GEOTECHNICAL CHARACTERIZATION OF ROCK MASSIF FRACTURES AT PROMAC LDA MINING COMPANY, NHAMATANDA DISTRICT/SOFALA

Abstract

The present research entitled “Geotechnical Characterization of the Fractures of the Rock Massifs at Mineradora Promac Lda”, with the main objective of geotechnically characterizing the carbonatites of the company, with a view to defining the main families of fractures that can facilitate the process of dismantling the carbonatites. To achieve the objectives, the following geotechnical parameters were used: opening of the fractures, filling, spacing and spatial orientation of the fractures. With Stereonet 11 Software, the number of families of fractures was determined. They have interfered in the company's activities, due to the engagement of the rod in the drilling and dispersion of the explosives in the fractures. The pre-existing fractures have served as a starting point for the fractures caused by the detonation of explosives, the carbonatites present basalt intrusion. Considering the geotechnical parameters, it was concluded that only one fracture in each stop is filled with reddish sand a little compact, the stop 1 has one and only family with moderately distant fractures, the stop 2 has two families, with moderately distant fractures. And in terms of opening, the first stop is moderately open and the second stop is moderately open to wide and allowing fluid percolation.