CASE STUDY
SECTOR
Architecture Engineering and Construction, Natural Resources and Environment, Public Safety and Security

Source: NV5 Geospatial Software
Remote Monitoring of Tailings Dams Using Advanced SAR Technology

Source: NV5 Geospatial Software
The mining industry faces significant challenges in monitoring tailings dams, which store hazardous waste materials. Tailings dams are susceptible to failures, which can result in catastrophic environmental and human impacts, as evidenced by the 2019 Brumadinho dam collapse in Brazil. To address this challenge, Satellite Applications Catapult (SAC) partnered with NV5 Geospatial and the Church of England Pension Board to develop an innovative monitoring system. Utilizing Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) technology, the project implemented a ground-motion monitoring service to detect early signs of instability in tailings dams. By analyzing historical and current satellite data using ENVI® Inform and ENVI® SARscape® software, this system can automatically process and update ground displacement information, providing stakeholders with timely warnings and enabling proactive safety measures.

Satellite Applications Catapult Limited

NV5 Geospatial Solutions, Inc.; The Church of England

Geospatial Media and Communications Pvt. Ltd.