Kimberlite Deposits Research Articles

Determining the optimal location for a truck decline in a pit when opening pit reserves at kimberlite deposits

Determining the optimal location for a truck decline in a pit when opening pit reserves at kimberlite deposits

Сomporative features of diamonds from kimberlite deposits in the northern part of the Siberian platform

A complex comparative study of diamonds from commercially productive diatremes of DaldynAlakitsky field (Udachnaya, Zarnitsa) determined mineral typomorphic features, which allows diagnosing dispersion haloes of kimberlite material in sedimentary thick layers. By the set of typomorphic features, diamonds from Udachnaya pipe have many common features with crystals of other deposits of Daldyn-Alakitsky diamondiferous region. Increased content of variety II and III cubes, close by their features to diamonds from deep inclusions of eclogites, may be referred as inherent only to the Udachnaya pipe features. Zarnitsa pipe demonstarted pronounced prevalence of rhombic dodecahedral habit crystals of variety 1 with large concentration (> 30 %) of typically rounded diamonds. On the whole, diamonds of Daldyn field are characterized by a complex of typomorphic features, which allow distinguishing them from diatremes of other diamondiferous regions of the Siberian platform with confidence.

Исследование неоднородности упругих свойств массива горных пород в подземных условиях по глубине методом ультразвукового каротажа

In recent decades, in the world practice there is an increased interest in conducting mining operations in the fields using a combined mining method. This approach allows for more efficient extraction of minerals from the depths of the earth, and helps reduce environmental damage to our planet. Despite such obvious advantages, one should not lose sight of the fact that the risk of unforeseen hazardous situations arising due to complex natural geological, geomechanical and mining conditions of deposit development also increases, as well as the mutual influence and technological interrelation of open-pit and underground mining. Neglecting these factors can even lead to a technogenic disaster, as happened at the world notorious kimberlite deposit of the Mir pipe. At this deposit, in the process of underground mining, the cracks formed in the safety pillar, through which an uncontrolled breakthrough of water subsequently occurred into the underground mine workings from the quarry. Monitoring the condition of rocks in the area of the safety pillar and taking preventive measures in advance will reduce the risk of recurrence of such catastrophic events in fields with difficult development conditions. Analysis of scientific and technical literature showed the prospects of using geophysical methods to study the characteristics of rocks and identify weakened zones in the massif. The main advantages include the ability to study the environment without violating its integrity and the efficiency of conducting research. The problem being solved is to predict possible zones of disturbance in the massif, which affect the efficiency and safety of mining operations, while traditional studies are often insufficient for such analysis. The use of ultrasonic logging for local depth studies in the vertical wells provides reliable results due to the high accuracy of determining the elastic properties of rocks, sufficient to identify heterogeneities in the massif and predict possible zones of feeding cracks.

The Peritectic Reaction of Olivine as the Mechanism of the Ultrabasic–Basic Evolution of the Diamond-Forming Silicate-Carbonate-(C-O-H) System: Experiments at 6.0 GPa

Melting phase relations of the diamond-forming olivine (Ol)–jadeite (Jd)–diopside (Di)–(Mg, Fe, Ca, Na)-carbonates (Carb)–(C-O-H-fluid) system are studied in experiments at 6.0 GPa in the polythermal Ol74Carb18.5(C-O-H)7.5-Omp74Carb18.5(C-O-H)7.5 section, where Ol = Fo80Fa20, Omp (omphacite) = Jd62Di38 and Carb = (MgCO3)25(FeCO3)25(CaCO3)25(Na2CO3)25. The peritectic reaction of olivine and jadeite-bearing melts with formation of garnet has been determined as a physico-chemical mechanism of the ultrabasic–basic evolution of the diamond-forming system. During the process, the CO2 component of the supercritical C-O-H-fluid can react with silicate components to form additional carbonates of Mg, Fe, Ca and Na. The solidus temperature of the diamond-forming system is lowered to 1000–1020 °C by the joint effect of the H2O fluid and its carbonate constituents. The experimentally recognized peritectic mechanism of the ultrabasic–basic evolution of the diamond-forming system explains the origin of associated paragenetic inclusions of peridotite and eclogite minerals in diamonds, as well as the xenoliths of diamond-bearing peridotites and eclogites of kimberlitic deposits of diamond. Diamond-forming systems have formed with the use of material from upper mantle native peridotite rocks. In this case, the capacity of the rocks to initiate the peritectic reaction of olivine was transmitted with silicate components to diamond-forming systems.

