Monitoring of the earth's surface and mining facilities by radar interferometry

Safe and efficient development of mineral deposits by underground method, occurring at great depths, is complicated by the fact that with an increase in the depth of mining, the nature of the course of deformation processes in the rock mass and the degree of their impact on the environment change significantly. Studies of deformation processes, their control and forecast in many cases determine the efficiency and safety of the development of deposits of solid minerals. A practical forecast can be made as a result of continuous tracking in space and time of deformation processes. This article presents modern satellite radars and their main characteristics. The features of the radar interferometry method are described, and the advantages and disadvantages of various methods of interferometric processing of radar images are considered. The experience of using space radar for monitoring mineral deposits in the Republic of Kazakhstan is analyzed. The question was raised about the possibility of intensifying the use of radar interferometry in the mining industry. Regular field observations are provided throughout the mining site, including hard-to-reach and dangerous areas, regardless of weather conditions. It is confirmed that the use of the radar interferometry method determines the displacement of the earth's surface with high accuracy. When using this method, data is received and processed remotely and generally does not require presence on the site. In addition, this article provides examples of successful application of the radar interferometry method in foreign countries at mining and oil facilities. Also, the use of radar interferometry allows you to quickly determine the zones of possible deformations of the earth's surface and organize high-precision surveying and geodetic observations in these zones. In this article, radar interferometry has been used to monitor the surface movement of the Annensky field with high accuracy since 2016 using Sentinel radar images, and as a result, a displacement map of the earth's surface has been generated.