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Geostatistical techniques are usually practical in the development and production stages of mining projects. The Ouenza deposit is the main iron ore sources for the Algerian steel industry. This deposit suffers from heterogeneity in its mineral contents yet essential to obey to the market standards and requirements. The effective exploitation of th...
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... The Aptian limestone is intersected by vein mineralization, mainly fluorite and barite. A geological reserves estimated 3196457 t still to exploit with an iron percentage (content) of 42.7 % [42,43]. ...
How to cite this article: Belgueliel F., Fredj M., Saadoun A., Boukarm R. Finite element analysis of slope failure in Ouenza open-pit iron mine, NE Algeria: causes and lessons for stability control. Journal of Mining Institute. 2024, p. 1-19. Abstract. Slope failures in mining engineering pose significant risks to slope stability control, necessitating a thorough investigation into their root causes. This paper focuses on a back analysis of a slope failure in the Zerga section of the Ouenza-Algeria open-pit iron mine. The primary objectives are to identify the causes of slope failure, propose preventive measures, and suggest techniques to enhance stability, thereby providing crucial insights for monitoring slope stability during mining operations. The study commenced with a reconstruction of the slopes in the affected zones, followed by a numerical analysis utilizing the Shear strength reduction method within the Finite element method (SSR-FE). This approach enables the examination of slope stability under both static and dynamic loads. The dynamic load assessment incorporated an evaluation of the vibrations induced by the blasting process during excavation, introducing seismic loading into the finite element analysis. The findings reveal that the primary triggering factor for the landslide was the vibration generated by the blasting process. Furthermore, the slope stability was found to be critically compromised under static loads, highlighting a failure to adhere to exploitation operation norms. The challenging geology, particularly the presence of marl layers where maximum shear strain occurs, contributed to the formation of the landslide surface. The study not only identifies the causes of slope failure but also provides valuable lessons for effective slope stability management in mining operations.
... The Eastern Saharan Atlas of Algeria belongs to the intracontinental fold-and-thrust belt that forms the foreland of the Tellian domain (Vila, 1980;Zerzour et al., 2020Zerzour et al., , 2021Hamad et al. 2021aHamad et al. , 2021bZighmi et al., 2023;Benyoucef et al., 2023), separated in from the Saharan Platform by the South-Atlasic Fault, (SAF) (Ncibi et al., 2021;Besser et al., 2021;Hamed et al., 2022Hamed et al., , 2023. The Cheria region is part of the northeastern autochthonous structure of this Eastern Saharan Atlas (Kowalski, 1997;Kowalski et al., 2002) and is characterized by a thick Mesozoic-Cenozoic sedimentary succession, (Dubourdieu, 1956;Chibani et al., 2022). ...
The present landscape configuration is influenced by structural expansions and ongoing tectonic activities,
resulting in notable changes to geological features and landforms. The formation of the Atlas chain is a prime
example of this, as it has been sculpted by the combined forces of erosional processes and tectonic activity. These
processes have played a significant role in shaping the stream networks and basin topography within the region.
Evaluating active tectonics within Cheria Neogene basins holds paramount significance for geological hazard
assessment and a deeper understanding of geographical evolution, thereby contributing to urban planning and
disaster preparedness efforts. In this study, we investigate the active tectonics processes of the Cheria plateau by
employing a combination of digital elevation model (DEM)-derived drainage networks and geomorphic indices.
These indices encompass the hypsometric integral (HI), stream-length gradient (SL), transverse topographic
symmetry factor (T), basin asymmetry factor (AF), basin shape index (Bs), valley floor width to valley height
ratio (Vf), and mountain front sinuosity (Smf). These indices are used to calculate the relative index active
tectonics (IRAT) through GIS. By combining these indices, we delineate the distribution of relative tectonic
activity in the study area, categorizing it into four hierarchic classes. Our determined IRAT values consistently
align with known geological features, and landforms. These results confirm that the Chr´ea basin is still undergoing
formation and experiencing significant neotectonic activity. Based on our findings, we conclude that this
integrated methodology effectively identifies regions characterized by pronounced deformation associated with
active tectonic processes.
