- NATIONAL GEOSPATIAL-INTELLIGENCE AGENCY
Environmental and Human Security Risks of China's Petrochemical Industry
China's rapid expansion in the petrochemical industry is likely to present significant environmental and human security challenges over the next decade. This study investigates the risks associated with China's petrochemical industry and highlights policies targeting risk management and prevention. Using synthetic aperture radar (SAR) imagery from NGA's Unclassified Data Lake, we look at a case study on the Yangpu Economic Development Zone (EDZ) in Hainan, China's largest island.
North Korea's Komdok Mining Region: Empty Promises?
In 2020, Typhoon Maysak ravaged North Korea's northeast provinces, devastating large portions of the mineral-rich mining region of Komdok. In the storm's wake, Kim Jong Un directed a plan to rebuild Komdok and transform it into a “model” mining community. Nearly two years later, the flood-damaged road and railway networks have been restored, and over 2,000 new housing units have been constructed.
North Korea's Cement Industry: More Than Meets the Eye
North Korea's cement industry is central to achieving several of the goals set forth in the new five-year economic plan. Cement and concrete are necessary for improvement or expansion of tourist facilities, housing, roads, major construction projects, and even non-carbon electrical energy production. However, it is difficult to assess the industry's capacity, output, modernization and expansion.
Mining North Korea: Magnesite Production at the Taehung Youth Hero Mine
Antiquated facilities, equipment, and processes, together with the continual plague of electricity shortages, will hinder any dramatic production increases of magnesite at North Korea's Taehung Youth Hero Mine.
Wonsan Railway Rolling Stock Complex
Activity around Wonsan is likely to be a leading indication of inter-Korean joint declaration progress given its role both in the eastern transportation corridor and the national economy.
Across the Tracks: North Korean Railcar Manufacturing and the 2018 Inter-Korean Agreement
Connection and modernization of railways in the Korean peninsula's eastern transportation corridor is a declared step within the historic April 27, 2018 joint declaration for peace, prosperity, and unification.
Developments in North Korea's Sinuiju City under Kim Jong-un
In order to help establish his long-term legitimacy as leader of North Korea, Kim Jong-un has implemented numerous large-scale public works campaigns to raise living standards for targeted constituencies across the country.