October 2001

Edited by DPC – CKHC

Lyon – France

G E O M I N I N G G U I D E
 Table of contents

• 1 - Introduction 1

• 2 - Exploration and Characterization 3

• 3 - Reserves Estimation 19

• 4 - Mining Plans 27

• 5 - Mining Operations 37

• 6 - Raw Material and Raw Mix Audit 57

• Appendixes

I - Chemical Analysis 67

II - Raw Materials Doctrine 69

III - Variograms 73

IV - Safety Rules 83

V - Rehabilitation Guidelines 97

G E O M I N I N G G U I D E
 Introduction
he main objective of the Geomining Guide is to share

T our knowledge and know-how in geology and in

mining in order to increase the plant performances
regarding raw materials and raw mix preparation.

The preparation of this guide was first initiated by the CTI

and CTS.The various chapters concerning Exploration and
Characterization, Reserves Estimation, Mining Plans,
Mining Operations, Raw Materials and Raw Mix Audit
were prepared by Guy Béland (CTI), Claude Bellehumeur
(CTS), Alain Beaudet (CTS), Robert Ethier (CTS), Evgueni
Porokhovoî (CTI), Sinan Urhan (CTI).These chapters were first
presented and discussed with participants from Technical
Centers,Technical Directions and some Operating Units at the
1
Geomining 98 Meeting in Istanbul. Remarks made by the
participants were taken into account and the first version
of the Geomining Guide was edited in January 2000 by
M. Niyazi Gundogdu (CTI) and J.-G. Levaque (CTS). Numerous
meetings were held with Y. Derreal (CTLC), L. Descombes
(CTLC),W. Grafl (CTEC),W. Gritz (CTEC) and K. Stadlober
(CTEC) in order to obtain the agreement of all the Technical
Centers.
The Geomining Guide therefore represents a synthesis of
our international culture in cement production. It is a common
tool for technical and operational people, which also contains
good practices for raw materials. It will help us to follow up
the development of the Group and will certainly evolve in the
future. For example, another chapter on raw mix preparation
will be added.

G E O M I N I N G G U I D E
 Acknowledgment
The CKHC wishes to express its thanks to all the participants
who have helped with the preparation of the Geomining
Guide, in particular M. Niyazi Gundogdu and Jean-Guy Levaque.

G E O M I N I N G G U I D E
 Characterization
Exploration &
Exploration
&
Characterization

G E O M I N I N G G U I D E
 Exploration and Characterization
Exploration
• All exploration work must be done at the beginning of a project in
order to get a proper regional picture.
• Exploration expenses must be considered as a capital investment.
➔ Exploration is done to ensure the long term viability of a cement
operation. So, a drilling program, designed for the long term, should be
capitalized over this long term period.
➔ Exploration expenses will then be amortized and spread out over a
longer period.

Regional Scale Exploration

• The first step must be based on the following information and
represented in a synthesis map for potential strategic targets:
➔ Geological maps and reports
➔ Topographical maps
➔ Aerial photographs and satellite images if available
➔ Land use, forest, infrastructure and hydrogeological maps
➔ Summary of mining and environment laws.

• The second step, which might not be necessary in all cases, consists of
the following actions:
➔ Geological mapping
➔ Surface sampling along the stratigraphical sections
➔ Drilling if needed and when possible
➔ Analysis and preliminary raw mix composition
➔ Estimation of potential reserves.

G E O M I N I N G G U I D E
 Exploration and Characterization
Local Scale Exploration
• The following documents must be obtained before any new
exploration program, which is required prior to any new quarry
opening.
➔ Exploration permit
➔ Topographic map with different property ownership, permits and
infrastructures (precision of 1/2000)
➔ Geological map larger than the property limits (precision of 1/2000)
➔ When no regulations exist, the following constraints should be used to
establish a drilling plan:
❿ Buffer zone of 100 m or larger if stated by regulation
❿ Hydrological map
❿ Structural map
❿ Environmental restrictions
❿ Overburden and waste evaluation.

Local Scale Exploration

• Before any new quarry opening, the following legal requirements
must be fulfilled to start mining operations.
➔ Mining permits
➔ Land control
➔ Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA)
➔ Operational permit
➔ Other administrative authorizations.

G E O M I N I N G G U I D E
 Exploration and Characterization
Topography
• For topographic surveys, the recommended method is an aerial
survey:
➔ Use the standardized UTM (Universal Transverse Mercator) System.