Calcium Oxalates in Soils within Disturbed Landscapes and Rock on the Territory of Yakutia (Russia), Formation Conditions in a Sharply Continental Cryoarid Climate

The formation of oxalates in soils and rocks under conditions of cryoarid climate, permafrost and taiga vegetation was studied. Whewellite and weddellite were found in four areas associated with the mining industry: on the kimberlite deposit of the Daldyn territory, in the lower reaches of the Markha River of the Central Yakut Plain, and on the coastal outcrop of the Allah-Yun Sellah-Khotun ore cluster. Whewellite was found in the upper organic horizon of Skeletic Cryosol (Thixotropic) (sample 151) and as a film on the surface of plant remains of Humic Fluvisols (sample 1663). Weddellite was found as an extensive encrustation on the surface of the soil and vegetation cover of Stagnic Cryosols Reductaquic (sample 984) and on a siltstone outcrop (sample KM-6-21). Calcium oxalates were identified by X-ray phase analysis, photographs of the samples were taken on a polarizing microscope, and the crystal morphology was studied on a scanning electron microscope. To determine the chemical composition of soils and rocks, the classical wet-chemical method was used; the physical properties of the studied samples were studied using a pH meter, the photoelectric colorimetric method, and a synchrotron thermal analysis device. The source of calcium for the formation of salts is the parent layers of the studied soils, represented by carbonate and carbonate clastic rocks, which cause neutral and slightly alkaline environments. High humidity, which is provided by the seasonal thawing of the permafrost, has a key role in the formation of the studied oxalates in Yakutia with a sharply continental cryoarid climate. Based on the studies, it was found that the first two samples are the products of lichen activity, and the third and fourth are at the stage of initial soil formation by micromycetes. In addition, the formation of these oxalates, in our opinion, is the result of the protective function of vegetation, in the first two cases, with a sharp increase in the load on lichens under technogenic impact, and in the second and third cases, when favorable conditions arise for initial soil formation, but under conditions of toxic content of heavy metals and arsenic.

Physicogeochemical Mechanisms of the Genesis of Matryoshka-Type Diamonds on the Basis of the Mantle-Carbonatite Theory

A physicochemical analysis of the genesis of a unique Matryoshka-type diamond from the Nyurbinskaya kimberlite pipe of the Nakyn kimberlite field, Yakutia, Russia, was performed. The specimen consists of a host diamond with a cavity containing a loose diamond inclusion; two through holes with a width of 0.1–0.4 mm emerge from the cavity. The analysis is based on the mantle-carbonatite theory of the genesis of diamonds and associated phases developed on the basis of consistent results of a physicochemical experiment and an analytical study of paragenetic inclusions in natural diamonds from kimberlite deposits. The published data of crystal morphological and physical studies of the Matryoshka diamond were used as well. As a result, the physicogeochemical mechanisms of nucleation and crystallization of the host diamond with a cavity and diamond inclusion under the conditions of mass genesis of diamonds in completely miscible carbonate–eclogite–carbon melts of the upper-mantle diamond-forming chamber are substantiated. The initially closed cavity was filled with a diamond-forming carbonate–silicate melt with dissolved carbon. In addition, an analysis of the conditions of etching and dissolution of the host diamond and diamond inclusion during the kimberlite transport of diamond-bearing material from the mantle chamber to the depths of the Earth’s crust was performed. The reasons for the explosive formation of cone-shaped through holes in the main diamond, which was accompanied by the ejection of the diamond-forming medium and the filling of the cavity with (С–О–Н)-fluid-containing kimberlite melt, are considered. The final episodes of partial dissolution of diamonds from the Matryoshka sample by kimberlite and assimilated melts continued during the formation of a cumulative chamber in the Earth’s crust and its solidification with the release of a highly compressed C–O–H fluid. “Fluid drilling” of the top of the cumulative chamber stimulated the explosive formation of the Nyurbinskaya pipe and its filling with kimberlite and assimilated diamondiferous matter. With prolonged compaction of this substance, the Matryoshka diamond was subjected to atmospheric and hydrothermal factors, as is evidenced by fine-grained sedimentary barite, a mineral of barium sulphate, found in the through holes of the host diamond.

