LAUSR

The present study focuses on a novel GIS-based approach to develop the mining landscapes in three dimensions before the commencement of the mining activities. The overburden dumps, backfilled and mined-out zones are developed and retrofitted into an existing hilly topography using the GIS-based approach. Soil erosion rates of the developed mining landscapes are evaluated using an empirical E30 model. A unique parametric change study is performed by altering the original NDVI values for estimating the soil erosion rate with different vegetation density. In case of barren mining land, increase in erosion rate is observed whereas, the rate decreases with the year wise plantation. Necessary check dam locations are also identified using morphometric analysis to prevent the erosion risk. This current approach towards landscape development will be helpful to assess the soil erosion potential and take necessary steps towards mitigation measures as a priori to the mining operation.