• For every topographic survey with a scale of 1/2000, the following

information is required to create the DTM (Digital Terrain Model):
➔ A 3D topographic data in the Autocad dwg format
➔ A data set including all the surveyed points as an Excel file.

• GPS (Global Positioning System) is the recommended field survey

method when applicable or justifiable.

Geophysics
• Geophysics is used:
➔ When there is a need to forecast disruptive structures (fault, karsts, filled
or open cavities)
➔ And in order to avoid high drilling cost in some cases (thick overburden).
• Results may be deceiving in some cases.
• Pros and cons of different methods:
➔ Seismic: good for thick overburden, but costly and difficult to calibrate.
➔ Electromagnetics: good for structural anomalies, low cost but can be
erratic.
➔ Resistivity: more precise but costly.

G E O M I N I N G G U I D E
 Exploration and Characterization
Drilling Plan
• Each deposit is unique and standards are therefore difficult to
define.

• The following documents are required before defining a drilling

plan:
➔ Geological Map
➔ Structural Model of deposit.

• When geological information is not sufficient, a preliminary

exploration phase of minimum 5 deep holes covering the area
(for example 4 at the corners and one in the center) is recommended:
➔ Evaluation of strike and dip of geological formations
➔ First evaluation of stratigraphy, structure and chemistry.

Drilling Plan
• When there is sufficient information, two cases may occur:
➔ Simple Geology
❿ Sub-horizontal bedding, constant thickness of beds, relatively constant
geochemistry.
➔ Complex Geology
❿ Inclined, folded, faulted bedding, highly variable geochemistry.

• For simple geology, normally there is no need for a regular grid. The
drilling plan should be designed for the necessary structural and
geochemical information about the deposit to be obtained.

G E O M I N I N G G U I D E
 Exploration and Characterization
Drilling Plan
• For complex geology, a regular grid is necessary (ex. 100 x 100m).
➔ A regular grid makes it easier to assess the variability and, by reducing the tolerance
angle, gives more credibility to the calculation of variograms.
➔ 5 supplementary drill holes at short distances (e.g. 50 m) would allow the short
horizontal scale of variability to be assessed.
➔ The interpretation of the variogram will show either that the exploration grid is
sufficient for exploitation or that a closer spaced grid is required.
➔ It is a sound practice to establish a small scale grid size within the major directions of
the main grid.
➔ For sub-vertical lithologies, the inclined drilling with a denser grid is necessary to
obtain representative data.
➔ For sub-vertical deposits, a thickness equivalent to the height of the three benches
(30 – 50 m) should be drilled.

Drilling Methods
• Diamond Drill (DDH):
➔ Is the only method to be used for the characterization of a deposit.
➔ Is expensive but provides invaluable information.
➔ Allows better recovery and proper samples for humidity testing.
➔ For holes longer than 15 m, wire line equipment should be used.
➔ Size NQ (4.76 cm) is required; this makes hydrological surveys, physical testing and
hole reduction, core storage and core manipulation easier.
➔ Larger size (10 cm) is necessary to obtain good recovery rates in the
limestone-clay intercalation and in the unconsolidated lithologies.

• Reverse Circulation (RC):

➔ Is required when sampling soft or unconsolidated material.
➔ Reduces contamination if holes are cleaned after each drill run.
➔ Can be used to increase the density of information when economically and
technically justifiable.

G E O M I N I N G G U I D E
 Exploration and Characterization
Drilling Methods
• Percussion
➔ Blast holes:
❿ Can not be used for modeling.
❿ Can be used to update the short term mining plan.
❿ Vertical blast holes are not representative in vertical formations.
➔ Air Track:
❿ Overburden and waste definition (additional drilling over crests
and valleys).
❿ Testing of the geological model.
❿ Sampling of clay material from karsts.
❿ Drilling in unconsolidated material.

Drilling Methods
• Sampling with destructive drilling methods must be conducted with
great care:
➔ Adapt a sampling device or an automatic sampler
➔ Once a certain depth has been reached
❿ STOP drilling
❿ CLEAN hole with air by moving the rods up and down
❿ MAKE sure that all the cuttings from an upper level reach
the surface in order to avoid contamination
❿ RECOVER all the fines.