Об одной из причин нарушения надежной и безопасной работы рудничной водоотливной установки

The Russian Federation is one of the world leaders in diamond mining. Currently, the predominant part (about 95 %) of all the Russian diamonds is mined at the ore (kimberlite) and alluvial deposits located on the territory of Yakutia. Practice shows that the underground development of kimberlite deposits in the territory of Western Yakutia is associated with an abundant flow of mine water into the mine workings. Without the use of a sufficient amount of pumping equipment, mine waters make the process of mining diamond-bearing ores more difficult, and most importantly, unsafe for the operating personnel. Currently, electric pump units of sectional type are used to combat the mine waterways at the kimberlite mines. In order to ensure safe mining of deposits of the solid minerals by the underground method, and to avoid flooding of the mine workings, the pumping equipment of the main drainage plant must always be in the working order, which is ensured by increasing its operational reliability. One of the probable reasons for a significant deterioration in the performance and reliability of sectional pumps is considered. As a material for analysis, practical data on the operation of the main drainage plant of the Udachny underground mine were taken. It is established that the reason for a significant deterioration in the performance of sectional pumps can be an increase in the cylindrical gap of the hydraulic heel assembly. It is shown that the increase in the gap is associated with a decrease in the outer diameter of the cylinder of the unloading disk. A significant reduction in the size of the cylinder can occur as a result of the total impact of such negative factors: an increase in the concentration of mechanical impurities in the mine water passing through the cylindrical gap of the hydraulic heel assembly; uneven distribution of pressure in the gap due to unskilled repair of the discharge cover.

A new pyrope-based mineralogical-petrological method for identifying the diamond potential of kimberlite/lamproite deposits

• Fluid compositions can be additional indicator of the carbon formation in petrology. • Optimum conditions for diamond growth and preservation correspond to water-rich fluid. • Estimated fluid of the main part of the high diamond grade pipes corresponds to water-rich fluid. • Calculated fluid compositions from EMP pyrope analyses can be used in the prospecting of diamond deposits. P-T- Oxygen fugacity (fO 2 ) conditions and fluid compositions were estimated for the formation conditions of pyrope garnet inclusions in diamonds and xenocrysts from diamond-bearing and diamond-free kimberlites using their total chemical analyses and single oxythermobarometry. Our data indicate that optimal conditions for diamond growth and preservation occur in the presumed water-rich mantle fluids containing the lowest abundance of free atomic carbon. The majority of the calculated C-H-O fluid compositions for diamond formation in peridotite xenoliths from high diamond grade kimberlites correspond to a high hydrogen and low carbon and oxygen atomic fluid percents, while those from the majority of peridotite xenoliths in the low grade diamond kimberlites corresponds to the low hydrogen, high carbon and oxygen atomic percent fluids. This new approach defines the conditions of diamond formation for kimberlitic deposits. It better characterizes diamond grades in kimberlites in comparison to the previous empirical mineralogical Ca-Cr methods and can be used as a more precise mineralogical-petrological method for prospecting for kimberlitic diamond deposits.

A rational approach to the management of underground mining in complex hydrogeological and geomechanical conditions based on a risk assessment

The problems that arise during the combined development of vertical and subvertical ore bodies under complex hydrogeological and geomechanical conditions are considered, and their influence on the safety of mining operations is analyzed. In the course of the research, using the example of kimberlite deposits in Yakutia, new mechanisms were identified and spatial patterns were established for the development of processes of deformation, displacement and destruction of ore and rock masses during preparatory excavations and treatment works near surface and underground water bodies, including high-pressure ones. The mechanisms of complex accounting of the structural state of the massif, preliminary technogenic impact, the effect of complicating mining and geological and hydrogeological factors in substantiating the parameters of hazardous zones and barrier pillars are proposed. Risk assessment method based on hazard identification, a qualitative and quantitative analysis of the likelihood of an emergency considering the severity of the consequences when conducting mining in hazardous areas is presented. The application of the method in combination with the timely adjustment of technological processes provides a rational integrated use of geo-resources in the framework of sustainable development of mining system. The experience of training young personnel for scientific research institutes is described. Starting with university education and ending with their participation in real design work.

Assessment of the Influence of Technological Risk Factors on the Undercut Parameters When Mining Kimberlite Using Block Caving

The use of block caving to mine ores and rocks of kimberlite deposits in Yakutia (Udachnaya, Yubileynaya Mir pipes) will ensure high economic efficiency and productivity, reduce damage to diamond crystals due to non-explosive technology of mining. At the same time, block caving creates high technological risks associated with the essence of the technique itself, as well as the mining, engineering and geological specifics of kimberlite deposits. To ensure the effectiveness of the block caving method and planned progression of block caving, it is necessary to assess the influence of technological risk factors at the stage when caving parameters are determined to reduce the consequences during the whole life cycle of the mine.

