Is ISAR Interferometry Able to Detect Slope Deformations of Open Pit Mines?

the capacity to detect vertical movements of ground surface with sub-centimetre accuracy. Reports of current research, on the use of InSAR technology for monitoring seismic events such as earthquakes and ice motion, validate the application of InSAR for the determination of mining induced surface deformation. Most investigations confirm high reliability of results from satellite interferometry. The climate conditions of Western Australia (dry, cloudless weather, minimal rainfalls) are conducive to provide very reliable InSAR interferograms. It is hoped that this technology can be applied for monitoring of surface deformations, especially in a vicinity of open pit slopes, indicating their stability. This paper presents the initial results of the research project carried by WASM Mine Surveying Program and supported by the WA mining industr