Geology & Design
Providing Everything You Need
Desk Studies
A thorough analysis of all relevant site information—including current OS and historical mapping, aerial photography, site geology, historical workings, environmental designations, flooding events, and historical site investigation data—combined with a site walkover provides valuable insight into an area.
The results of a desk study help confirm or disprove previously held understandings about the site, influencing future excavation plans.
Rock Capital is highly experienced in sourcing and preparing detailed desk studies.
Site Investigations
Site investigations are necessary to:
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Confirm the presence and quality of minerals
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Assess geotechnical conditions
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Install long-term groundwater monitoring systems
The collected data informs future works, including resource estimations and quarry design.
Methods of investigation include:
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Trial pitting
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Drilling (Shell & Auger, Flight Auger, Rotary Percussive, Rotary Coring)
Rock Capital's services in site investigations include:
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Organization and design of mineral, geotechnical, and hydrogeological investigations
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On-site supervision, specifying testing and installation details
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Detailed geological and geotechnical core logging (Eurocode 7)
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Sampling for laboratory analysis and test specification
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Production of sampling results tables and graphic borehole logs
Geological Modeling & Resource Estimation
To determine the viability of a mineral resource, factors such as topography, mineral layers, overburden, interburden, and geological structures (faulting, etc.) must be analyzed.
An initial 3D geological model is generated from site investigation data, which is cross-verified using:
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Published geological mapping
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Historical borehole data
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Mine working plans
With a comprehensive 3D model, Rock Capi provides accurate resource estimations that determine:
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Saleable mineral tonnage
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Waste volume estimates
Rock Capital specializes in:
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Geological modeling and resource estimation
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Cross-sectioning and contouring
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3D modeling using LSS software
Quarry Design
A maximum pit design is often the starting point of quarry planning. This basic model outlines the excavation limitsand helps estimate the available resource.
After establishing the maximum pit layout, detailed phased designs are developed, ensuring:
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Strategic excavation sequencing
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Efficient handling of overburden and waste
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Operational flexibility for varying mineral qualities
Rock Capital's expertise includes:
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Short-term and long-term pit design
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Blast and extraction sequencing
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Waste balance calculations throughout the quarry’s lifecycle
Restoration & Rehabilitation Planning
Post-extraction land use is a crucial component of quarry design. Rock Capital collaborates with environmental specialists to develop:
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Restoration designs
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Land rehabilitation projects
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Alternative uses for exhausted quarries
Tools used: LSS software for detailed 3D quarry planning.