Substantiation of the method ensuring the safe development of the pit reserves of kimberlite ore deposits in the conditions of the Udachny mine

The paper discusses the features of the development of pit reserves of the Udachnaya diamondiferous pipe which consists of two closely spaced ore bodies under the protection of a moving ore-rock massif (a safety cushion). Low stability of the rock massif located between the ore bodies is indicated. Such low stability is caused by the presence of areas of increased intensity of fracturing and low coherence zones in the massif; it is also caused by the mutual impact of mining operations carried out in closely located ore bodies. A conclusion is made about the danger of collapse of sizeable rock blocks from the edge zones of the rock massif located between the ore bodies onto the safety cushion. In this case, individual rock blocks can be 0.4-0.6 tons or more, the drop height is up to 600-700 m. Impact blows on the safety cushion when rock blocks collapse onto it can cause a disruption of underground mine workings stability and occurrence of dangerous pressure drops at the outlet of air waves from the safety cushion into the underground mine workings. A method for preventing dangerous impact blows is proposed, which consists in the forced collapse (with certain parameters) of the edge part of the rock massif located between the ore bodies, onto the safety cushion.

Deciphering the Enigmatic Origin of Guyana's Diamonds

AbstractDiamonds have long been mined from alluvial terrace deposits within the rainforest of Guyana, South America. No primary kimberlite deposits have been discovered in Guyana, nor have there been previous studies on the mineralogy and origin of the diamonds. Paleoproterozoic terranes in Guyana are prospective to diamond occurrences because the most productive deposits are associated spatially with the eastern escarpment of the Paleoproterozoic Roraima Supergroup. Geographic proximity suggests that the diamonds are detrital grains eroding from the <1.98 Ga conglomerates, metamorphosed to zeolite and greenschist facies. The provenance and paragenesis of the alluvial diamonds are described using a suite of placer diamonds from different locations across the Guiana Shield. Guyanese diamonds are typically small, and those in our collection range from 0.3 to 2.7 mm in diameter; octahedral and dodecahedral, with lesser cubic and minor macle forms. The diamonds are further subdivided into those with abraded and non-abraded surfaces. Abraded diamonds show various colors in cathodoluminescence, whereas most non-abraded diamonds appear blue. In all populations, diamonds are predominantly colorless, with lesser brown to yellow and very rare white. Diamonds are predominantly Type IaAB and preserve moderate nitrogen aggregation and total nitrogen concentrations ranging from trace to ~1971 ppm. The kinetics of nitrogen aggregation indicate mantle-derived residence temperatures of 1124 ± 100 °C, assuming residence times of 1.3 and 2.6 Ga for abraded and non-abraded diamonds, respectively. The diamonds are largely sourced from the peridotitic to eclogitic lithospheric upper mantle based on both δ13C values of –5.82 ± 2.45‰ (VPDB-LSVEC) and inclusion suites predominantly comprised of forsterite, enstatite, Cr-pyrope, chromite, rutile, clinopyroxene, coesite, and almandine garnet. Detrital, accessory minerals are non-kimberlitic. Detrital zircon geochronology indicates diamondiferous deposits are predominantly sourced from Paleoproterozoic rocks of 2079 ± 88 Ma.

КОНЦЕПЦИЯ ОБЕСПЕЧЕНИЯ ВОДОЗАЩИТЫ КИМБЕРЛИТОВЫХ РУДНИКОВ ЯКУТИИ

The article provides examples of the development of mines near water bodies, as well as summarizes the experience of water protection of mines in the kimberlite deposits of Yaku-tia, which allowed us to form a number of principles that can increase the safety and efficien-cy of the mining system in the conditions under consideration. It is shown that one of the directions of the strategy for the development of mining operations near water bodies should be the control of the mutual correspondence of the pa-rameters of geotechnology and the geomechanical state of the mountain range.

