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Assessing the Relationship Between Production and Land Transformation for Chilean Copper Mines Using Satellite and Operational Data

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  • Junbin Xiao

    (Graduate School of Environmental Studies, Tohoku University, 468-1, Aramaki-Aoba, Aoba-Ward, Sendai 980-8572, Miyagi, Japan)

  • Tim T. Werner

    (School of Geography, Earth and Atmospheric Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Level 2, Room 203A, 221 Bouverie Street, Carlton, Melbourne, VIC 3053, Australia)

  • Takeshi Komai

    (Graduate School of Environmental Studies, Tohoku University, 468-1, Aramaki-Aoba, Aoba-Ward, Sendai 980-8572, Miyagi, Japan)

  • Kazuyo Matsubae

    (Graduate School of Environmental Studies, Tohoku University, 468-1, Aramaki-Aoba, Aoba-Ward, Sendai 980-8572, Miyagi, Japan)

Abstract

Mining may cause devastating environmental impacts through large-scale land transformations. However, mining-induced land transformations are poorly understood relative to a mine’s productivity or life cycle. We integrated satellite imagery, geographic information systems (GISs), and mine site production data (ore, concentration, and waste) to conduct a detailed spatiotemporal analysis of 15 open-pit copper mines in Chile, distinguishing six types of features. Although the occupied area (9.90 to 149.61 km 2 in 2020) and composition vary across mines, facilities for waste storage occupy the largest proportion (>50%) of the transformed land area, emphasizing the need for proper waste management. The analysis of land transformation factors (the transformed land area per unit production) showed high variation (0.006178 to 0.372798 m 2 /kg-Cu) between mines over time. This reveals a significant problem in the historical practice of using averages from life cycle assessment (LCA) databases. This research reveals the significance of geospatial analyses in assessing mining-induced land transformation, and it provides geospatial data for land-related LCA. Mining companies are encouraged to disclose GIS information regarding land transformation to foster transparency and social responsibility, as well as to promote responsible and sustainable mining.

Suggested Citation

  • Junbin Xiao & Tim T. Werner & Takeshi Komai & Kazuyo Matsubae, 2025. "Assessing the Relationship Between Production and Land Transformation for Chilean Copper Mines Using Satellite and Operational Data," Resources, MDPI, vol. 14(2), pages 1-49, January.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jresou:v:14:y:2025:i:2:p:25-:d:1580159
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    2. De Rosa, Michele, 2018. "Land Use and Land-use Changes in Life Cycle Assessment: Green Modelling or Black Boxing?," Ecological Economics, Elsevier, vol. 144(C), pages 73-81.
    3. Lima, Ana T. & Mitchell, Kristen & O’Connell, David W. & Verhoeven, Jos & Van Cappellen, Philippe, 2016. "The legacy of surface mining: Remediation, restoration, reclamation and rehabilitation," Environmental Science & Policy, Elsevier, vol. 66(C), pages 227-233.
    4. Evelyn M. Mervine & Rick K. Valenta & James S. Paterson & Gavin M. Mudd & Tim T. Werner & Ilyas Nursamsi & Laura J. Sonter, 2025. "Biomass carbon emissions from nickel mining have significant implications for climate action," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 16(1), pages 1-10, December.
    5. Lechner, Alex Mark & Kassulke, Owen & Unger, Corinne, 2016. "Spatial assessment of open cut coal mining progressive rehabilitation to support the monitoring of rehabilitation liabilities," Resources Policy, Elsevier, vol. 50(C), pages 234-243.
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