Technology & equipment
map out the mineral distribution within a region. By integrating satellite data with other information like geological surveys, mining companies gain a richer understanding of the area’s geological make-up. This knowledge aids in pinpointing prospective sites for exploration or extraction and helps in optimising mining operations by revealing areas that might be saturated with competing interests.
Use of remote sensing in the mining industry
Remote sensing via satellite technology is transforming the mining industry by facilitating operations throughout all stages of the mine site life cycle. At the forefront, satellite imagery significantly aids in the prospecting of mineral deposits. These images not only provide critical information about the terrain, such as roads, trails and barriers, but also form the basis for creating detailed land cover maps. This is crucial for identifying potential access routes to exploration sites and assessing the environmental impacts of major projects.
In regions like Europe, where high-quality mines are nearing depletion, the challenge shifts to locating new deposits in remote areas. Here, satellite-based remote monitoring becomes invaluable, offering a faster, more efficient means of conducting geological explorations in inaccessible locations. Satellite maps are essential for identifying visible rock layers and monitoring vegetation health in areas under exploration. They also play a pivotal role in monitoring open-pit mines during the extraction phase. For instance, radar imagery from satellites like Sentinel 1 is analysed to observe slope stability and monthly changes in landscape where active mining occurs. This monitoring
is vital for ensuring worker safety by promptly identifying and addressing potential hazards before they lead to accidents. Moreover, multi-spectral satellite images are crucial for the renaturation of lands post-mining. These images allow for the continuous monitoring of vegetation and the management of issues like acid drainage, which is the outflow of acidic water from mines. The high-resolution data helps track the response of vegetation to stress, enabling more effective renaturation management. These images are also invaluable for assessing the potential for farming and other activities on reclaimed mining land.
Enhancing mineral deposit mapping with satellite imagery Satellite imagery excels in mapping areas with potential mineral deposits by leveraging the unique spectral signatures of over 4,000 known minerals on Earth. These signatures, much like human fingerprints, are distinct for each mineral and can be identified from space. Satellites measure subtle variations in electromagnetic wavelengths caused by the minerals’ chemical compositions to detect these signatures. Advanced imaging technologies capture data beyond the visible spectrum, including infrared and short- wave radiation, which are instrumental in revealing structural features of the Earth’s surface. Through thematic mapping and spectral images, researchers can gather detailed information about the absorption and reflection properties of soils, rock compositions and vegetation coverage. This data is critical for identifying clay deposits, oxide levels and soil types, further enhancing the efficiency and effectiveness of mineral exploration efforts.
Multi-spectral satellite images are crucial for the renaturation of lands post-mining.
World Mining Frontiers /
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