State-owned minerals, village-owned land: How a shared property rights framework helped formalize artisanal diamond miners in Côte d’Ivoire between 1986 and 2016

Since 1985, Côte d’Ivoire has employed a unique government/village co-management approach for diamonds produced in its artisanal and small-scale mining (ASM) sector. Parastatal mining company Société pour le Développement Minier en Côte d’Ivoire (SODEMI) signs agreements with villages organized as cooperatives inside its industrial research permits. The agreements empower communities to monitor mining and take 12% of sales proceeds for local development, while allowing the parastatal to define where mining occurs, away from primary deposits destined for semi-industrial development. This paper draws upon five years of fieldwork and observations from The Property Rights and Artisanal Diamond Development II (PRADD II) project in Côte d’Ivoire that between 2013 and 2018 helped revive these cooperatives after the country's 2002–2011 political crisis. Between 2014 and 2016, the system resulted in the formalization of most mine sites and the majority of diamonds registered at the mine level as part of the chain of custody. However, the system was also challenged by local communities who contested access rules around kimberlitic deposits. Taking a land tenure lens to ASM formalization, the paper uses the Ivoirian model of hybrid governance of its diamond sector to illustrate the importance of an adaptable and structured relationship between state and customary mineral rights holders in order to promote local development and reduce illegality and conflict.

Особенности формирования водопритоков к месторождению алмазов им. В. Гриба (Архангельская область)

Введение: На кимберлитовом месторождении им. В. Гриба принят поверхностный способ отработки, при котором осушению подлежат все водоносные породы над рабочим горизонтом. Фильтрация воды в отработанное пространство осуществляется по бортам карьера по всему периметру, что затрудняет ведение горных работ и может привести к негативным инженерно-геологическим явлениям в карьере (прорыву воды, оползням, обвалам). Основная цель исследований заключается в изучении процессов фильтрации подземных вод при осушении месторождения им. В. Гриба с использованием численного метода моделирования. Методика: Кимберлитовая трубка прорывает осадочные докембрийские отложения и перекрыта толщей среднекаменноугольных и четвертичных отложений. В районе исследований расположены многочисленные реки и озера, сооружено хвостохранилище. Определение источников формирования водопритоков в карьер осуществлялось с помощью разработанной численной геофильтрационной модели, на которой учитывались все элементы дренажной системы, активная взаимосвязь подземных и поверхностных вод, геолого-гидрогеологические особенности месторождения. Расчетная модель состоит из четырех слоев: четвертичный и олмугско-окуневский, урзугско-воереченский, падунский и мезенский комплексы. Фильтрационная задача решалась по программе MODFLOW лицензионного пакета GMS. Результаты и обсуждение: В процессе идентификации модели выявлен характер гидравлической связи водоносной толщи с речными и озерными долинами, определены участки питания и разгрузки водоносных пластов, фильтрационные потери из хвостохранилища Верхотинского ГОКа, установлены источники формирования водопритоков к дренажной системе карьера. Установлено, что водопритоки в карьер формируются за счет подземных вод и атмосферных осадков в зоне с активной гидравлической взаимосвязью подземных и поверхностных водных объектов. Заключение: С использованием численной модели определены основные источники формирования водопритоков в карьер: водоносные комплексы, получающие дополнительное питание из поверхностных водоемов и водотоков, установлена взаимосвязь изучаемого водоносного массива с долинами рек и озер, выявлены места питания и разгрузки исследуемой водоносной толщи, оценены инфильтрационные потери воды из хвостохранилища Верхотинского ГОКа.

Petrophysically and geologically guided multi-physics inversion using a dynamic Gaussian mixture model

SUMMARYIn a previous paper, we introduced a framework for carrying out petrophysically and geologically guided geophysical inversions. In that framework, petrophysical and geological information is modelled with a Gaussian mixture model (GMM). In the inversion, the GMM serves as a prior for the geophysical model. The formulation and applications were confined to problems in which a single physical property model was sought, and a single geophysical data set was available. In this paper, we extend that framework to jointly invert multiple geophysical data sets that depend on multiple physical properties. The petrophysical and geological information is used to couple geophysical surveys that, otherwise, rely on independent physics. This requires advancements in two areas. First, an extension from a univariate to a multivariate analysis of the petrophysical data, and their inclusion within the inverse problem, is necessary. Secondly, we address the practical issues of simultaneously inverting data from multiple surveys and finding a solution that acceptably reproduces each one, along with the petrophysical and geological information. To illustrate the efficacy of our approach and the advantages of carrying out multi-physics inversions coupled with petrophysical and geological information, we invert synthetic gravity and magnetic data associated with a kimberlite deposit. The kimberlite pipe contains two distinct facies embedded in a host rock. Inverting the data sets individually, even with petrophysical information, leads to a binary geological model: background or undetermined kimberlite. A multi-physics inversion, with petrophysical information, differentiates between the two main kimberlite facies of the pipe. Through this example, we also highlight the capabilities of our framework to work with interpretive geological assumptions when minimal quantitative information is available. In those cases, the dynamic updates of the GMM allow us to perform multi-physics inversions by learning a petrophysical model.

