Use of SAR interferometry for monitoring illegal mining activities: A case study at Xishimen Iron Ore Mine

The development and application of the “digital mine” concept in China depends heavily upon the use of remote sensing data as well as domestic expertise and awareness. Illegal mining of mineral resources has been a serious long term problem frustrating the Xishimen Iron Ore Mine management. This mine is located in Wu’an county in Hebei province, China. Illegal activities have led to enormous economic losses by interfering with the normal operation of the Xishimen mine and have ruined the surrounding environment and the stability of the Mahe riverbed the crosses the mined area. This paper is based on field reconnaissance taken over many years around the mine area. The ground survey data are integrated with Differential Synthetic Aperture Radar Interferometry (D-InSAR) results from ALOS/PALSAR data to pinpoint mining locations. By investigating the relationship between the resulting interferometric deformation pattern and the mining schedule, which is known a priori, areas affected by illegal mining activities are identified. To some extent these areas indicate the location of the illegal site. The results clearly demonstrate D-InSAR’s ability to cost-effectively monitor illegal mining activities.