Integrating Ground Penetrating Radar, Induced Polarization and Aerial Photograph to Analyze Land Subsidence in Borehole Mining Operation Area: A Case Study from South Bangka Island

Abstract

The remaining alluvial tin reserves around large ex-mining area can be an opportunity to optimize the potential reserves using a small-scale mining system. One of the latest breakthroughs in the mining system for the remaining alluvial tin reserves on land is the borehole mining (BHM) method. However, mining operations using BHM have several environmental impacts especially related to its former holes. This study aims to identify the changes in geometry of the former holes both on the surface and below the surface through direct field observations and measurements using geophysical methods. The study site is in the large ex-mining area of Air Nudur Block in South Bangka Regency, Bangka Belitung Islands Province. The geophysical methods used to identify the changes in the geometry of the BHM holes are GPR (ground penetrating radar) and IP (induced polarization). The GPR method has high resolution subsurface visual capabilities at shallow depths and this method can distinguish between stable and unstable layers. The IP method is used to determine the overburden layer and the condition of the alluvial layer where some of it has become a hole. These two methods will mutually reinforce in interpreting the change in the geometry of the BHM holes. Changes in hole diameter and depth were measured directly in the field within 2 (two) months from the completion of mining operations using the BHM method followed by the periodic topographic measurements using UAV (unmanned aerial vehicle). The results of observations on changes in the elevation of the ground surface around the former BHM hole indicated that the land level subsided by about 1 m. Meanwhile, the results of GPR data processing showed changes in the hole geometry with the hummocky radargram pattern into chaotic. Interpretation of IP data processing shows resistivity values of 250 - 1700 ohm.m and chargeability of 15 - 25 ms in the disturbed alluvial layer around the former BHM holes.