ORCID
- Marfo Nimoh: https://orcid.org/0009-0006-2221-3252
- Quaye-Ballard: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2133-8687
- Tienaah: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-0441-1053
- Wemegah: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-1564-5464
- Okyere: https://orcid.org/0009-0004-5603-2690
MSU Affiliation
College of Arts and Sciences; Department of Geosciences
Creation Date
2025-10-17
Abstract
Introduction: Sustainable development, which balances economic, social, and environmental factors to meet the needs of the present and future generations, is a collective responsibility. Rapid population growth and intensification of socio-economic activities are causing significant changes in Land Use Land Cover (LULC), directly impacting ecosystem services, biodiversity, and climate. The Obuasi community is already facing environmental degradation and health problems due to gold mining.
Methodology: The study assessed the spatial extent and intensity of mining activities in the Obuasi Municipality on the LULC and predicted future LULC changes due to mining activities using geospatial techniques. The LULC changes were analysed using Landsat satellite imagery from 1990 to 2024 using a Random Forest (RF) classifier.
Results and Discussion: Mining Areas had a positive change of 27.655 km2 (18.846%) while tailing dams and flooded pits increased by 46.655 km2 (31.724%). Dense vegetation, less dense foliage, and built-up and bare land decreased by -34.692%, -8.024%, and -7.854%, respectively. These significant environmental changes show the need for effective land management strategies and geospatial techniques to monitor and mitigate adverse effects, promoting sustainable development policies and ecological resilience.
Significance: The findings of this study provide valuable insights into the environmental impacts of mining, emphasising the need to make informed research and policy decisions in the field of environmental science.
Publication Date
8-26-2025
Publication Title
Journal of Science and Technology (JUST)
Publisher
Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology
First Page
1
Last Page
22
Creative Commons License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
Recommended Citation
Marfo Nimoh, J., Quaye-Ballard, J. A., Nsiah, S. N. Y., Tienaah, T., Obeng, K., Wemegah, T. D., & Okyere, P. A. (2025). Impact of Mining Activities on Land Use Land Cover (LULC) Using Geospatial Techniques in the Obuasi Municipality. Journal of Science and Technology, 43(3), 1 - 22. Retrieved from https://webapps.knust.edu.gh/just/index.php?journal=just&page=article&op=view&path[]=1862
