A GIS Software Module for Environmental Impact Assessment of the Open Pit Mining Projects for Small Mining Operators in Kazakhstan

Mikhail Zarubin, Larissa Statsenko, Pavel Spiridonov, Venera Zarubina, Noune Melkoumian and Olga Salykova
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Mikhail Zarubin: System Concepts And Applications, International Informatization Academy, Almaty 050000, Kazakhstan
Larissa Statsenko: STEM Department, University of South Australia, Adelaide 5005, Australia
Pavel Spiridonov: InnovEco Australia, Adelaide 5008, Australia
Venera Zarubina: System Concepts And Applications, International Informatization Academy, Almaty 050000, Kazakhstan
Noune Melkoumian: School of Civil, Environmental and Mining Engineering, University of Adelaide, Adelaide 5005, Australia
Olga Salykova: School of Information Systems, A.Baitursynov Kostanay Regional University, Kostanay 110000, Kazakhstan

Sustainability, 2021, vol. 13, issue 12, 1-25

Abstract: This research article presents a software module for the environmental impact assessment (EIA) of open pit mines. The EIA software module has been developed based on the comprehensive examination of both country-specific (namely, Kazakhstan) and current international regulatory frameworks, legislation and EIA methodologies. EIA frameworks and methods have been critically evaluated, and mathematical models have been developed and implemented in the GIS software module ‘3D Quarry’. The proposed methodology and software module allows for optimised EIA calculations of open pit mines, aiming to minimise the negative impacts on the environment. The study presents an original methodology laid out as a basis for a software module for environmental impact assessment on atmosphere, water basins, soil and subsoil, tailored to the context of mining operations in Kazakhstan. The proposed software module offers an alternative to commercial off-the-shelf software packages currently used in the mining industry and is suitable for small mining operators in post-Soviet countries. It is anticipated that applications of the proposed software module will enable the transition to sustainable development in the Kazakh mining industry.

Keywords: mining project; open pit mining; environmental impact assessment; EIA; geographic information system; GIS; pollution minimisation (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2021
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