ECOLOGY AND THE SUBSURFACE: THE ROLE OF MINE SURVEYORS IN SUSTAINABLE MINING

ABSTRACT

Mine surveyors are essential for sustainable mining, using geomechanics and modern technology to monitor ground deformation, plan safe extraction boundaries, and lead land reclamation, thereby preventing ecological damage.

АННОТАЦИЯ

Маркшейдеры играют ключевую роль в обеспечении устойчивой добычи полезных ископаемых, используя методы геомеханики и современные технологии для мониторинга деформаций, планирования безопасных границ отработки и рекультивации земель, предотвращая необратимый экологический ущерб.

Keywords: mine surveying; sustainable mining; environmental protection.

Ключевые слова: маркшейдерия; устойчивая добыча; охрана окружающей среды.

1. Introduction

Mine surveyors play a central role in ensuring that mineral extraction does not lead to irreversible ecological damage. Their work combines geomechanics, geodesy, and environmental oversight, making them key contributors to sustainable mining practices.

2. Importance for Environmental Protection

Mining affects the landscape, groundwater, and stability of the earth’s surface. Surveyors provide the spatial data and deformation monitoring that allow companies to track how the subsurface responds to extraction. Accurate models of ground movement help prevent collapses, excessive subsidence, or damage to nearby ecosystems and infrastructure.

3. Core Environmental Functions of Mine Surveyors

Deformation Monitoring

Surveyors create monitoring networks using leveling, GNSS, total stations, and automated sensors. These systems detect millimeter‑scale surface movement, allowing early intervention.

4. Safe Planning of Mining Boundaries

By calculating geomechanical limits, surveyors prevent mining from entering unstable or environmentally sensitive zones. This helps maintain protective buffer zones around water bodies, forests, and protected geological formations.

Land Reclamation and Post‑Mining Rehabilitation After mining ends, surveyors design safe and stable landforms. They plan slope angles, drainage patterns, and final contours to prevent erosion and ensure ecological recovery.

5. Use of Modern Technology

Advanced tools—UAVs, InSAR satellite monitoring, automated total stations, and machine‑learning‑based image analysis—allow surveyors to track large territories and detect subtle environmental changes. These technologies improve risk forecasting and support long‑term ecosystem protection.

6. Challenges

Deeper mining, increasing deformation risks, and growing environmental standards require more precise data and better-trained specialists. Many sites still lack automated monitoring, which limits early-warning capability. Surveyors must also balance technical accuracy with environmental responsibility, as errors can lead to land degradation or contamination.

7. Practical Examples

In an open‑pit mine, surveyors detected progressive bench deformation. Their analysis enabled timely redesign of slope angles, preventing a landslide that could have affected nearby forest habitats.

In a closed mining area, surveyors developed a reclamation model where drainage channels and reprofiled slopes reduced erosion and supported natural revegetation. Regular control surveys confirmed stability and ecological recovery.

8. Conclusion

Mine surveyors are essential for environmentally responsible mining. Their measurements, monitoring systems, and reclamation planning help reduce ecological impact, prevent accidents, and support sustainable land use. As mining technology evolves, the role of surveyors will become even more critical in ensuring that resource extraction and environmental protection remain in balance.

References:

1. Witten, J., & Brückl, J. Subsurface Deformation Monitoring and Prediction for Sustainable Mine Management, 2022. — 415 с.
2. Hustrulid, W., Kuchta, M., & Martin, R. K. Open Pit Mine Planning and Design: Geomechanical and Environmental Considerations (3rd ed.), 2013. — 630 с.
3. Little, M. E., & Papworth, A. J. Landform Design and Reclamation Ecology in Mining, 2018. — 289 с.