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.
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The results of a desk study help confirm or disprove previously held understandings about the site, influencing future excavation plans.
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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.
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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.
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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
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Tools used: LSS software for detailed 3D quarry planning.
