Planetary fracturing and lineaments revealed in the Kovdor magnetite–apatite ore deposit by open pit mining

Abstract

The analysis of the studies into fracturing of Zhelezny pitwall rock mass over the period from 1989 to 2019 proves that planetary fracturing is represented by faults, carbonatite dykes and single fractures oriented in the same direction as the prevailing regional lineaments on the Kola Peninsula. Planetary fracturing is assumed as a system of regular-oriented fractures. The planetary fracturing also includes lineaments of tectonic origin. The scientists think the faults registered in the pitwall rock mass and codirectional with the lineaments will accompany mining operations down to the full depth of the pit, up to the full extraction of magnetite–apatite ore reserves. While preparing this article, the authors have collected, generalized and analyzed the data of geological and structural mapping implemented by VIOGEM’s experts over the period from 1989 to 2019. VIOGEM’s procedure of geological and structural mapping ensures continuous documentation of extensional tectonics at high referencing accuracy (to 50 cm), as well as determination of inaccessible azimuths and angles of fractures by remote assessment of their orientations in pit walls using a laser scanner and photographic techniques to study the structure of hard rock mass and the behavior of permanent benches.