Detection of violations of open-pit mining lease boundaries using Sentinel-2 MSI data in the case of Lao Cai and Yen Bai provinces of North Vietnam

Abstract

Illegal mining, including the violation of lease boundaries during the extraction of mineral deposits in Vietnam, has witnessed a significant surge in recent years, leading to substantial environmental degradation. Due to the remote locations of mining areas in relation to settlements, the detection of illegal mining activities using conventional methods poses considerable challenges. This study presents a methodology for identifying lease boundary violations in open-pit mining of mineral deposits by utilizing high-resolution satellite images from the Sentinel-2 MSI system. The proposed methodology involves overlaying Sentinel-2 MSI radar-acquired satellite images to identify disparities between approved lease boundaries and actual boundaries of mining areas. The research focuses on the mineral-rich provinces of Lao Cai and Yen Bai in North Vietnam. The findings of this research rhold great potential for effectively monitoring and promptly detecting violations of mining lease boundaries.