Abstract

BOSHOFF, L.I.; BRACKEN, A.H.  and  HEES, F.. Geotechnical characterization and 3D modelling of the biologically cemented Mandena heavy mineral sand deposit - a case study. J. S. Afr. Inst. Min. Metall. [online]. 2017, vol.117, n.5, pp.429-434. ISSN 2411-9717.  http://dx.doi.org/10.17159/2411-9717/2017/v117n5a4.

Biological cementation of the Mandena heavy mineral sand deposit in Madagascar was causing difficulty in dredge mining and hence in planning and control of production rates. An investigation was initiated to better evaluate the geotechnical properties of the orebody by defining the distribution and geotechnical properties of the cemented strata, in order to generate a site-specific geotechnical model for the deposit. The geotechnical characterization was developed by an integrated approach using several ground investigation techniques such as piezocone (CPTu) testing, geotechnical drilling, standard penetration testing (SPT), as well as laboratory testing. The final outcomes of the investigation included a 3D geotechnical model showing the distribution and extent of the cemented areas, as well as the typical geotechnical parameter ranges associated with each of the defined geotechnical units. The interpretations developed were incorporated into the mine and production planning to ultimately optimize operational planning and control.

Keywords : Madagascar; heavy minerals; cemented sand; geotechnical characterization; Leapfrog; piezocone.

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