Geoelectrical approach to establishing conceptual pit limits in a barite deposit

Abstract

Small-scale mining faces many challenges, such as the proportionally higher costs related to mineral exploration, the time for the results associated with these activities to become available and the difficulties to dispose of waste throughout the mine life. This paper considers three innovative approaches to address small-scale mining issues: application of the Electrical Resistivity and Induced Polarization geophysical method in a barite deposit, preliminary geological modeling and conceptual pit design. These approaches were tested as an alternative to conventional exploration and exploitation methods for small-scale mining of barite deposits. The methods were applied to a barite deposit and the results allowed for a targeted drilling campaign that provided savings of over 58%, with the reduction of nearly 62% in time and 93% in waste generated by the future mining operation. The proposed approach also allowed for the construction of targeted, smaller pits aimed at the best exploitation of the deposits. Hence, the proposed methodology proved to be a feasible alternative for the mine planning cycle of small-scale barite deposits.