Remote sensing of chemical anomalies in the atmosphere in influence zone of Korkino open pit coal mine

Abstract

Mining practices feature the most significant environmental impact. The impact of mining activities on the air quality is among the highest in the industry. In terms of pollutant emissions, the mining industry is second only to heat power facilities. In this respect, this work estimates the emissions of pollutants from Korkino lignite mine in the Southern Urals. The mine is distinguished for its gigantic dimensions and is called “the deepest man-made hole in Eurasia” therefore. The fundamental factor of the economic and environmental imbalance in the regions of coal mining hazardous to life and health of the local population is burning of carbonaceous rocks under endogenous and exogenous effects. Ill-timed detection of fires leads to uncontrolled burning of renewable energy resources, which hinders extraction of minerals and causes serious pollution due to huge emissions of toxic oxidation and combustion products into the atmosphere. In mined-out coal fields, coal residues can burn for years, which may lead to emergency evacuation of residents of adjacent settlements. The chemical anomalies induced in the atmosphere by coal fires is a serious problem worldwide. Considering high level of anthropogenic disturbance in the territory of the test open pit mine operated for more than 80 years, as well as the complex geomorphology of the area, this study proposes a new approach to the atmochemical research and analysis using a modern unmanned aircraft system of environmental monitoring.The authors highly appreciate the help and high-technology instrumentation provided by the Science and Education Shared Use Center of the Saint-Petersburg Mining University.