Quantitative prediction of mining subsidence and its impact on the environment

This study is focused on the prediction of mining subsidence and its impact on the environment in the Hongqi mining area. The study was carried out by means of a probability integral model based, in first instance based on field surveys and the analysis of data collected from this area. Isolines of mining subsidence were then drawn and the impact caused by mining subsidence on the environment was analyzed quantitatively by spatial analysis with Geographic Information System (GIS). The results indicate that the subsidence area of the first working-mine can be as large as 2.54 km(2), the maximum subsidence is 3440 mm which will cause 1524 houses to be relocated. The entire subsidence area of the mine can reach 8.09 km(2), with a maximum subsidence of 3590 mm. Under these circumstances the value of the loss of ecosystem services will reach 5.371 million Yuan and the cost of relocating buildings will increase to 6.858 million Yuan. (C) 2012 Published by Elsevier B.V. on behalf of China University of Mining & Technology.