1887

Abstract

Summary

In this paper, we demonstrate through two case studies from open-cast mine sites the role geophysics can play in delineating these complex geological features ahead of the mine. In the first case study, we present the results of the high-resolution 3D seismic surveys acquired at the open-cast iron ore mine to map cavities. In the second case study, we present the results from the integrated geophysical surveys (seismics, magnetics, electrical resistivity tomography, and ground penetrating radar) conducted at the open-cast platinum mine to delineate boulders. From these results, it can be concluded that integrated geophysical surveys can enhance mine blasting programmes, reduce mining operational costs, assist the mining industry in making cost-effective decisions, and extend the Life of Mine (LoM).

Loading

Article metrics loading...

/content/papers/10.3997/2214-4609.202520259
2025-09-07
2026-02-13
Loading full text...

Full text loading...

References

  1. Beukes, N.J. and Smit, C.A. [1987]. New evidence for thrust faulting in Griqualand West, South Africa: implications for stratigraphy and the age of red beds. South African Journal of Geology, 90, 378–394.
    [Google Scholar]
  2. Colombero, C., Comina, C. and Socco, L.V. [2019] Imaging near-surface sharp lateral variations with surface-wave methods – Part 1: Detection and location. Geophysics, 84(6), EN93–EN111, https://doi.org/10.1190/GEO2019-0149.1.
    [Google Scholar]
  3. Gomo, S., Rapetsoa, M.K., Manzi, M.S., Onyebueke, E., Dildar, J., Sihoyiya, M. et al. [2023] Integrated geophysical methods for boulder delineation to improve mining. Geophysical Prospecting, 71, 1–21.
    [Google Scholar]
  4. Shao, J., Zhang, Q., Wu, X., Lei, Y., Wu, X. and Wang, Z. [2020] Investigation on the water flow evolution in a filled fracture under seepage-induced erosion. Water, 12(11), 3188.
    [Google Scholar]
  5. Twidale, C.R. and Romani, J.R.V. [2005] Landforms and geology of granite terrains. London, United Kingdom: Taylor & Francis Group.
    [Google Scholar]
/content/papers/10.3997/2214-4609.202520259
Loading
/content/papers/10.3997/2214-4609.202520259
Loading

Data & Media loading...

This is a required field
Please enter a valid email address
Approval was a Success
Invalid data
An Error Occurred
Approval was partially successful, following selected items could not be processed due to error