GRSG 34th Conference 2023
Title: Multiscale and multi-sensor mapping for tailings management: review and perspectives
Author: Friederike Koerting
Abstract:
The intricate web of economic interdependence among European nations, as well as between the European Union (EU) and external markets, creates a delicate equilibrium in the demand and supply of raw materials and manufactured goods. The availability of diverse raw materials, including minerals like Al, Au, Co, REE, and Co, is unnegotiable for key economic sectors. This accessibility paves the way for sustainable energy transitions and technological advancements.
Although recycling and alternative technologies are supposed to reduce reliance on primary raw materials, immediate access to essential metals and minerals still relies on mining fresh resources [Herrington, 2021]. The growing demand for these resources comes with inevitable consequences for mining, mineral processing, and environmental impact. Failing to address these raw material demands and their ramifications could slow down global progress toward a cleaner energy future [EY, 2021]. Moreover, concerns regarding mine waste highlight the necessity for sustainable solutions. Presently, the European Union alone contains over 4700 Mt of mining waste and 1200 Mt of tailings [BGRM, 2001].
The urgency of proper waste management and mining safety is underscored by acid mine drainage and environmental catastrophes. Future mining licenses are increasingly contingent on robust tailing management plans, as outlined in the Global Industry Standard on Tailings Management [ICMM, 2020]. Earth observation technologies offer substantial potential, ranging from detailed mine face analyses to broader site and regional assessments, for optimizing tailings management, boosting mining operational efficiency, and curbing energy and environmental footprints. The M4Mining project aims to champion sustainable mining through integrated remote sensing data. Its overarching mission is to develop comprehensive remote sensing solutions for mining and tailing sites. The project development includes real-time mapping, a multi-sensor UAV infrastructure, establishing best practices, resolving resolution gaps between satellite and UAV-data and mine-scale to deposit-scale, user-friendly interfaces, and effective data analysis techniques.
Currently, the M4Mining project comprehensively surveys the applications of hyperspectral and multispectral remote sensing data in mining operations, closure, and post-closure phases. A special focus lies on data product demand in mining, scalability from UAV to satellite platforms, integration with mining, and potential applications throughout the mining life cycle. The report assesses spectral remote sensing data applications in tailing monitoring and mining operations, comparing analysis methods documented in existing literature based on accuracy, scalability, real-time processing, value to miners, and alignment with mining workflows. The M4Mining initiative strives to advance mining via integrated remote sensing data, closing resolution gaps, empowering decision-makers, and enhancing sustainable practices. Its aspirations align with the EU’s raw material security and environmental sustainability objectives.
Leveraging advanced remote sensing, the project aims to contribute towards more sustainable monitoring approaches in mining environments. References: Ernest and Young, EY, 2021. Top 10 business risks and opportunities for mining and metals in 2022. EYGM Limited. EYG No. 008490-21Gbl BMC, 44. Herrington, R., 2021. Mining our green future. Nature Reviews Materials, 6(6): 456-458. BRGM, 2001. Management of mining, quarrying and ore-processing waste in the European Union. European Commission, Directorate-General Environment, ENV.E.3–Waste Management, BRGM/RP-50319-FR, https://ec.europa.eu/environment/pdf/waste/studies/mining/0204finalreportbrgm.pdf (accessed 30/03/2022). ICMM, 2020. Global Industry Standard on Tailings Management, https://www.icmm.com/en-gb/guidance/environmental-stewardship/global-industry-standard-on-tailings-management (Accessed 28/03/2022). Acknowledgements: M4mining is funded by the European Union’s Horizon Europe programme under Grant Agreement ID 101091462. This work has received funding from the Swiss State Secretariat for Education, Research and Innovation (SERI).
The intricate web of economic interdependence among European nations, as well as between the European Union (EU) and external markets, creates a delicate equilibrium in the demand and supply of raw materials and manufactured goods. The availability of diverse raw materials, including minerals like Al, Au, Co, REE, and Co, is unnegotiable for key economic sectors. This accessibility paves the way for sustainable energy transitions and technological advancements. Although recycling and alternative technologies are supposed to reduce reliance on primary raw materials, immediate access to essential metals and minerals still relies on mining fresh resources [Herrington, 2021].
The growing demand for these resources comes with inevitable consequences for mining, mineral processing, and environmental impact. Failing to address these raw material demands and their ramifications could slow down global progress toward a cleaner energy future [EY, 2021]. Moreover, concerns regarding mine waste highlight the necessity for sustainable solutions. Presently, the European Union alone contains over 4700 Mt of mining waste and 1200 Mt of tailings [BGRM, 2001]. The urgency of proper waste management and mining safety is underscored by acid mine drainage and environmental catastrophes. Future mining licenses are increasingly contingent on robust tailing management plans, as outlined in the Global Industry Standard on Tailings Management [ICMM, 2020]. Earth observation technologies offer substantial potential, ranging from detailed mine face analyses to broader site and regional assessments, for optimizing tailings management, boosting mining operational efficiency, and curbing energy and environmental footprints. The M4Mining project aims to champion sustainable mining through integrated remote sensing data. Its overarching mission is to develop comprehensive remote sensing solutions for mining and tailing sites.
The project development includes real-time mapping, a multi-sensor UAV infrastructure, establishing best practices, resolving resolution gaps between satellite and UAV-data and mine-scale to deposit-scale, user-friendly interfaces, and effective data analysis techniques. Currently, the M4Mining project comprehensively surveys the applications of hyperspectral and multispectral remote sensing data in mining operations, closure, and post-closure phases. A special focus lies on data product demand in mining, scalability from UAV to satellite platforms, integration with mining, and potential applications throughout the mining life cycle. The report assesses spectral remote sensing data applications in tailing monitoring and mining operations, comparing analysis methods documented in existing literature based on accuracy, scalability, real-time processing, value to miners, and alignment with mining workflows.
The M4Mining initiative strives to advance mining via integrated remote sensing data, closing resolution gaps, empowering decision-makers, and enhancing sustainable practices. Its aspirations align with the EU’s raw material security and environmental sustainability objectives. Leveraging advanced remote sensing, the project aims to contribute towards more sustainable monitoring approaches in mining environments. References: Ernest and Young, EY, 2021. Top 10 business risks and opportunities for mining and metals in 2022. EYGM Limited. EYG No. 008490-21Gbl BMC, 44. Herrington, R., 2021. Mining our green future. Nature Reviews Materials, 6(6): 456-458. BRGM, 2001. Management of mining, quarrying and ore-processing waste in the European Union. European Commission, Directorate-General Environment, ENV.E.3–Waste Management, BRGM/RP-50319-FR, https://ec.europa.eu/environment/pdf/waste/studies/mining/0204finalreportbrgm.pdf (accessed 30/03/2022). ICMM, 2020. Global Industry Standard on Tailings Management, https://www.icmm.com/en-gb/guidance/environmental-stewardship/global-industry-standard-on-tailings-management (Accessed 28/03/2022). Acknowledgements: M4mining is funded by the European Union’s Horizon Europe programme under Grant Agreement ID 101091462. This work has received funding from the Swiss State Secretariat for Education, Research and Innovation (SERI).