G E O M I N I N G G U I D E
 Exploration and Characterization
Diamond Drilling Contract Items
• Location
• Type of drilling (Diamond Drill, Rotary, Reverse Circulation, diameter,
etc.)
• Approximate length (total and each drilling +%xx)
• Type of drill machine required
• Inclination measurements
• Diameter of cores versus depth of formation
• Core recovery: 100% unless justified by geology (What to do if less?)
• Type of core boxes (Who shall provide and transport them?)
• Core logging, splitting and photography of core boxes (cores, hole
number and core length)

Diamond Drilling Contract Items

• Access to drill location (Who is in charge?)
• Drill hole landmarks before and after drilling (concrete), as well as
in house surveying
• Definition of relation between Lafarge’s representative and
contractor
• Application of Lafarge safety rules
• Water supply and land reclamation (Who is in charge?)
• Justification of the use of other drilling fluids
• Drilling supervision by Lafarge Geologist (How and who?)
• Equipment and personnel insurance
• Define jobs to be paid per hour and their costs (waiting time and
special works)
• Services to be provided by the company (Dozer, water truck…)

G E O M I N I N G G U I D E
 Exploration and Characterization
Diamond Drilling Contract Items
• Cost:
➔ For overburden, waste and ore (cost/m for different lengths)
➔ For inclination test in case of inclined drilling
➔ For loss of equipment.

• Special Clauses:
➔ Tests: Costs can be saved by combining hydrological tests with drilling like
pumping tests, installation of piezometer, which can be provided by the
drilling company.
➔ Down-the-hole Surveying Equipment: In some cases (karstic ground or
long inclined holes), down-the-hole surveying equipment should be
provided by the drilling company (inclinometer, camera, acid test).
➔ Cementation: In some cases, it can be useful to fill a cavity with cement
in order to drill deeper.

10

Core Logging
• Has to be performed by a geologist on clean cores.

• It is recommended that the same geologist does the core logging

and the geological interpretation.

• The lithologic description has to be made at two levels:

➔ The first level corresponds to the major lithologies.
➔ The second level represents local change or specific features (calcite or
quartz veins, change in bedding…).

• Sampling must correspond to the first level only.

• A standardized logging journal is given in the Appendices.

G E O M I N I N G G U I D E
 Exploration and Characterization
Core Sampling
• The geologist should define the sampling intervals based on the
logging in order to isolate lithologic units.

• For normal bench thickness, a sample should be 3.0 m or 10 feet

within a given lithology.

• The first sample should begin at the rock/overburden interface,

where a drill marker is normally present.

• A marker should be present every 3.00 m or 10 feet and should

correspond to the beginning or end of a run or sample.

11

Core Sampling
• In special cases (e.g. large clay or quartz veins to be separated from
the limestone bed…), sampling may correspond to the second level.

• When a vein or veinlets are at a low angle with the core axis, the
geologist must take half of the vein or veinlets in the split sample in
order to obtain a representative sample.

• The use of a sampling tag system, where all the samples are
indicated, is strongly recommended.

G E O M I N I N G G U I D E
 Exploration and Characterization
Core Sampling
0,0

2,0 OVB
4,0
Sample# 1: 3.0 m
6,0

8,0 LMST Sample# 2: 3.0 m

10,0 Sample# 3: 1.0 m

Sample# 4: 2.0 m
12,0 Sh
Sample# 5: 1.0 m
14,0 Sample# 6: 1.0 m
Cal
Sample# 7: 1.0 m
16,0
Sample# 8: 3.0 m
18,0 LMST
20,0 Sample# 9: 3.0 m

22,0
Sample# 10: 2.0 m
24,0

12

Core Sampling
• Once the sampling intervals are defined and core splitting is done,
one half of the core is kept in the original core box and the other
half is used for analysis.

➔ Core splitter:
❿ Can be expensive (1 000 to 4 000 USD)
❿ Faster to split
❿ Sometimes difficult to produce half core.

➔ Saw:
❿ Variable in price (about 200 USD if using a hand electrical saw)
❿ Longer time to split
❿ Requires a fixed installation with water.

G E O M I N I N G G U I D E
 Exploration and Characterization
Sample Preparation
• Crush (Jaw Crusher) the split core samples at 100% passing a Nº 4
sieve (1/4’’ or 6.35 mm).
• Split the crushed sample to obtain 400 grams.
• Keep the rest for other tests or analysis (grindability, burnability…).
• Dry overnight:
➔ 110°C for normal samples
➔ 45°C for samples containing gypsum and samples to be analyzed for SO3
related to sulfides
➔ No drying for samples containing hydrocarbons.
• Grind the sample down to 100 µm with disk pulverizer.
• Split into two replicates for assay and reference.

