In the distant 2016, when I was a member of an environmental NGO in Kryvyi Rih (Ukraine), I started using satellite Earth Observation data to monitor the condition of large industrial tailings ponds.

At that time, environmental regulations required these storage facilities to be either flooded or at least kept moist to prevent dust storms.
Industrial operators often ignored these rules, leaving huge dry surfaces exposed — which created massive dust pollution affecting nearby communities.

Using Sentinel-2 and Landsat-8 imagery with false-color composites, I developed a simple but effective method to map dry, moist, and water-covered zones of tailings ponds.

Local residents and journalists were absolutely delighted! Industrial companies, on the other hand… reacted very differently 🤣

These maps are from 2016–2017 and show several tailings facilities around #KryvyiRih.

#RemoteSensing #EarthObservation #Sentinel2 #OpenData #EnvironmentalMonitoring
#Tailings #Mining #DustPollution #GIS #QGIS #Ukraine #Landsat

Environmental Impact of Gold Mining

Gold mining can bring severe pollution hazards, including:
• Water Pollution – Cyanide & mercury contamination threaten aquatic life & human health.
• Air Pollution – Dust and toxic fumes harm air quality & respiratory health.
• Soil Degradation – Heavy metals like mercury & arsenic poison the land, harming agriculture & wildlife.
• Biodiversity Loss – Destruction of natural habitats leads to extinction of vulnerable species.
• Health Risks – Exposure to toxic chemicals causes neurological damage, cancers, and more.
• Acid Mine Drainage – Harmful acids leak into water systems, causing long-term damage.

A stark reminder: The Cadia gold mine has been convicted of breaching dust limits five times between 2021-2023, with one test showing nearly 6x the allowable dust limit. Newmont Corporation has been fined $350,000 in penalties.

It’s time for stricter regulations and sustainable mining practices!

#goldmining #environmentalimpact #pollution #waterpollution #airpollution #soildegradation #biodiversity #healthrisks #sustainablemining #newmont #cadia #dustpollution #environmentaljustice #fines

https://www.abc.net.au/news/2025-03-31/cadia-gold-mine-newmont-corporation-fined-for-air-pollution/105115918