Let's now consider the stage of a mining operation that follows exploration. The production component of the mining industry is the stage most commonly identified as 'mining'. The nature of mining production activities varies according to the target mineral. Production activities are spatially concentrated for both metalliferous and petroleum operations. Most metalliferous mines and all petroleum operations are below ground, and are therefore of no interest to our explorations using satellite data. This includes the majority of mining operations in this continent.
However, some modern coal mines and metalliferous mines are surface mines, and the landcover changes associated with these can be examined using space images.
The first example is from the Pilbara in WA. In the Pilbara, the open cut iron ore mines constitute the largest human-made excavations on the continent. Even so, these huge holes in the ground are barely detectable on the satellite images. The mining operations can just be inferred from the signs of the associated infrastructure, settlements (with well-watered gardens), roads and railway lines. The most extensive landcover change in this arid area of Australia is however the consequence of natural forces - the seasons and fire - and of pastoralism.
Use your browser to open each image in a new window to compare them.
Landcover change in the Pilbara region of WA over the period 05/10/78 to 24/10/88. In this arid area of the continent, the complex and intricately shaped geological backbone is clearly visible. Impressed on this are the patterns of drainage, vegetation and landuse. This area is still subject to Pastoral landuse, although at a much lower intensity than in past decades. The eroded flanks of the drainage lines in the lower RHS are a long term memory of this pastoral past.
There are two major iron ore mining establishments in this image: Tom Price and Paraburdoo. Both places are household names. Can you find them on either FCC image? They are at the top and bottom of the extreme RHS of the image. They can be located by the gardens in the towns themselves. With this solitary clue, I leave you to find the mines, which are very large, and to interpret the nature and cause of the extensive landcover change that is apparent in the Difference FCC image.