13

Chemical analysis
• The following elements are to be systematically analyzed for all the
raw materials: SiO2, Al2O3, Fe2O3, CaO, MgO, LOI, SO3, K2O, Na2O,
TiO2, P2O5, TOC, SO3 from sulphide and Chlorine.

• All the heavy metals in the raw materials and hydrocarbons in

limestone containing oil are also to be analyzed using some
representative samples.

G E O M I N I N G G U I D E
 Exploration and Characterization
Chemical Analysis
• For analysis of XRF, the fused bead method must be used. Details of
an analytical procedure are given in Appendix I.

• Proper geochemical standards for different raw materials, available

in Technical Centers, must be used to calibrate the XRF.

• Selection of other standards must be approved by Technical Centers.

• An analytical control using official standards must be conducted

before any raw material analysis program and a regular cross-check
procedure must be defined.

14

Geotechnical Studies
• The main purpose is to determine the physical characteristics of the
raw materials during the first drilling campaign.
• This information is necessary in order to design an optimum slope in
the overburden and ore (cohesion, hydrology).
• Many of these parameters are necessary to optimize the blasting
(Young Modulus, Poisson Ratio).
• Some parameters are necessary for the process (density, abrasivity,
humidity).

G E O M I N I N G G U I D E
 Exploration and Characterization
Geotechnical Studies

• The main geotechnical studies are usually carried out by

subcontractors.
• Stability Characteristics:
➔ Safety Factor (S.F.)= resistance forces / moving forces
❿ S.F. < 1 = instability.

• S.F. is in relation with the following:

❿ Slope geometry
❿ Mechanical characteristics of the rock mass
❿ Structures and discontinuities
❿ Mechanical characteristics of the matrix
❿ Weathering factors
❿ Hydrogeological factors.

15

Geotechnical Studies

• Geomechanical parameters at the deposit scale:

➔ Parameters to be studied
❿ Joints orientation and geo-mechanical characteristics
(for each group)
❿ Average strike, average dip, extension, pattern, peak
friction angle.

➔ Work to be carried out

❿ Continuous survey of joints
❿ On the benches of the present quarry
❿ In the drill holes (if they were oriented)
❿ Sclerometry and Rugosimetry
❿ Statistical study of joints
❿ Photo analysis.

G E O M I N I N G G U I D E
 Exploration and Characterization
Geotechnical Studies

• Geomechanical parameters at the sample scale:

➔ Parameters to be studied
❿ Compressive strength
❿ Tensile strength
❿ Density
❿ Cohesion
❿ Friction angle
❿ Young modulus
❿ Poisson coefficient.

➔ Tests to be carried out

❿ Compression tests
❿ Brazilian tests
❿ Shearing tests
❿ Ultrasonic dynamic tests
❿ Los Angeles test if limestone is used for agregates.

16

Hydrogeological Studies

• Hydrogeological parameters at the deposit scale:

➔ Parameters to be studied
❿ Water table level and configuration
❿ Water output
❿ Hydrogeological characteristics of the deposit.

➔ Work to be carried out

❿ Piezometric studies
❿ Pumping/injection tests.

• Hydrogeological parameters at the sample scale:

➔ Parameters to be studied
❿ Total/effective porosity, Matrix humidity.

➔ Work to be carried out

❿ Porosity measurement.

G E O M I N I N G G U I D E
 Exploration and Characterization
Specific Physical Parameters for Clinker Production

• The following parameters are mandatory for each raw material and
raw mix and are determined by using the Standard Lafarge Methods:
➔ Raw Materials
❿ Free silica analysis (quantity and size distribution)
❿ Abrasivity
❿ Crushability
❿ Moisture content.

➔ Raw Mix
❿ Grindability
❿ Burnability.

17

G E O M I N I N G G U I D E
 Reserves
Estimation

Estimation
Reserves

G E O M I N I N G G U I D E
 Reserves Estimation
Definitions

• Raw material reserves are defined by two parameters: tonnage and

chemistry.
• Each Operating Unit must define its proven, probable and potential
reserves.
• Long term reserves, according to the Lafarge Raw Materials Doctrine,
include only proven and probable reserves and should be targeted
for fifty years.
• For the definition of proven, probable and potential reserves, see the
Lafarge Raw Materials Doctrine in Appendix II.

