Monitoring Mining-Induced Subsidence with InSAR: Lessons from Douglas Park

Dr D Sekhar Vaka
Apr 23
2 min read

Updated: 3 days ago

Longwall mining operations bring undeniable economic benefits - but also a persistent challenge: mining-induced subsidence. Over time, the ground above mined areas can sink, disrupting ecosystems, damaging infrastructure, and putting community trust at risk.

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A miner in protective gear observes machinery cutting coal in an underground mine. Bright yellow equipment contrasts with dark coal.

Why Mining-Induced Subsidence Monitoring Matters

In regions like Douglas Park, New South Wales, subsidence caused by longwall mining can stretch across vast areas and persist for years - even decades - after mining activity ends. Left unchecked, this gradual ground movement can affect pipelines, roads, watercourses, and property. Regular, accurate monitoring isn't just good practice - it's essential for risk mitigation, compliance, and operational excellence.

"Mining-induced subsidence isn't just an environmental concern—it's a business risk that demands proactive management."

InSAR: A Satellite-Based Game Changer

Using Interferometric Synthetic Aperture Radar (InSAR), our team analysed surface displacement across a longwall mining site in Douglas Park using historical satellite data. The results were compelling.

Aerial view of landscape with blue-striped rectangle overlay. Green to red gradient highlights specific area. Fields and roads visible.

By comparing satellite-derived InSAR data with fortnightly manual level surveys collected over a 12-month period, we validated the accuracy of InSAR for measuring surface deformation. The InSAR data agreed with the manual level survey within its ±15mm tolerance, confirming InSAR’s value as a low-disruption, high-accuracy solution for monitoring mining-induced subsidence.

"Surface displacement data that once took weeks to collect can now be accessed in days."

Two graphs show subsidence and displacement data along streets and roads. Lines indicate measurements, with marked locations and tolerances.

Key Benefits of InSAR for Mine Operators:

✅ High Frequency: Satellite data updates every 12 days—no boots on the ground required.
✅ Wide Area Coverage: Monitor multiple longwall panels and surrounding areas at once.
✅ Historical Insight: Access years of archival data to spot long-term trends.
✅ Validation-Ready: Proven to align with traditional survey methods.
✅ Cost-Efficient: No need for dense networks of ground instrumentation.

"InSAR doesn't just help you monitor—it helps you manage."

A satellite emits EM pulses to a white house in a forest. Text shows "Emitted EM pulses" and "Backscatter received by sensors."

Turning Monitoring into Strategy

InSAR doesn't just help you to monitor - it helps you manage. With a satellite-based overview of mining-induced subsidence, mine operators can:

Demonstrate regulatory compliance and transparency.
Prioritise areas for remediation or closer inspection.
Inform community engagement with visual, data-backed insights.
Plan future panels more strategically by understanding cumulative impacts.

"Underground mining operations such as longwall mining causes ground subsidence. InSAR technology can assess the developments of these movements ensuring that infrastructure assets and the urban environment remain safe." - Dr Skevi Perdikou, CEO, Geofem

Yellow excavator in a large open-pit mine with layered earth formations in brown, red, and yellow tones under a clear blue sky.

Ready to Explore InSAR for Your Site?

The Douglas Park study shows how InSAR transforms mining-induced subsidence from a looming risk into a well-understood variable. If you're operating longwall mines and want to safeguard infrastructure, streamline reporting, and build a resilient future, it's time to put satellite technology to work.

Let's connect to talk about how InSAR can work for your mine.