Researchers at the U.S. Geological Survey Alaska Science Center have created a new dataset of land in Alaska visibly altered by mining. It contains digital map files that outline about 735 square kilometers of disturbed ground and mine waste, based on high-resolution satellite imagery. The dataset includes two layers: one showing areas where mining visibly changed the landscape—such as pits, roads, and cleared vegetation—and another showing piles of leftover mining waste. Covering 6 to 14 times more area than previous maps, the dataset can help target environmental cleanup and assess the potential for recovering materials from old mine sites.
Image Credits: Dion Beetson