... Keywords: phosphorites, Paleocene-Eocene, Jebel Dhyr, XRD, apatite group et al. 2020; Zerzour et al. 2020Zerzour et al. , 2021. Valuable chemical elements and useful minerals can be found in rocks, soils, and water (Nekkoub et al. 2020;Benmarce et al. 2021;Orabi et al. 2023;Sankar et al. 2023). ...
The characterization of phosphorite features within specific North African sedimentary series remains incomplete. Hence, the primary aim of this research is to determine the composition of powder patterns and phosphatic allochem fragments within the Jebel Dhyr syncline, situated in northeastern Algeria. By focusing on this region, the study endeavors to investigate the mineralogical properties and geochemical aspects of Paleocene-Eocene phosphorites in the broader context of North Africa. The methodology employed encompasses geological, petrographic, geochemical, and mineralogical analyses of the rocks. To achieve this objective, we have employed various techniques including thin section analysis, atomic absorption spectrometry, and X-ray diffraction (XRD). The geological section across the Jebel Dhyr area has revealed a succession of horizontally layered rocks. These rocks consist of eight prominent phosphorite layers interspersed with carbonate formations. Additionally, occasional thin layers of flint can be observed within these carbonate layers. XRD analysis of the whole rock established the presence of apatite group minerals such as hydroxylapatite, fluroapatite, francolite, and dahllite. Other minerals identified include carbonates, quartz, zeolites, feldspar, clays, sulphides, and gypsum. XRD recordings on the phosphatic allochem grains (pellets, coprolites, intraclasts, and shark teeth) identified different mineral phases, with coprolites and pellets showing hydroxylapatite and fluorapatite, sometimes associated with dahllite, while granules of different forms revealed hydroxylapatite associated with fluorapatite or francolite. Teeth from the Jebel Dhyr phosphate beam showed the systematic presence of fluorapatite. This study provides valuable information for the comprehensive utilization of phosphorus resources in the Algeria-Tunisia border.
... Jebel El Ouahch, a prominent mountain in the region, is primarily composed of massive Numidian sandstones, which are visually impressive and structurally significant. As we venture towards the southern part of this mountainous massif, an intriguing geological phenomenon unfolds -the presence of Massylian flysch formations (Zerzour et al., 2020(Zerzour et al., , 2021Benmarce et al., 2021). These flysch deposits, characterized by sedimentary rocks containing microbreccias, provide valuable clues about the ancient environmental conditions and depositional processes. ...
A An n A AH HP P G GI IS S-b ba as se ed d M Me et th ho od do ol lo og gy y f fo or r t th he e S St ta ab bi il li it ty y A As ss se es ss sm me en nt t o of f t th he e D Dj je eb be el l E El l O Ou ua ah hc ch h C Co ol ll la ap ps se ee es s o on n t th he e N Nu um mi id di ia an n F Fl ly ys sh h F Fo or rm ma at ti io on n i in n N No or rt th he ea as st t A Al lg ge er ri ia a' 's s C Co on ns st ta an nt ti in ne e R Re eg gi io on n ABSTRACT: This study presents a comprehensive investigation into the factors underlying the collapse incident that occurred in the Jebel El Ouahch Tunnel in the Numidian flysch, Constantine region, Northeast Algeria. This methodology focuses on evaluating landslide susceptibility through the application of the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) along the reconfigured path of the collapsed A1 highway tunnel section in the Constantine region of northeastern Algeria. Various influential factors contributing to landslides were analyzed, including lithofacies, slope gradient, slope aspect, elevations, fault density, plan curvature, distance from streams, and distance from roads. Utilizing a Geographic Information System (GIS), these eight causative factors were prepared for assessment. The findings indicate that slope gradient and lithology play pivotal roles as primary controlling factors in landslide susceptibility. The model exhibited a commendable success rate of 93% in predicting landslide susceptibility, as demonstrated by the area under the curve (AUC) plot generated from the landslides susceptibility map. Most of the new road falls within the highly susceptible area to landslides. This validated model can serve as an effective tool for mapping landslide susceptibility zones along the newly established road path following the collapsed tunnel. Moreover, its applicability extends to similar environments, showcasing its potential as a valuable resource for hazard assessment and planning in comparable terrains. The deviation road, as well as tunnel T01 of the A1 highway, is in a state of proven instability. It is certain that they will experience continuous, recurrent, and intense landslides. A radical solution to all the geotechnical issues plaguing this section of the highway is to reroute it far away from the Subnumidian formations. A deeper comprehension of the geological and geotechnical intricacies in challenging terrains can significantly enhance the safety and reliability of transportation networks in these demanding contexts.