19

Geological Modelling

• This is the computerized representation of the interfaces delineating

geological units.
➔ Geological units: Lithotypes and RockTypes
❿ Lithotype is a basic unit defining a certain lithological and chemical
homogeneity in a given stratigraphic interval.
Never use the same lithotype more than once along the stratigraphic
column, even if the same unit is repeated.
❿ Rock Type is a unit which can equal one or several lithotypes.
Grouping together the lithotypes that make up a bench can be useful for
estimation purposes.

G E O M I N I N G G U I D E
 Reserves Estimation
Geological Modelling

• Interfaces represent contacts along bedding or faults.

➔ They are usually defined by planes in drill holes, geological map, in situ
geological measurements or other features.
➔ The interpolation methods to define the interfaces by a regular grid of
estimated coordinates (x,y,z) are triangulation or inverse square distance.
➔ The topographical surface is an interface separating air and soil.

• The geological model based on interfaces must be verified and

understood before performing reserves estimation.

20

Reserves Calculation

• Consists of the following steps:

➔ Sample Compositing
➔ Block Generation
➔ Block Chemistry Estimate
➔ Block Clinkerability Assessment if necessary.

G E O M I N I N G G U I D E
 Reserves Estimation
Sample Compositing

• Is the generation of samples from drill hole intervals (from-to values

along the drill hole).
• The composite samples can group several drill hole intervals and
have specific x, y, z coordinates and average chemistry.
• 5 types of compositing are possible (for definition see QMS Help):
➔ Regular
➔ Original samples
➔ Minimum by rock type
➔ Minimum by hole
➔ Regular by rock type.

21

Sample Compositing

• The result of sample compositing can be checked and validated by

statistics:
➔ The mean characterizes the central tendency.
➔ The variance allows calculations of the standard error of estimation.
➔ Histograms detect outliers, represent the shape of a distribution and can
be used to define rock type.

• Depending on the results of the statistical analysis, it can be decided

to redo the compositing, exclude outliers and to define a new
lithotype.
• It is important to explain the occurrence of anomalous values
randomly scattered in the deposit or related to a specific horizon.

G E O M I N I N G G U I D E
 Reserves Estimation
Sample Compositing

• The shape of a distribution and the variance are influenced by the

size of a sample.
➔ Long samples are less variable than short samples.
➔ Histograms are more symmetric (normal) for long samples.

35
15
30 Mean = 2.5 Mean = 2.5
Var = 5.8 Var = 3.1
Frequency

Frequency
25

20 10

15

10
5
5
0 0

0 2 4 6 8 10 12 0 2 4 6 8 10 12

MgO composited at 1,5 m MgO composited at 3 m

22

Generation of Blocks

• This is done to estimate the geological reserves.

• Detailed estimation based on the smallest possible block is wrong:
blocks that are too small give very similar chemistry because of the
lack of true data coming from the drill hole.
• As a rule of thumb, when using a regular grid, the minimum block
size should be greater than 1/4 of the average drill hole interval
(e.g. minimum 50 m blocks for 200 m drilling interval).
• Along the vertical direction, minimum block size must not be smaller
than the average length of sample.
• Generally, the block thickness equals the rock type or bench
thickness.

G E O M I N I N G G U I D E
 Reserves Estimation
Block Chemistry Estimate

• The trends and anisotropies in a complex deposit are identified by

using the variogram, which allows the following parameters to be
defined:
➔ Search ellipsoid
➔ Kriging weight
➔ Estimation variance.
• For details of variogram see Appendix III.

23

Block Chemistry Estimate

• Definition of Search Ellipsoid
➔ As a rule of thumb, the radius of the search ellipsoid is defined as
approximately the range of the variogram depending on the density of
the information.
➔ More importantly, it should reflect the anisotropy axes determined with
the variogram.
➔ If the density of samples is very high and the search elipsoid is well
defined, 15 to 20 samples are sufficient to perform the estimation of
a block (max = 30).
➔ If there is very short continuity (high nugget effect >70% of spatial
variation, short range):
❿ It is hazardous to define large ellipsoid especially if the variance is high
(s2/m > 1).
❿ The ellipsoid should be only slightly larger than the average drilling
distance.

