Open pit mines and tailings dams are essential to mineral extraction and processing, but they also carry inherent risks. Ground motion in these areas, caused by natural shifts or mining operations, can lead to slope failures. Such events not only endanger workers on-site but can also damage critical infrastructure and pose significant environmental threats.
To address these challenges, advanced monitoring tools are needed, ones that can detect subtle changes in ground motion over time. One of the most promising technologies for this purpose is satellite-based InSAR (Interferometric Synthetic Aperture Radar). InSAR provides highly accurate ground displacement data across large areas and over long periods, offering a valuable complement to traditional ground-based (in situ) measurements.
But while InSAR offers powerful insights, interpreting the raw data typically requires specialist expertise, something not always available at mining sites. That’s where the Open pit and tailings dam stability monitoring Artificial Intelligence Knowledge Pack (AIKP) comes in.
The AIKP: Making Complex Data Easy to Use
This Artificial Intelligence Knowledge Pack (AIKP) is being developed as part of the GoldenRAM project to bridge the gap between complex InSAR datasets and day-to-day work at mining companies.
The AIKP automatically processes satellite data to detect ground motion with high precision. More importantly, it clusters areas where significant ground motion is occurring, making it easier for non-experts to use the InSAR products.
These processed insights will be delivered directly to users via the GoldenRAM platform, a user-friendly interface that integrates satellite observations with contextual information and AI-powered interpretation.
From Concept to Prototype: GoldenRAM’s Progress
GoldenRAM has made significant strides in transforming the AIKP from an idea into a working prototype. Mining operators have already been consulted to ensure the tool meets real-world needs, and two test sites have been selected for early implementation:
- Kevitsa Mining Area, Finland – A large-scale open-pit operation where ground stability is essential to operational safety.
- Abrud Mining Area, Romania – A site with complex geological conditions and legacy mining infrastructure, offering a contrasting environment for testing.
These pilot locations are helping to validate the AIKP’s results across diverse mining contexts.
Field work at the Abrud mining area in Romania (image by BGR, 2025)
Looking Ahead: Safer, Smarter Mining Operations
By the end of the GoldenRAM project, the goal is to deliver a fully operational AIKP that mining companies can use routinely. With its intuitive interface and actionable insights, the AIKP will support:
- Early detection of slope instability
- Improved safety planning and response measures
- Reduced reliance on specialised InSAR expertise
Ultimately, GoldenRAM aims to help mining operators integrate advanced Earth observation and AI tools into their daily workflows, supporting a safer and more sustainable mining industry.