The State Environmental Service (VVD) oversees more than 950 mineral extraction sites across Latvia. Starting this year, the VVD, in collaboration with the Institute for Environmental Solutions (VRI), is introducing remote monitoring of mineral extraction sites based on Sentinel satellite data. The remote monitoring tool for mineral extraction sites facilitates the planning of inspections and allows for the timely detection of violations in the field of subsoil use. Satellite data provides regular information on changes within the licensed area and the land cover of its surroundings.

“Automated, satellite-based monitoring of mineral extraction sites will significantly improve the speed at which the VVD is able to notice and uncover illegal mineral extraction. With smart environmental control solutions, it is possible to use limited human resources more effectively and plan risk-based subsoil inspections. Within the relatively short implementation period of the project, we received positive confirmation that remote monitoring of mineral extraction sites is feasible and effective; therefore, we will actively continue work this year to develop the created solution and, by the end of the year, monitor all active mineral extraction sites in Latvia,” says Dace Zariņa, Head of the Subsoil Control Department at the VVD.
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