The Formation of Crystalline Mineral Covers on the Surface of Diamonds and Their Destruction with the Use of Electrochemically Treated Water Products

The composition of the surface of natural diamonds in interaction with minerals and the aqueous phase in the kimberlite deposit and processed ore are studied. The sequence and conditions for the formation of hydrophilic minerals on the surface of diamond crystals under conditions of processing of kimberlites have been determined. Confirmed the mechanism of hydrophilization of diamonds surface comprising formation of hydroxides and oxides of iron as a mandatory initial stage of crystallization. A method of restore the hydrophobicity of diamonds by the impact of electrolysis products of aqueous systems has been proposed, which allows to destruction or subsequent dissolution of minerals aggregate. The use of treated water in the process of froth separation it possible to increase diamonds recovery in the processing plant concentrate by 8.8%.

Incipient stages of transformation of round natural diamonds under dissolution in Fe-S melt at high pressure

Research subject. The article presents the results of a microscopic and photogoniometric study of natural rounded diamonds of tetraghexahedral habit from the kimberlite pipe “Internationalnaya” (Yakutia). The diamonds was partially dissolved in a sulphur-containing iron melt (sulphur content of 15–30 wt %) at 4.5 GPa and 1450ºС.Methods. The experiments were carried out on a multi-puncheon apparatus of a “split-sphere” type in high-pressure solid-phase cells made of refractory oxides ZrO2, CaO, MgO using a cylindrical shape graphite heater. The crystals were studied using an MBS-10 optical microscope with a photo camera, and a Jeol JSM-6510LV scanning electron microscope. A goniometric study of diamond crystals was carried out by a photo method in a cylindrical chamber. It was found that when a sulphur content was 15 wt %, diamond crystals of tetrahexahedral habit were transformed into a curved shaped octahedroids with morphological features similar to natural diamonds found in kimberlites. When the sulphur content was 23–30 wt %, the rate of dissolution of diamonds in the Fe-S melt sharply reduced, while the diamond surface at the micro level became covered with numerous etching hillocks, whose sidewalls have surfaces similar to flat-faced {111} form. Dissolution of the rounded diamonds in the Fe-S melt at high pressure occurred by a “normal” mechanism, that is perpendicular to the surface of the dissolving crystal through trigonal dissolution layers, while a tangential-layered mechanism played a minor role.Conclusion. The natural diamond crystals could underwent dissolution in the mantle before they were captured by kimberlite magma. Two fundamentally different types of homomorphic and typomorphic features of the dissolution forms observed on natural diamonds can be determined, namely: on one side, those associated with storage in mantle before the crystals were captured by the kimberlite magma, and on the other side, with the kimberlite process itself. The presence of octahedral diamonds with parallel (trigonal) striation in kimberlite deposits may indicate on a high degree of diamond preservation due to relatively insignificant effect of the kimberlite magma. This, undoubtedly, should help to decipher the diamond genesis and, possibly, improve the mineralogical criteria used in diamond exploration.

Satellite applications in diamond exploration and mine monitoring

SYNOPSIS Satellite-based applications for the monitoring of diamond exploration, operational mines, and post-closure mine sites is gaining traction. A variety of imagery is used to detect both kimberlite and alluvial deposits. Hyperspectral data is utilized mainly for primary deposits, and elevation models for secondary deposits. The data is used to constrain the exploration and ground truthing efforts, resulting in savings on both cost and time. Operational mines benefit from near-real-time monitoring of mining and related activities, including include environmental and security aspects. Satellite imagery can also be used to detect illegal and artisanal diamond diggings, with particular value for ethical sourcing validation in the supply chain. Post-closure monitoring of dumps and rehabilitation reduces the on-site presence of staff. The limitations of satellite applications are related mainly to the cost of obtaining images and the resolution or number of bands available on a detection platform. Keywords: remote sensing, satellite, monitoring, diamond, exploration, kimberlite, alluvial.

KIMBERLITE DEPOSITS OPENCAST MINING INNOVATIVE TECHNOLOGY WITH VARIABLE GEOMETRY OF NON-MINING OPEN PIT EDGES (IN ENGLISH)

KIMBERLITE DEPOSITS OPENCAST MINING INNOVATIVE TECHNOLOGY WITH VARIABLE GEOMETRY OF NON-MINING OPEN PIT EDGES (IN ENGLISH)