COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS OF THE STANDARDIZED DIFFERENCE VEGETATION INDEX (NDVI) OF VEGETATION COVER FROM 1996 TO 2024 IN THE CONCESSION PERIMETER OF THE SOCIETY OF MINAS GERAIS, CATOCA

Abstract

The mining industry has played a crucial role in global economic development over the years, providing essential inputs for various industrial activities. However, this sector also faces significant challenges, particularly regarding the environmental impacts associated with the extraction of mineral resources. The search for more responsible and sustainable practices in mining has generated a global movement, driven by organizations and initiatives seeking to transform the industry into a positive force for the environment and local communities. Given this scenario, this article developed a comparative analysis of the normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) of vegetation cover between 1996 and 2024 within the concession perimeter of Sociedade Mineira de Catoca—a joint venture between Endiama (an Angolan state-owned company) and Alrosa, responsible for operating Angola's largest diamond mine. Located in the province of Lunda Sul, the Catoca mine is considered one of the largest in the world in terms of diamond reserves and production. Through the analysis of satellite images and data collected in the field, it was revealed that during the period under analysis there was a significant improvement in vegetation cover, despite the impacts of mining activities on vegetation, the company implemented a series of effective environmental recovery, reforestation and sustainable management measures, allowing the regeneration and strengthening of native vegetation in a large part of the area of ​​influence.