ACARP ACARP ACARP ACARP
Open Cut

Utilisation of High Resolution Infrared Imagery for the Enhanced Monitoring of Revegetation in Open-Cut Mine Site Rehabilitation

Open Cut » Environment

Published: June 11Project Number: C14055

Get ReportAuthor: Mark Freeburn, Richard Mather | AAM Hatch, Buckinghamshire New University, U.K.

The purpose of project work was to investigate colour and infrared aerial imaging for monitoring the revegetation of coal mining sites. Project duration (2006-2010) coincided with a period when wet emulsion aerial survey was replaced with direct digital capture of imagery and the automated extraction of terrain/surface models.

Aerial surveys of Saraji, Norwich Park and Gregory Coal Mines were conducted by AAM in 2006, 2007, 2009 and 2010. These were followed with detailed field observations by the ecological survey team (consultants Bevan Emmerton and James Elsol). Field data were used to determine the spectral signatures of ground cover types and for testing the accuracy of map classifications. Remotely sensed data were pre-processed, by AAM and Bluesky International (UK), to generate the spatially registered othophotos and terrain models necessary for image analysis work (also used to guide software development) at Buckinghamshire New University.

Techniques investigated at Saraji, Norwich Park and Gregory Coal Mines included: (1) conventional image classifiers; (2) advanced machine learning techniques; (3) spectral band transformations (vegetation indices, data reduction with principal and canonical components); (4) supplementing spectral data with expressions for vegetation height (derived from terrain and „canopy‟ surface models); and (5) the use of recently developed object-segmentation algorithms („watershed‟ techniques for spatial clustering of spectrally similar pixels).

Of all techniques trialed Maximum Likelihood (ML) classification in combination with both object-segmentation and vegetation height, consistently produced land-cover classifications that were highly correlated with ground-truth test data. In digital tests, a classification accuracy of 92% obtained for a 70Km2 site at Gregory Mine indicates that this technique has operational potential for monitoring broad classes of vegetation structure and condition over extensive areas.

Project results, therefore, suggest that the ML and certain machine learning techniques are sufficiently sensitive to monitor against key rehabilitation completion criteria, such as for the cover and slope requirements recommended by Grigg and co-workers (ACARP Project C8038; 2001) for pasture in the Bowen Basin.

More detailed ecological classification may be achieved with ground observation appropriate for extracting the digital signatures of desired cover classes. However, it is probable that such classifications may benefit from other technologies (such as LiDAR) to determine how spectral, pattern and structural characteristics of vegetation associations relate to remotely sensed signals.

Of other techniques, productive areas for further enquiry included: (1) that some machine learning approaches should be explored using training data more precisely aligned to „finer‟ cover classes; and (2) a combination of Canonical Correspondence Analysis (CCA) transformation and a fractal expression for the first Principle Component demonstrated sensitivity to dry and dormant vegetation.

Directions suggested for future research and operational work include ground, survey, technical and algorithmic methods for more detailed ecological classifications, improved techniques for recording vertical/canopy structure (including LiDAR). Operational measures for ensuring the reliability and repeatability of classifications include: avoidance of shadow and off-nadir perspective effects; continued development of workflow automation and distributed reporting mechanisms; and quality control throughout all stages of survey, orthomosaic and terrain/surface model production.

Underground

Health and safety, productivity and environment initiatives.

Recently Completed Projects

C34019Longwall Bretby Cable Handling Monitoring With Fibre Optics

This project examined the potential of using fibre optic sensing tec...

C27049Mine Machine Radar Sensor Integration

The aim of this project was to develop an integrated radar sensor an...

C29007Innovative Coal Burst System To Investigate The Influence Of Confinement Loss And Pre-Conditioning On Coal Burst Mechanism

The challenges associated with designing and operating a safe and pr...

Underground

Open Cut

Safety, productivity and the right to operate are priorities for open cut mine research.

Recently Completed Projects

C33035High Water Recovery, Low Cost Desalination Using PV-Powered Membrane Capacitive Deionisation (Mcdi)

Capacitive deionization is a robust, energy efficient and cost effec...

C28035Topsoil Deficits In Site Rehabilitation Accelerated Transformation Of Spoils To Functional Soils

The incorporation of commercial biological amendments (compost, worm...

C34036Tyre Handler Testing Rig Stage 2: Lifting Trials

Tyre handling is a major source of risk in surface mining operations...

Open Cut

Coal Preparation

Maximising throughput and yield while minimising costs and emissions.

Coal Preparation

Technical Market Support

Market acceptance and emphasising the advantages of Australian coals.

Recently Completed Projects

C34060In-Situ Investigation Of Coke Structure Formation Under Stamp Charged Coking Conditions

Stamp charged cokemaking has emerged as an effective technique to im...

C34062Improving The Classification Of Microstructure Distribution In Coke CT Images Using Deep Learning And Lineal Path Calculations

This project builds on a number of earlier projects that have helped...

C29071Source Of Variability Of Reactivity Of Coke In The CSR Test

The Coke Strength after Reaction (CSR) test is used worldwide to det...

Technical Market Support

Mine Site Greenhouse Gas Mitigation

Mitigating greenhouse gas emissions from the production of coal.

Recently Completed Projects

C28076Selective Absorption Of Methane By Ionic Liquids (SAMIL)

This third and final stage of this project was the culmination of a ...

C29069Low-Cost Catalyst Materials For Effective VAM Catalytic Oxidation

Application of ventilation air methane (VAM) thermal oxidiser requir...

C23052Novel Stone Dust Looping Process For Ventilation Air Methane Abatement

This multi‐phase project is concerned with the mitigation of m...

Mine Site Greenhouse Gas Mitigation

Low Emission Coal Use

Step-change technologies aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

Recently Completed Projects

C17060BGasification Of Australian Coals

Four Australian coals were trialled in the Siemens 5 MWth pilot scale ga...

C17060AOxyfuel Technology For Carbon Capture And Storage Critical Clean Coal Technology - Interim Support

The status of oxy-fuel technology for first-generation plant is indicate...

C18007Review Of Underground Coal Gasification

This report consists of a broad review of underground coal gasification,...

Low Emission Coal Use

Mining And The Community

The relationship between mines and the local community.

Recently Completed Projects

C16027Assessing Housing And Labour Market Impacts Of Mining Developments In Bowen Basin Communities

The focus of this ACARP-funded project has been to identify a number...

C22029Understanding And Managing Cumulative Impacts Of Coal Mining And Other Land Uses In Regions With Diversified Economies

The coal industry operates in the context of competing land-uses that sh...

C23016Approval And Planning Assessment Of Black Coal Mines In NSW And Qld: A Review Of Economic Assessment Techniques

This reports on issues surrounding economic assessment and analysis ...

Mining And The Community

NERDDC

National Energy Research,Development & Demonstration Council (NERDDC) reports - pre 1992.

Recently Completed Projects

1609-C1609Self Heating of Spoil Piles from Open Cut Coal Mines

Self Heating of Spoil Piles from Open Cut Coal Mines

1301-C1301Stress Control Methods for Optimised Development...

Stress Control Methods for Optimised Development and Extraction Operations

0033-C1356Commissioned Report: Australian Thermal Coals...

Commissioned Report: Australian Thermal Coals - An Industry Handbook

NERDDC