Academic Level at Time of Presentation
Graduate
Major
Earth and EnvironmentalScience
List all Project Mentors & Advisor(s)
Robin Q. Zhang, PhD
Presentation Format
Poster Presentation
Abstract/Description
Forest degradation, driven primarily by human activities such as agriculture, urbanization, and mining, leads to biodiversity loss, soil erosion, and increased greenhouse gas emissions. In Ghana, illegal mining, known as ‘galamsey,’ poses significant threats to land and forest resources, damaging ecosystems and affecting public health (Aboka et al., 2018). Despite mining's contribution to Ghana's GDP, the negative impacts of illegal mining may outweigh its economic benefits. Between 2018 and 2023, Ghana lost approximately 5.9% of its forest cover while mining areas expanded by 1,917.6% (Abugre et al., 2025). This alarming situation necessitates an investigation into the changes in land use and land cover within these mining regions through remote sensing.
This study utilizes historical Landsat data from 2002 to 2022 to assess the extent of forest and land degradation in the Amansie West District, focusing on illegal mining impacts. By analyzing satellite imagery from Landsat TM, ETM+, and Landsat 8, the research aims to quantify vegetation changes and map their spatial distribution. Preliminary results indicate significant land cover alteration attributed to illegal mining, surpassing other human activities. Ultimately, this research will contribute to Ghana’s national inventory on land degradation and assist in formulating targeted restoration strategies and sustainable land management practices by providing a detailed map of degraded vegetation in the district.
Fall Scholars Week 2025
Earth and Environmental Sciences Poster Session
Included in
Environmental Monitoring Commons, Natural Resources and Conservation Commons, Sustainability Commons
A Remote Sensing Assessment of Illegal Gold Mining and Its Impact on Forests in Amansie West District, Ghana
Forest degradation, driven primarily by human activities such as agriculture, urbanization, and mining, leads to biodiversity loss, soil erosion, and increased greenhouse gas emissions. In Ghana, illegal mining, known as ‘galamsey,’ poses significant threats to land and forest resources, damaging ecosystems and affecting public health (Aboka et al., 2018). Despite mining's contribution to Ghana's GDP, the negative impacts of illegal mining may outweigh its economic benefits. Between 2018 and 2023, Ghana lost approximately 5.9% of its forest cover while mining areas expanded by 1,917.6% (Abugre et al., 2025). This alarming situation necessitates an investigation into the changes in land use and land cover within these mining regions through remote sensing.
This study utilizes historical Landsat data from 2002 to 2022 to assess the extent of forest and land degradation in the Amansie West District, focusing on illegal mining impacts. By analyzing satellite imagery from Landsat TM, ETM+, and Landsat 8, the research aims to quantify vegetation changes and map their spatial distribution. Preliminary results indicate significant land cover alteration attributed to illegal mining, surpassing other human activities. Ultimately, this research will contribute to Ghana’s national inventory on land degradation and assist in formulating targeted restoration strategies and sustainable land management practices by providing a detailed map of degraded vegetation in the district.