Engineering characterization of Oro Descanso underground gold mine deposit in Placetas, Cuba

Abstract

This work reports the study on the design subject associated with the incorporation of mineral processing within the underground mining systems with its focus on the rock mass characterization of the underground gold mine, ‘Oro Descanso’ in Placeta town of the Province Villa Clara, Cuba The assessment of the rock mass is based on the geological features and geomechanical characteristic. The study applies observational and empirical methods using established empirical formulae to characterize the rock mass of the underground gold mine. The results of the discontinuities orientation and dip data; a Schmidt stereographic diagram and the Rosette diagram obtained with the aid of the Rocscience sDipV5-2004. The physical/mechanical properties of the intact rock and the distribution of the rock mass discontinuities are considered in order to suggest measures that will lead to a secure excavation of the mine workings and the drift. For this purpose, is employed. It is observed that the rock mass comprises of zones of good, fair and poor quality rocks. For this reason, the gallery and the drift shall be of 2.5 to 5 m span for a stand-up time of 10 hours to one week respectively. Systematic bolts of 1 m long, fully grouted and without tension with shotcrete of 2.5 to 5 cm thickness, reinforced with mesh is proposed for zone with poor quality rock, systematic bolts of 1 to 1.5 m long, fully grouted and without tension, reinforced with shotcrete of 2.3 cm thickness is proposed for zone of fair quality rock.