G E O M I N I N G G U I D E
 Reserves Estimation
Block Chemistry Estimate

• There are two main methods of estimation:

➔ Kriging and Inverse Distance (for details see QMS Help).
• If the data is clustered (groups or drill holes):
➔ Kriging should be used since this method automatically spreads the
influence among the samples in the cluster, avoiding its over-
representation.
➔ Inverse distance method can be used if a declustering procedure is used
(search by quadrants).

24

Block Chemistry Estimate

• If the variability along the vertical is much more important (short

range and high sill) than along the horizontal, it would be better to
perform kriging to properly weight the influence of these directions.
• If the data is not clustered, inverse distance methods will perform
almost as well as ordinary kriging. However, estimation variance will
not be optimal.
• If a bench corresponds exactly to a given rock type, it is sound
practice to:
➔ Generate blocks with a thickness = rock type
➔ Composite samples to a length = rock type
➔ Estimate blocks with these long samples.

G E O M I N I N G G U I D E
 Reserves Estimation
Block Clinkerability Assessment

• Is the classification of the blocks according to their chemistry and the

composition of available additives and targeted clinker.
• Allows reserves to be estimated in the case of complex and
heterogeneous deposits.

25

G E O M I N I N G G U I D E
 Mining
Plans

Mining
Plans

G E O M I N I N G G U I D E
 Mining Plans
Long-term Mining Plan

• A long-term mining plan consists of the systematic development of a

quarry, based on the whole of the proven and/or probable reserves.
• Geochemical, mineralogical and physical characteristics of reserves,
topography and geology of deposit, property limits, mining rights
and methods, transportation and crushing system, reclamation plan
and cost, clinker quality and cost targets, production levels are the
main parameters used to develop a long-term plan.
• Long-term mining plan is associated to long-term rehabilitation plan
(for the rehabilitation guidelines, see Appendix V).

27

Long-term Mining Plan

• The long-term mining plan includes the following:

➔ All existing features of the site such as:
❿ Topography, gates, fences, roads, drainage facilities.
➔ Buildings and other structures, vegetation areas, stockpile and storage
areas.
➔ Property or Mining leases and all Right-of-Way limits.
➔ Boundary of the mining zones and development sequence.
➔ Title information, such as:
❿ Key map, drawing title and number, scale reference, date of last revision.
➔ True north and magnetic arrow, and key.

G E O M I N I N G G U I D E
 Mining Plans
Long-term Mining Plan

• When the total reserves are large enough, each quarry should have a
systematic phasing or development sequence, which represents the
step-by-step development over the limit of the proven and/or
probable reserves (or the maximum life of the deposit if possible).
• Phasing should be based on the reserve distribution, the mining
method used, the bench height, the waste to ore ratio, and the
surface topography.
• Phasing or development sequence has to be reviewed every 5 years.

28

Long-term Mining Plan

• Each phase should include the following:
➔ Boundary of the mining zones.
➔ Property or Mining leases and all Right-of-Way limits and distances.
➔ All proposed new ramps including grades, width, cut and fill design.
➔ Bench limits, setback distance and wall slope.
➔ The specific location and size of proposed stockpiles of topsoil, subsoil
and overburden.
➔ Any proposed water diversions or storage, wash ponds and drainage
facilities on the site and points of discharge to surface water.
➔ The location, dimensions and design of existing and proposed earth
berms.
➔ The sequence and the direction of operation of the quarry, e.g. details of
stripping and stockpiles, lifts, and progressive rehabilitation.
➔ All existing features and title information.
➔ All potential environmental risks.

G E O M I N I N G G U I D E
 Mining Plans
Long-term Mining Plan

• Standards and rule-of-thumb for quarry design:

➔ Ramp or road design width
❿ For two way traffic the ramp or road should be no less than 4 times the
width of the widest haulage truck(s) at the quarry.
❿ This allows for two-way haulage truck traffic and room for an outside
berm and inside ditch for adequate drainage.
➔ Outside protective Berm
❿ The height of the berm should be at least the same as the radius of the
trucks’ tires.
❿ The berm should be made with “soft” material like overburden, or
crushed material.
❿ The use of heavy boulders is not recommended.

