Spatial analysis of open-pit mining areas within forests: a case of the Malatya forest district directorate

Forest ecosystems are natural resources that are very rich in terms of flora and fauna and play a critical role in the protection of water resources. Mining operations conducted within these ecosystems lead to ecosystem deterioration, pollution of water sources, destruction of habitats, and soil erosion. In this study, the spatial relationships between open-pit mining areas and forest ecosystems, water resources, roads, agricultural lands, and settlements within the boundaries of the Malatya Forest District Directorate were evaluated using Geographic Information System (GIS)-based analyses. According to the findings, 97.7% of the mining sites in the region are located within forest areas, and 46.2% of these are in zones with less than 10% canopy cover. Visibility analysis results indicate that approximately 18% of these mining areas are visible from roads and 27% are visible from residential areas within a 5-kilometer visual perception radius. In addition, all mining sites were found to be in buffer zones very close to agricultural lands. The results show that the location of mining operations within forest areas, near agricultural lands and near settlements creates significant environmental and social problems. Therefore, to protect underground and surface water resources, ensure the health and safety of human and animal life, and maintain the sustainability of forest ecosystems and other natural resources, it is recommended that spatial analyses be conducted in areas subject to mining permits, and that the situation be evaluated by a scientific committee from technical, economic, and social perspectives. Additionally, mining activities in the permitted areas should be managed with extreme care.