A GIS Software Module for Environmental Impact Assessment of the Open Pit Mining Projects for Small Mining Operators in Kazakhstan

Abstract

This research article presents a software module for the environmental impact assessment (EIA) of open pit mines. The EIA software module has been developed based on the comprehensive examination of both country-specific (namely, Kazakhstan) and current international regulatory frameworks, legislation and EIA methodologies. EIA frameworks and methods have been critically evaluated, and mathematical models have been developed and implemented in the GIS software module ‘3D Quarry’. The proposed methodology and software module allows for optimised EIA calculations of open pit mines, aiming to minimise the negative impacts on the environment. The study presents an original methodology laid out as a basis for a software module for environmental impact assessment on atmosphere, water basins, soil and subsoil, tailored to the context of mining operations in Kazakhstan. The proposed software module offers an alternative to commercial off-the-shelf software packages currently used in the mining industry and is suitable for small mining operators in post-Soviet countries. It is anticipated that applications of the proposed software module will enable the transition to sustainable development in the Kazakh mining industry.