... Jebel El Ouahch, a prominent mountain in the region, is primarily composed of massive Numidian sandstones, which are visually impressive and structurally significant. As we venture towards the southern part of this mountainous massif, an intriguing geological phenomenon unfolds -the presence of Massylian flysch formations (Zerzour et al., 2020(Zerzour et al., , 2021Benmarce et al., 2021). These flysch deposits, characterized by sedimentary rocks containing microbreccias, provide valuable clues about the ancient environmental conditions and depositional processes. ...
This study presents a comprehensive investigation into the factors underlying the collapse incident that occurred in the Jebel El Ouahch Tunnel in the Numidian flysch, Constantine region, Northeast Algeria. This methodology focuses on evaluating landslide susceptibility through the application of the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) along the reconfigured path of the collapsed A1 highway tunnel section
in the Constantine region of northeastern Algeria. Various influential factors contributing to landslides were analyzed, including lithofacies, slope gradient, slope aspect, elevations, fault density, plan curvature, distance from streams, and distance from roads. Utilizing a Geographic Information System (GIS), these
eight causative factors were prepared for assessment. The findings indicate that slope gradient and lithology play pivotal roles as primary controlling factors in landslide susceptibility. The model exhibited a commendable success rate of 93% in predicting landslide susceptibility, as demonstrated by the area under the curve (AUC) plot generated from the landslides susceptibility map. Most of the new road falls
within the highly susceptible area to landslides. This validated model can serve as an effective tool for mapping landslide susceptibility zones along the newly established road path following the collapsed tunnel. Moreover, its applicability extends to similar environments, showcasing its potential as a valuable resource for hazard assessment and planning in comparable terrains. The deviation road, as well as tunnel T01 of the A1 highway, is in a state of proven instability. It is certain that they will experience continuous, recurrent, and intense landslides. A radical solution to all the geotechnical issues plaguing this section of the highway is to reroute it far away from the Subnumidian formations. A deeper comprehension of the geological and geotechnical intricacies in challenging terrains can significantly enhance the safety and reliability of transportation networks in these demanding contexts.
... Over the past few decades, the "eastern end of the Saharan Atlas" has been the subject of several research works. They were carried out mainly for academic purposes in the form of theses (Dubourdieu, 1956;Madre, 1969;Othmanine, 1987;Bouzenoune, 1993;Manchar et al., 2022), and applied research work for mineral exploration (Betier et al., 1952;Rouvier et al., 1985;Perthuisot et al., 1987;Bouzenoune et al., 1995;Bouzenoune and Lecolle, 1997;Perthuisot et al., 1998;Perthuisot et al., 1999;Bouzenoune et al., 2006;Kerbati et al., 2020;Boulemia et al., 2021;Zerzour et al., 2021;Benyoucef et al., 2022) and for the preparation of geological surveys maps (Dubourdieu, 1949(Dubourdieu, , 1951Durozoy, 1956;Blès and Fleury, 1971;Sonatrach, 1977aSonatrach, , 1977bSonatrach, , 1977cSonatrach., 1977d;Dozer et al., 1985;Kuscer et al., 1985;Tamani et al., 2019;Chibani, 2022). These works are often limited in space and objective and hence they fall short of giving a global vision that leads to a structural scheme integrating all the elements at the origin of the morphostructural evolution of the region. ...
