QUANTITATIVE ASSESSMENT OF THE IMPACT OF MINING ACTIVITIES ON THE ENVIRONMENT IN THE ULYTAU REGION USING GEOSPATIAL APPROACH
Loading...
Date
2024-04-18
Authors
Yessengossov, Zhangir
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Nazarbayev University School of Mining and Geosciences
Abstract
The topic of "Quantitative assessment of the impact of mining activities on the environment in the Ulytau region using geospatial approach" was chosen due to the urgent need to understand and quantify the environmental impact of mining activities in the Ulytau region. While geospatial approach provides a systematic and quantitative method for analyzing environmental impacts of mining activities, which can be helpful for effective environmental management and sustainable resource extraction.
The objective of this thesis is to conduct a comprehensive quantitative assessment of the impact of mining activities on the environment in the Ulytau region using a geospatial approach. This includes quantification of mining activities in the region, estimation of area impacted by the mining activities, and assessment of its impacts on the local environment. Also, it includes produced maps with mining locations.
The research approach involves understanding of the negative impacts of mining on the environment from the literature, and involves understanding of tools utilized for geospatial technology to monitor and analyze the Ulytau region. Also, application of geospatial approach includes utilization of Google Earth and QGIS softwares for satellite imagery, and Excel for data quantification. Moreover, besides providing the methodology for geospatial assessment, the thesis proposes international practices and experience of other countries and considers regulatory framework.
The quantitative analysis on 51 mining activities has shown notable increase in the mining activities in the Ulytau region. During the study period from 2004-2011 to 2023, it shows an increase from 91.133 km2 to 114.874 km2, or 26.1%, or 23.742 km2 in absolute values. These conclusions show the importance of a geospatial approach that can assist in quantification of areas affected by the mining activities, and it can be implemented for sustainable mining practices and effective environmental management strategies to mitigate negative impacts of mining. It shows the need for implementation of modern technologies associated with the Fourth Industrial Revolution, since it can assist in sustainable and environmentally friendly business.
For future research, it is recommended to continue utilizing geospatial approaches for monitoring and assessment of mining activities. Additionally, research efforts should focus on exploring other available remote sensing technologies, and it should include application of machine learning, and artificial intelligence to improve data analysis capabilities. Also, further research should be done assessing existing environmental regulations and enforcement mechanisms. Moreover, further research should include access to more comprehensive and detailed data sources to enhance accuracy and depth of analysis.
Description
Keywords
geospatial approach, ulytau region, open-pit mining, Type of access: Restricted
Citation
Yessengossov, Zh. (2024). Quantitative Assessment Of The Impact Of Mining Activities On The Environment In The Ulytau Region Using Geospatial Approach. Nazarbayev University School of Mining and Geosciences