29

Long-term Mining Plan

• Standards and rule-of-thumb for quarry design:

➔ Acceptable road grade design ranges between 8 and 10%.
➔ A runaway ramp should be designed under specific conditions for any
road grade above 10% or for other dangerous situations at lower grade.
➔ Curves design should be constructed with the maximum radius
permissible under the conditions (at least 20 m), and they should be as
horizontal as possible.
❿ Superelevation of sharp curves increases tire life, and improves truck
handling and stability.
❿ Crowning improves drainage and the recommended roadway crown
should have a higher center and straight lateral slopes of 1:25 (width).

G E O M I N I N G G U I D E
 Mining Plans
Long-term Mining Plan

• Standards and rule-of-thumb for quarry design:

➔ In quarry design, the width of the safety bench is generally in the order
of 2/3 of the bench height.
➔ All pertinent information, such as a summary of reserves or waste and
overburden to be removed for each bench, ongoing reclamation and
techniques, should be shown in table note in each mine map.
➔ All control points (bench mark) should be located on each map produced
with the x, y, z coordinates.
➔ Surveying is needed throughout the whole process of quarrying
operation and site investigation or rehabilitation.

30

Long-term Mining Plan

• Standards and rule-of-thumb for quarry design:

➔ In quarry design, the final slope of any loose material is generally
recommended to be in the order of 3:1.
❿ This grade helps to achieve soil stability and to control landslides,
erosion and sedimentation.
❿ Irregular slopes make it easier to integrate the final landscape.
➔ The main rule in quarry design is to always comply with all country or
local laws applicable to the design, construction, operation, and
maintenance of dams, dikes, diversions, drainage channels, and
impoundment.

G E O M I N I N G G U I D E
 Mining Plans
Short-term Mining Plan

• A short-term mining plan consists of a small scale, detailed mining

development of a quarry, according to the long-term mining plan.
• It covers a maximum period of 5 years.
• It is the basis for the yearly budget.
• It should be reviewed and updated when required.
➔ For the clinker production greater than 2 millions tons per year, the
revision is yearly.

31

Short-term Mining Plan

• A short-term planning should include the following:
➔ Any proposed new ramps including grades, width, cut and fill design.
➔ Bench limits, setback distance and wall slope requirements.
➔ The specific location and size of proposed stockpiles of topsoil, subsoil
and overburden.
➔ Any proposed water diversions or storage, wash ponds and drainage
facilities on the site and points of discharge to surface waters.
➔ The location, dimension and design of existing and proposed earth
berms.
➔ The sequence and direction of operation of the quarry, e.g. details of
stripping and stockpiles lifts, and progressive rehabilitation.
➔ A table with the quantity of materials to extract, chemical or physical
targets, waste to ore ratio and cost development.
➔ All existing features and title information as stipulated in the long-term
plan.
➔ Any potential environmental risks.

G E O M I N I N G G U I D E
 Mining Plans
Software

• QMS:
➔ In addition to long term reserves calculation, QMS is also used for long
term mine planning as well as short term planning.
➔ QMS is used in TCs with CORALIS software for long-term and short-term
mine planning.
➔ QMS is also used by TDs where there are enough staff sufficiently
experienced in geology and mining.

• MINECAD:
➔ MineCad, insuring the optimization of raw materials and raw mixes,
allows the implementation of short-term planning.
➔ It is used in the Plants where there are competent quarry staff.

32

Mining Methods

• Simultaneous Slicing or Benching Method:

❿ Includes Backfilling, Opencast, Dragline and Cross Pit Conveyor
Methods.

• Successive Horizontal Benching Method (full width):

❿ Includes Bench Stopping and Hillside Quarry Methods.

• Nested Pit Method:

❿ Includes Successive and Cyclic Methods.

• Mixed Method:
❿ Includes Simultaneous and Successive Methods.

G E O M I N I N G G U I D E
 Mining Plans
Mining Methods
• Glory Hole and Rock Slides:
➔ Can only be used for vertically homogeneous deposits.
➔ Are used in cases where the topography is steep.
➔ Allow transportation costs to be reduced.
➔ Glory hole is a combination of opencast with underground mining
system.
➔ Rock slides may create environmental problems due to dust.
• Underground Mining System:
➔ Different methods, conventional or mechanical, can be used depending
on geomechanical characteristics of the rocks and mining cost.
❿ Room and Pillar (recommended), Block caving, Sublevel Stoping,
Sublevel Caving, Vertical Crater Retreat, Shrinkage Stoping and
Cut & Fill.

