Geomechanical model of the Patrocínio Mining Complex pit based on mapping and structural modeling
structural mapping, geophysical data, hydrogeological data, geotechnical risk, risk domain map, phosphate
The Patrocínio Mining Complex (CMP) is located 22 km southeast of the city of Patrocínio, Minas Gerais State, Brazil, and is part of the Salitre I Alkaline-Carbonatitic Complex, which has phosphate deposits of magmatic origin with supergenic enrichment. This work aims to map and interpret the brittle structures, with emphasis on geometric analysis, of the CMP mine. In addition to the elaboration of the pit risk level domain map (Probability vs. Consequence) of the mining advance throughout the useful life of the mining project, this study allows the geometric characterization of the fractures that influence the stability of the mine. Through the flow rates of the water wells, preliminary evaluation of the structures and knowledge of the mine's local geology, it was observed that the NE-SW high flow lineaments are associated with the direction of the Bebedouro creek. In the region where there is an increase in the thickness of the weathering mantle (approximately 245 m), a fault was interpreted, and the drawdown wells have low flow. The geophysical surveys associated with the weathering mantle thickness data allow the correlation with field mapping, faults interpreted in previous studies, drilling and drawdown well flows. This dataset will enable the development of a geomechanical model improving the geotechnical understanding of the pit. The product of this work will provide the preparation of mining plans in a safe way, providing better economic use of the mineral deposit.