135 / 2023-08-06 21:10:39

Monitoring Mining-Related Subsidence using InSAR Time-Series Data: A Case Study in the Sukari Mine, Egypt

SBAS-InSAR,PS-InSAR,Sukari Gold Mine,Mine Subsidence Monitoring

Accurate forecasting of surface subsidence caused by mining is of paramount importance for ensuring environmental protection, resource sustainability, and driving economic development in a country. In the context of the Sukari Gold Mine (SGM), which is situated approximately 23 km southwest of the Red Sea coastal city of Marsa Alam in the south-central eastern desert of Egypt, this concern becomes particularly relevant. The unique geological environment of the area, characterized by frequent human activities and seasonal fluctuations in groundwater levels due to rainfall, has raised concerns among relevant institutions regarding the possibility of land subsidence in the city. Such subsidence could adversely affect the stability of urban buildings, posing potential risks to the population and infrastructure. Remarkably, despite the significance of the issue, no direct measurement of deformation rate and its correlation to mine disaster risk and building subsidence has been undertaken in the Red Sea Governorate until now. Traditional mining survey techniques, although valuable in their own right, have limitations in effectively monitoring large areas of subsidence due to their time-consuming, labor-intensive, and expensive nature. In recent years, interferometric synthetic aperture radar (InSAR) technology has demonstrated its exceptional potential in analyzing and monitoring surface deformation with notable advantages. Its low cost, high efficiency, wide coverage capabilities, and open accessibility have made it a valuable tool in various applications, including surface subsidence monitoring. Notably, InSAR deformation maps can pinpoint mining-induced subsidence with an astonishing millimeter-level accuracy, allowing for precise identification and tracking of subsiding areas.



In this paper, we utilize interferometry InSAR data, consisting of 240 scenes from Sentinel-1 (C-band) satellite data, covering the Marsa Alam city from 2017 to 2023. With a focus on the Sukari mine, our investigation and analysis of mining subsidence employ two robust deformation monitoring (DM) methods: the Small Baseline Subset (SBAS-InSAR) technique, renowned for its ability to process extensive datasets, and the Persistent Scatterer (PS-InSAR) method, which concentrates on coherent radar targets. Additionally, to enhance the accuracy of our study, we employ data from the shuttle radar topography mission for residual phase correction. The findings of our study provide crucial insights into the rate of vertical deformation along the study area during the specified period. The results, with a maximum deformation rate of about -16 mm and -13 mm/year, as measured by SBAS and PS, respectively, indicate that both the Sukari mine area and the city center exhibit relative stability, with ground subsidence rates ranging from 0 to -6 mm/year. Intriguingly, the observed deformation features suggest that subsidence in the city is primarily governed by local groundwater processes, underscoring the need for further understanding and management of these processes.



In conclusion, our comprehensive monitoring of subsidence utilizing InSAR technology offers valuable information for formulating effective strategies to mitigate negative impacts on infrastructure, ecosystems, and neighboring communities. Moreover, the early warning capabilities of our study regarding potential mine disasters contribute significantly to safeguarding the well-being of local communities and the environment. As we move towards a future of sustainable mining practices, the insights gained from this research serve as a stepping stone in achieving the delicate balance between resource extraction, environmental preservation, and societal well-being.