The Applications of Satellite Based Remote Sensing Techniques in the Hydrological Assessment of Mine Water Supply and Management Systems

Abstract

Mineral resources are often discovered in remote or mountainous areas where long-term hydrological records are either absent or limited. Satellite-based remote sensing techniques can provide indirect observations of phenomena of interest, such as rainfall depth, snow cover, evapotranspiration, and changes in groundwater levels. Quality and applicability of the data are limited by the spatial, spectral, and temporal resolution of images. Other limitations may arise from the algorithms used to interpret the data. Examples are provided on how new remote sensing has been used at sites owned by Barrick Gold Corporation. It should be stressed that, for the foreseeable future, remote sensing data can supplement, not replace, more traditional sources of information.

Mountain-river runoff components and their role in the seasonal development of desert-oases in northwest China

“…At present, means to determine river runoff directly from RS-data are lacking. However, earlier studies have shown that the use of RS-data as input in distributed hydrological models can enhance our modeling capabilities of surface runoff (Immerzeel et al, 2008;Liu et al, 2012;Qin et al, 2008;Schultz, 1996;Shelp et al, 2011).…”

Assessment of Water Supply Impacts for a Mine Site in Western Turkey

“…For example, in a study conducted in semi-arid Botswana, a combination of surface, ground, and waste water, and a variety of harvesting and delivery techniques were used to overcome general water scarcity and periods of drought (Rahm et al 2006). Various methods can be used to assess the suitability of water resources, but as stated by Shelp et al (2011), understanding the local water resources is essential.…”