Geotechnical evaluation of rocks and soils in Catoca kimberlitic mining complex (Angola)
Keywords:
Geotechnics, kimberlite ore bodies, landslides, slope stabilityAbstract
Landslides and rock sliding occur very frequently in the mining area of Catoca, located in Angola. Therefore, a physical/mechanical and geotechnical characterization of the massif and the rock matrix was carried out adopting the landslide classifications as proposed by Hutchinson and Varnes. The safety factor was applied based on the structural weakness coefficient (λ); resulting in 0.70 in surface rocks, sandstones and intraformational sands; 0.58 in oversaturated eluvial gneiss; 0.50 in cracked gneiss and 0.47 in the ore compound of weathered, moist kimberlitic porphyric and weathered porphyric kimberlite. These results indicate the low strength of the massif and the need to reformulate the activities in the mine and the construction of more stable slopes. It could also be observed that deformation of rocks in the slopes and the cuts in the Catoca mine is conditioned by the movement of underground water within the rock massif itself.Downloads
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Published
2012-07-20
How to Cite
Neves-Margarida, D. M., & Guardado-Lacaba, R. (2012). Geotechnical evaluation of rocks and soils in Catoca kimberlitic mining complex (Angola). Minería & Geología, 28(3), 1–17. Retrieved from https://revista.ismm.edu.cu/index.php/revistamg/article/view/496
Issue
Section
Geología
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