Geological and Geomechanical Characterization of Phosphate Mine Waste Rock in View of Their Potential Civil Applications: A Case Study of the Benguerir Mine Site, Morocco

Chlahbi, Safa; Belem, Tikou; Elghali, Abdellatif; Rochdane, Samia; Zerouali, Essaid; Inabi, Omar; Benzaazoua, Mostafa

doi:10.3390/min13101291

Cited by 7 publications

(7 citation statements)

References 41 publications

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“…After drying for 2 to 3 days, the excavation of the next meter begins. 4 ⃝ Progress of the excavation of well-1 for the collection of sample 2, noting the details of the installation of the reinforcement mesh. 5 ⃝ Placement of the metallic formwork and pouring of the concrete to support the next excavated meter.…”

Section: Results Of the Sampling Using The Mining Well Methodsmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…To ensure the safety of the operation, the stability analysis of the wells was thoroughly studied to validate the design and progress of the well. The methodology and design of the well digging followed safety ⃝ Fine phosphate, 2 ⃝ Sandy, calcified and calcareous phosphate, 3 ⃝ Calcified indurated phosphate, 4 ⃝ Altered and calcified phosphate, On the other hand, the gravelly part decreases in diameter due to intergranular friction wear and fragmentation due to shocks during the stockpile storage operation. Thus, the fines settle at the place of their production due to lack of inertia and braking due to friction, while the pebbles continue to fall along the 37 • slope (Figure 12) while decreasing in diameter.…”

Section: Conclusion Recommendations and Perspectivesmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Phosphate mine waste rocks stockpiles are naturally exposed to the same challenges. The spatial variability of the Ben Guerir's [4] screening PMWR stockpile, as shown at Figure 1, is the best example of visual spatial variation.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Phosphate mine waste rocks stockpiles are naturally exposed to the same challenges. The spatial variability of the Ben Guerir's [4] screening PMWR stockpile, as shown at In relation to the heterogeneity problem and according to [5], the PMWR piles are exposed to significant heterogeneity as a result of the segregation effect. Furthermore, based on a preliminary characterization of PMWR, ref.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…⃝ Pouring of the concrete. After drying for 2 to 3 days, the excavation of the next meter begins 4. ⃝ Progress of the excavation of well-1 for the collection of sample 2, noting the details of the installation of the reinforcement mesh 5.…”

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Design and Implementation of Sampling Wells in Phosphate Mine Waste Rock Piles: Towards an Enhanced Composition Understanding and Sustainable Reclamation

El Ghorfi,

Inabi,

Amar

et al. 2024

Minerals

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Establishing a circular economy in mining begins with a dedicated sampling strategy as its fundamental phase. This specific approach is crucial for enhancing resource retrieval and isolating essential minerals from mining residues. By carefully examining and defining the makeup of waste materials, mining activities can discover overlooked possibilities, promoting sustainability. A thoughtfully planned sampling strategy not only reduces environmental harm but also sets the stage for the effective use of resources. In doing so, the mining industry can shift towards a circular model, adhering to the principles of waste reduction, material reuse, and ultimately promoting a more environmentally conscious and economically viable industry. In the phosphate industry and during the pre-concentration process of phosphate ore through screening, significant amounts of mining waste, consisting of various lithologies including indurated and fine phosphate, coarse-grained silicified phosphate, limestone, and marls, are deposited in waste rock stockpiles. Collecting representative samples from these heterogeneous materials presents challenges in accurately characterizing the entire stockpile. To overcome this issue, circular mining wells were implemented as a novel sampling method in waste rock stockpiles, enabling the collection of intact representative samples. This paper shares a successful experience in constructing three concrete-lined wells within a phosphate mine waste rock stockpile measuring 662 m in length, 240 m in width, and ranging in height from 0 to 65 m. The wells were dug at various depths, ranging from 20 m to 55 m, with a circular section and a diameter of 1.5 m. An integrated method utilizing analytical techniques in conjunction with numerical modeling via Robot Structural Analysis software (version of 2020) was utilized to assess the stress on the well supports and confirm their stability. This methodology serves as a valuable tool for evaluating the stability of similar wells, ensuring the safety of operators. The structural model yielded a stress level of 1 MPa, which aligned with the values obtained from the analytical model. Sensitivity analysis was performed on various parameters (friction angle, Poisson Ratio, and gravity), and the safety factor consistently remained above 1.5 for all scenarios investigated up to a depth of 60 m. Consequently, this study demonstrates that concrete-lined wells can be utilized safely for intact sampling in waste rock stockpiles. This sampling operation will allow the pursuit of optimizing resource utilization and enhancing environmental sustainability, by studying phosphate distribution in the Phosphate Mine Waste Rock (PMWR) for better recovery.

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Section: Results Of the Sampling Using The Mining Well Methodsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Conclusion Recommendations and Perspectivesmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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confidence: 99%

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