ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS OF LIMESTONE–SHELL ROCK MINING AND PROCESSING: ASSESSMENT AND MONITORING APPROACHES

Abstract

Limestone and shell-limestone mining causes multidimensional environmental disturbances, including vegetation degradation, land surface transformation, dust dispersion, thermal anomalies, and the accumulation of large volumes of waste. International studies demonstrate that remote sensing (RS) and GIS technologies provide reliable measurements of NDVI decline, LU/LC transitions, and quarry-induced increases in land surface temperature (LST), while multi-criteria decision analysis (MCDA) enables spatial identification of high-risk zones. A systematic review of 45 publications shows that limestone mining commonly leads to a 40–60% reduction in vegetation density, LST increases of 1.5–3.0 °C in disturbed areas, and significant dust-related health risks. The DPSIR conceptual framework was applied to integrate global environmental evidence with Kazakhstan's regional context. In the Mangystau region, quarry expansion, strong winds, and naturally fragile semi-desert ecosystems intensify dust transport and landscape degradation. Up to 60–70% of extracted shell-limestone becomes waste, creating extensive disturbed areas and highlighting the need for waste-valorization technologies. The review emphasizes the importance of integrating RS/GIS monitoring, MCDA-based risk assessment, and innovative waste-reuse technologies to support sustainable mining governance. The findings provide a scientific basis for environmental policy development, rehabilitation planning, and the adoption of modern monitoring tools in arid mining regions.