1206 5.1 Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) Higher NDVI values (dark green) indicate increased vegetation cover and improved surface stabilization, whereas low or negative NDVI values (light green) are consistently associated with barren tailings surfaces or areas undergoing active deposition. In the present study, this index was used to systematically monitor and outline spatiotemporal changes in tailings dam development and reclamation procedures. Figure 4 presents this development through the results of the applied NDVI for the entire 50year study period. Figure 4 – Development of the Benkovski tailings storage facility, represented by NDVI Beyond examining the spatial expansion of the tailings dam, the study also assessed ongoing reclamation efforts. These activities follow a structured, phased program, whereby decommissioned areas are gradually restored in accordance with environmental protection standards. Such interventions are essential for ESG-aligned management, as they effectively prevent the release and spread of fine particulate matter, thereby minimizing risks to air quality and mitigating potential impacts on human health and surrounding ecosystems.
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