As a result of insufficient geodynamic studies or improper mining operation more than 80 potash mines were flooded for past 150 years: more than 30 in Germany, 6 in Canada, 2 in Russia (Perm Kraj). In result of accidents, two mines of one of the world's largest Verkhnekamskoye potassium and magnesium salts deposit were flooded in 1986 and 2006 respectively. It was established that the majority of accidents in the mines happen in conditions of high geodynamic activity of rock massif, accompanied by high rock fracturing. The methodology of estimation and forecasting of geodynamic dangerous areas for existing and projected potash mines and the identification of geodynamic active zones may be based on a systematic lineament-geodynamic analysis using geological analysis of remote aerial and satellite imaginary information integrated with geophysical, structural-geomorphologic, hydro-geological, geochemical, and biological methods.

This methodology was tested on Verkhnekamskoye deposit, which is well studied by various geological and geophysical methods. This deposit has a complex geological structure and dangerous mining conditions, due to the high degree of tectonic fracturing, significant water saturation of overlying rocks and high karst potential. As a rule, these phenomena are present in varying degrees through all the deposit. According to regional geodynamic mapping at 1:500 000 scale, it was established that the territory of Verkhnekamskoye deposit is within a geodynamic regional active zone with an area of more than 1000 km². Results of zoning of this area at 1:100 000 scale allowed to indicate more than 50 geodynamic active local zones of size from 2 to 15 km. Detailed geological remote imaginary studies at 1:25 000 scale, for which an interpretation of digital satellite images was conducted, allowed identify the geodynamic active zones of up to 1 km of size. Some of them have good spatial correlation with zones of low gravity anomalies and with zones of high permeability detected by electrical survey. Using complex criteria of geodynamic assessment, geoinformatic modeling was conducted and the map of the anomalous geodynamic conditions was created. The results of this study were used for planning of development of two new mines.

Presented technique of identification of geodynamic active zones was applied on Zhiljanskoye (Republic of Kazakhstan) and Tubegatangskoye (Republic of Uzbekistan) deposits of potash salts. Previously, the methods of geological remote imaginary studies have been poorly used at these areas, therefore, the interpretation of remote sensing data was implemented at several (5-8) generalization levels at scale range from 1:10,000,000 to 1:1,00,000 for large areas (hundreds of thousand km²) until the detailed study at scale from 1:50,000 to 1:25,000 in the area of mining lease. There were conducted the lineament-geodynamic analysis and geodynamic zoning, and identification of local anomalous zones with high density of tectonic fracturing representing a potential danger for the mining operation at deposits. This is especially important for development of Tubegatangskoye deposit, where in the end of 2012 Dehkanabad mine experienced sadden influx of brines in the mineshaft, which was handled with great difficulty. According to the results of large-scale geological interpretation of remote images in the area 10 local geodynamic active zones were identified. The largest anomaly of 4,3 km², which coincides with accident location, is indicated in the northern edge of the central part of deposit. Using the results of GIS analysis at scale 1:10,000 this zone was divided into 11 areas of 0,01 to 0,06 km². These areas present the most active geodynamic zones, which impose the greatest danger for mine operation. These zones were also confirmed by field-based observations and results of geophysical investigations. It was recommended to exclude these areas from development of the minefield and suggested the location of more favorable sites for the ore extraction.

According to the results of geological analysis of remote images, all the investigated regions (Ural, Siberia, Far East, Middle Asia) have a high spatial correlation of geodynamic active zones with geophysical, geochemical and hydrogeological anomalies, exposure of adverse geological processes and soil conditions, increase of intensity of dangerous natural and technogenic processes. The leading role of geodynamic active zones in the formation of the geological, hydrogeological, engineering-geological and geo-ecological conditions was confirmed.