Tracking Deformation Processes at the Legnica Glogow Copper District (Poland) by Satellite InSAR—I: Room and Pillar Mine District

Mining exploitation leads to slow or rapid ground subsidence resulting from deformation until the collapse of underground post-mining voids following excavation activities. Satellite SAR interferometry capabilities for evaluation movements allows monitoring intensive surface mine and can provide new knowledge about risks in mining industry. This work integrates both conventional advanced Differential Interferometry (DInSAR) study Legnica Glogow Copper District (LGCD, Poland) by processing 400 Sentinel-1 images October 2014 April 2019. Even without field data information on past ongoing activities, DInSAR approach allowed us identify 30 troughs subsidence, ranging 500 m 2.5 km diameter, which some cases, took place several times during analyzed time span. The cumulative 4 years 7 months exceeds 70 cm zones LGCD. sub-centimetric precision achieved analysis (A-DInSAR), monitor real extent influence area surface, with velocities up 50 mm/year. detected at LGCD be due mining-induced tremors roof above rooms. As deformations do not occur concurrently tremors, this related activities degradation abandoned mines.