This research work focuses on the morphostructural evolution of the eastern end of the Algerian Saharan atlas. The study employs a comprehensive methodology involving the utilization of the surface envelope technique, combined with an analysis of the hydrographic network and geological context. These techniques are integrated within a GIS framework to decipher the current relief characteristics. To interpret the current relief features, two ASTGTM v2 tiles were processed to extract morphometric data. The reconstruction of the original relief requires the generation of the summit level surface, the base level surface and the relief amount maps for 3 different grid sizes (4000m, 1000m and 250m). The respective different grid size maps has allowed determining the initial surface of the reliefs; first before any major vertical erosion, then after a phase of dismantling and finally the recent and sub current morphological aspect. The extraction of the hydrographic network and the elimination of lower than order 5 streams revealed the harmony of the latter with a raised shaped form (mega-horst) which represents the main morphostructural unit. This morphos-tructure is particularly characterized by outcrops from the Lower Cretaceous outcrops. The ramification of the hydro-graphic network along the main tectonic accidents has allowed the digging of wide valleys, often described as graben.
... (13,43). The study of mineral resource management has therefore extensively used geostatistics (44,45). With the wide range of applications offered through geostatistics, it has been also successfully employed in studies of medical (46) and health sciences (47). ...
Objective: As of August 2023, COVID-19 had claimed 7 million lives, making it the pandemic with the highest mortality rate. Therefore, The use of cutting-edge technologies and methods is essential when battling the COVID-19 epidemic. This paper aims to systematically review and synthetize applications of spatial statistical methodologies in the analysis of COVID-19. Material and Methods: 55 articles in total were screened from four main digital databases including Web of Science, SCOPUS, PubMed/MEDLINE, and Google schoolar. Three distinct concerns with the use of spatial statistical techniques in the analysis of COVID-19 are discussed, namely (i) applications of spatial regressions in the evaluation of COVID-19's effects, (ii) COVID-19 mapping using of hotspots and spatial clustering analyses, and (iii) applications of interpolation and geostatistics on COVID-19 studies, respectively. Results: Spatial regressions can support the assessment of the COVID-19 impacts on social-economy and environment. Whereas, hotspots and spatial clustering analysis can help effectively on COVID-19 mapping. Last but not least, geostatistics and interpolation are crucial for predicting COVID-19. Conclusion: This review not only emphasises the significance of spatial statistical techniques in COVID-19 studies, but it also sheds light on the practical applications of spatial statistics in COVID-19 research.
... The study region is primarily composed of carbonate formations, resulting in the development of synclines and anticlines. Notably, Ypresian limestones have contributed to the formation of shelters in the area [48][49][50]. The stratigraphic sequence is characterized by alternating layers of limestones, marly-limestones, and argillaceous marls formations [51,52]. ...
