspection, or automation — think of turning a room into a highly accurate 3D snapshot — which can unlock new products, efficiency gains, and revenue streams in industries such as construction, autonomous vehicles, and surveying.

camera traps technical

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

Camera traps are weatherproof, motion- or heat-triggered cameras that automatically photograph or record animals, people, or activity in remote locations without a human operator. For investors, they matter because they turn hard-to-get real-world events into continuous data — like a security camera for nature or property — enabling cost savings, new analytics products, conservation or regulatory compliance services, and recurring revenue streams tied to hardware, data platforms, or monitoring subscriptions.

acoustic sensors technical

"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"

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.