Blockchain-Enabled Spatial Mining Systems for Sustainable Resource Utilisation

Abstract

The rising demand for minerals and the requirement for sustainable environmental practices have posed a lot of challenges to the traditional mining system. Conventional mining systems generally face problems such as a lack of transparency, inefficient data management, environmental destruction and inefficiencies in monitoring the use of the mined resources. The spatial mining systems, which use blockchain technology in integration with geospatial technologies, remote sensing techniques, geographic information systems (GIS) and the Internet of Things (IoT), have gained popularity as a technical solution to overcome some of the inefficiencies associated with conventional mining systems. This research will investigate the application of blockchain technology in developing platforms for the management of spatial mining systems where there is efficient monitoring of resource extraction activities. Through the use of blockchain technology alongside spatial intelligence, mining firms can realise greater levels of traceability, decreased operational fraud, increased compliance, and better resource management. In addition, the use of environmental monitoring sensors allows for sustainable mining through monitoring land use changes, carbon emissions, water usage, and ecological impact during the various stages of the mining process. It is clear from the research that the use of blockchain technology and spatial mining systems can be used to improve resource governance, decision-making processes, and sustainable use of resources.