# Review of GIS-Based Applications for Mining: Planning, Operation, and Environmental Management
## 7 Conclusions  
In this review, numerous published studies on GIS-based methods and applications for planning, optimizing, and managing mine development processes were presented. A total of 58 recently published articles were found, and the detailed contents, primarily regarding GIS functions, were analyzed for this literature review. For systematic reviews, three topics were used for classification, namely mine planning, mine operation, and environmental management, by taking into account various mine development phases and a range of environments to be managed. It was observed that GIS-based methods, including spatial database, spatial analysis, spatial mapping, and visualization, can be effectively used at all mine development stages at the global, regional, and mine scales. The conclusions drawn from the detailed review of each topic are as follows. (1) In the mine planning phase, GIS-based methods were adopted for ore reserve estimation, open-pit boundary optimization, mine infrastructure design, and potential conflict analysis. There were three main characteristics of GIS considered for this topic. First, GIS capabilities, such as a spatial database and the associated analysis, were integrated with geostatistics interpolation functions and various weighting methods (AHP, Delphi, logistic regression, and ANN) to quantitatively estimate ore deposits in the feasibility study stage. Second, it was confirmed that 3D spatial query functions would be effective searching tools for mineral target visualization above a cut-off grade. Finally, spatial analysis, including LCPA, corridor analysis, and hydrologic modeling, could be widely applied at the regional scale to design the mine-port haulage route and prevent potential social and environmental conflict. (2) GIS-based methods can be widely used for mine operation system optimization and management. Various mine operation systems have been implemented in mining sites for ore haulage operations, wireless communication, ore management, safety monitoring, underground ventilation, and drainage systems. There are three steps to designing and managing mine operation systems using GIS. First, the spatial database and metadata of workers and equipment, haulage roads and ventilation networks, production rates, and environmental factors are built in the GIS environment. Then, all mine members are allowed to share mine operation data in real time by uploading and displaying it on the GIS web server. Finally, mine operation systems can be optimized by determining the ore haulage route, ventilation direction and quantity, and rescue planning in an emergency through GIS-based spatial analysis. (3) Numerous GIS-based applications for mine environmental management were observed in the mine operation and reclamation phase. The impact of mine-induced disasters and hazards on mining environments and human health has been predicted and managed using spatial databases, spatial analysis, and visualization techniques. Remote sensing images were principally used to analyze the variation in the mine environment (mine subsidence, slope failure, and mine lake) as a time series. Moreover, various GIS extension systems were developed to support decision-making in mine reclamation planning and re-utilization designs. GIS has powerful capabilities for designing and optimizing mine development stages in terms of spatial data management, decision-making support, and multi-parameter consideration. Nonetheless, the practical use of GIS-based methods for mine planning, operation, and environmental management remains difficult. Consequently, to maximize the practicality and applicability of GIS in the mining site, a general understanding and training of the GIS platform is required through continuous communication and feedback between engineers and researchers. Y.C. gathered the published literature; all the authors reviewed and analyzed the published literature; all the authors wrote the paper. Y.C. implemented the final work for the paper submission.