Towards a digital mine: a spatial database for accessing historical geospatial data on mining and related activities

A Research Report submitted to the Faculty of Science, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Science. Johannesburg, 2016.Countries around the world are recognising the importance of geospatial data in answering questions related to spatially varying industries such as mining activities (ongoing and discontinued). This is becoming increasingly evident with countries such as Canada, Australia, and the United Kingdom working towards establishing Abandoned Mine Lands (AML) inventories. However, the increasing need for data on mining activities is not paralleled by an increase in the availability of such data. The aim of this research therefore is to design a database for accessing historical and current geospatial data that can be used to support research, environmental management efforts as well as support decision making at all levels. A user needs survey was conducted. Two sampling methods were employed, convenient sampling and snowball sampling method. The convenient sampling method was used mostly with all the WDMP group members and the latter was employed with the respondents from institutions and organisations outside of the university respectively. The data were then categorised so as to make analysis easier and data could be evaluated on the same basis. An evaluation of the data collected showed that although the WDMP required different types of data (spatial and non- spatial) the data feed into each other and as such it is important that there is a central repository in which to store them. Furthermore investigation also shows that there is a wealth of data on current mining activities, but not so much on historical mining activities. Although data on mining activities exists, accessibility to these data is hindered by various factors such as copyright infringements, data costs, discrepancies in the data request process. The outcome of this research has been that of a physical database PostgreSQL database (PostGIS) and one mounted on an online platform (GeoServer). The databases can be visualised on PostgreSQL using select statements or visualisation through establishing a connection with QGIS, alternatively the database may be accessed on GeoServer. The database is expected to be of use to at least all members of the Wits Digital Mine Project (WDMP) and stakeholders involved in the project. The database can be used for baseline studies and also as a basis for the framework used to analyse, remedy as well as predict future challenges in the mining industry. Moreover, the database can act as a central repository for all data produced from the WDMP.LG201

Quest Volume 19 Number 2

Contents: South Africa’s energy transition - An overall analysis of what a just transition would (and should) mean for the country: The national power crisis - Going off the grid works for the wealthy - but could deepen injustice for the poor: Global and local energy crises?: - A look at what is meant by an energy crisis, and the shared responsibility of energy conservation: Green hydrogen - Sounds like a win for developing countries, but cost and transport are problems: Water-Energy-Food (WEF) - The challenges of the Water-Energy-Food (WEF) nexus in South Africa: From waste to watts -Leveraging agrowaste to address South Africa’s power crisis: Hello Iani! - South African sedimentologist part of team to discover new species of dinosaur in Utah: Using nanophotonic biosensors - Laser light used for advanced disease detection: The approaching storm... - ...of disinfectant resistance: ZA App Alert! - Looking at two new proudly South African apps: Winning essays - The first “Welcome to the Blue Planet” competition shows SA youth has tons of promise: Yellow jacket wasps, zoomed in - Using microscopy to see fascinating details on the bodies and wings of wasps: Apple takes on VR - The Vision Pro is billed as the first ‘spatial computer’: Deceptive daisy - Clever flower’s ability to create fake flies finally explained: ’Ghost’ imaging - SA team makes giant leap towards a 3D quantum camera: Medicinal mushroom - Matie student identifies species of medicinal mushroom endemic to Knysna forest: Book review: Subscription:The Department of Science and Innovation: Academy of Science of South Afric