Mediterranean basin exposed to ongoing processes of erosion and deformation. Neotectonics is the study of the geological processes involved in the deformation of the Earth’s crust. The topography of the terrain is greatly impacted by these neotectonic events, which has a considerable impact on the drainage pattern and general geomorphology of the region. In this work, the active tectonics were evaluated using the Shuttle Radar Topography Mission (SRTM) Digital Elevation Model (DEM) and several Geomorphic Indices in the Ain Zerga region of Northeast Algeria. Asymmetry factor, basin form, the ratio of valley floor width to valley height, the sinuosity of mountain fronts, hypsometric integral, hypsometric curve, and transverse topographic symmetry factor were some of the indices used. These findings emphasize the tremendous tectonic activity that exists in the study area. In comparison to sub-watershed N°2, sub-watersheds N°1, N°3, and N°4 had stronger tectonic activity, according to the examination of these geomorphic indicators. The Relative Tectonic Activity Index (Iat) distribution pattern, which concurred with other pieces of information such as stream deflection and lineament analysis, corroborated these conclusions. We were able to learn a lot about the different levels of tectonic activity in the sub-watersheds by using traditional geomorphic indices. The tectonic activity-exhibiting basins consistently displayed connections with structural disturbances, basin geometry, and field research. Geomorphic indices and morphometric characteristics were used to identify tectonically active zones in a portion of the Mellegue transboundary basin, which shows a considerable influence of neotectonic activity in a portion of the Neogene basin.
... Several studies have addressed the deposit conditions of polymetallic mineralization and its relationship with various geological factors [28]- [34]. ...
Purpose. In the electronics industry, stibium (Sb) is an important element used in the development of silicon-based devices. The metallogenic district of Guelma, known for its polymetallic antimony mineralization, is not currently exploited. The research purpose is to characterize the minerals and gang formations of antimony elements required as dopants during the growth of monocrystalline silicon. Methods. The research methods include detailed geological mapping and sampling, XRD mineralogical identification, XRF geo-chemical analysis, and atomic absorption spectrophotometry. Findings. The results obtained prove that Sb mineralization is the youngest in the North-East of Algeria, since it is hosted in the dolomitized lacustrine limestone of the Mio-Plio-Quaternary. The mineralization has been deposited by the replacement and filling open spaces. A supergene alteration of the Nadorite mineral has led to the antimony sulfides appearance. Originality. Unique mineral species of the world have been identified: Nadorite in Jebel Nador, Flajolotite in Jebel Heimel, valentinite in Jebel Senza, senarmontite in Jebel Hammimat, and cervantite near Aïn Kerma. The Ham-man N’Baïls deposits still contain significant reserves of Zn, Sb, and Pb. Practical implications. With the help of this study, we have answered questions related to the origin of the mineralizing fluids responsible for the formation of deposits. In addition to the epigenetic nature of the mineralization with the formation of unique and rare minerals throughout the world, the presence of gold in this region has been proven by chemical analysis.
... Indeed, the main concern of mine engineers is the selection of an appropriate technique for resource estimation since applying an inappropriate technique in this stage can cause about ±50% error. Therefore, it can be concluded that the mine's future efficiency is extensively associated with the estimation of the resource quantity (tonnage) and quality (grade) in this process [1][2][3][4]. ...
Resource estimation and determining the grade distribution is one of the most important stages in planning and designing the open-pit and underground mines. In this work, a new mythology is used for resource estimation of the Angouran underground mine based on the optimized integration of the indicator kriging (IK), simple kriging (SK), and inverse distance weighted (IDW) methods. For this purpose, waste blocks are first removed from the block model using the IK method. Then the amount of mineral resource is estimated using the SK and IDW methods. Indeed, variograms are developed to estimate the grade of zinc minerals in the three used methods. Variograms analysis in three directions prove that the studied resource is anisotropic. Also the validation results confirm that the correlation coefficients between the measured and estimated zinc values by the SK and IDW methods equal to 0.76 and 0.75, respectively. Knowing this satisfactory result, a 3D model of the resource is prepared using the IK method, in which the ore and waste sections of the Angouran underground mine are separated definitely. According to the above methodology, the calculated resource of the Angouran underground mine using the SK method is achieved 1373962.5 tons with an average grade of 30.11%, whereas the estimated amount of this resource is attained 1349325 tons with an average grade of 31.88% using the IDW approach. The verification results show that the suggested methodology based on the optimized integration of the IK, SK, and IDW methods can be successfully applied for resource modeling and grade estimating of the Angouran underground mine. Keywords Angouran underground mine Resource estimation Simple kriging Inverse distance weighted