33

Mining Methods

Simultaneous Slicing or Benching Method

Overburden

Mineral

Overburden is stock-piled in the exploited part of deposit

(dragline, round pit conveyor, cross pit conveyor…).

G E O M I N I N G G U I D E
 Mining Plans
Mining Methods

Successive Horizontal Benching Method (full width)

Cumulative tonnage
of Overburden

Cumulative tonnage Successive Horizontal

of mineral Benching Method at flank

34

Mining Methods

Nested Pit Method

Waste
Extraction
1
2 Working Slope
3
Hanging Wall

Waste
Foot Wall

Waste

Mineral
Mineral and intercalated waste extraction
tonnage of waste

Cumulative tonnage
Cumulative

2 1
4
Waste 3
5
of waste

Mining sequences:
Cumulative tonnage of mineral 1&2; 3&4… Cumulative
tonnage of mineral

G E O M I N I N G G U I D E
 Mining Plans
Mining Methods

Nested Pit Method

A
B

Working Slope C

Cyclic method
35

Mining Methods

Mixed Method

Final Slope

Hanging Wall
Foot Wall
Working Slope

G E O M I N I N G G U I D E
 Mining
Operations

Operations
Mining

G E O M I N I N G G U I D E
 Mining Operations
Definition

• Mining operations include all mining activities from extraction to mill

inlet, (e.g. drilling & blasting, loading & hauling, crushing & sizing,
stockpiling…), which take into account the plant requirements in
terms of quantity, quality, safety and cost.

• All activities need to be well managed in order to obtain an efficient

system.

37

PLANT PILING & RECLAIMING,

REQUIREMENTS PROPORTIONING

CRUSHING
& SIZING

Each mining activity

MINE DESIGN
interrelates with
and impacts the others

LOADING
DRILLING & HANDLING
& BLASTING

G E O M I N I N G G U I D E
 Mining Operations
Main Mining Activities
• Bench Design

• Drilling & Blasting

• Loading & Hauling

• Crushing & Sizing

• Equipment Management

• Safety

• Rehabilitation

38

Bench Design
• Factors affecting bench orientation:
➔ Dip and strike
➔ Fractures
➔ Geochemical variability orientation.

• Factors affecting bench height:

➔ Vertical variability
❿ In high variability cases, avoid high benches (> 10 m) in order to
control the geochemical variations better.
❿ If the reclaiming of the pile is parallel to the front, the control of
variability may be better.However, in the case of a mobile crusher
in the quarry, make sure that the crusher-front hauling is optimized.
➔ Level of Production
➔ Rod length of the drill rig
❿ If possible, make bench heights multiples of drill rod length to
minimize the maneuver time.

G E O M I N I N G G U I D E
 Mining Operations
Bench Orientation
Quarry heading directions following the strike
Blast holes shall be on the line of the arrow

Reclaiming directions
Stay in same bench as long as possible

In case of horizontal bedding In case of inclined bedding

39

Drilling & Blasting

• Main Drilling Objectives:
➔ Blast hole alignment
➔ Drill cost per meter drilled
➔ Representative sampling of cuttings
Automatic sampling device is recommended.

• Main Blasting Objectives:

➔ Good fragmentation
➔ Good muck pile profile
➔ Good diggability
➔ Good overall quality and productivity versus drilling & blasting
costs
➔ No nuisance (e.g. ground and air vibrations, dust…)
➔ Good and well shaped quarry floor and faces.

G E O M I N I N G G U I D E
 Mining Operations
Drilling & Blasting

• Type of drilling:
➔ Top hammer (TH) in competent rock (for hole diameter from
76 to 150 mm and depth less than 15 m).
➔ Down-the-hole hammer (DTH) in soft, fragmented, karstic rock
(for hole diameter 150 - 200 mm and depth less than 30 m).
More air, so bigger air compressor is needed for DTH.

➔ Rotary drill (hole diameter > 200 mm and holes depth > 30 m).

• Bit and stem selection:

➔ This is related to the drillability of the rock and the air flow
required to remove the cuttings.
➔ Penetration rate is inversely proportional to hole section area
with the same power applied to the bit/stem arrangement.

40

Drilling & Blasting

• Factor affecting drilling efficiency:
➔ No diameter smaller than 4” or 102 mm because of ANFO
(except justified cases).
➔ Drill holes shall be parallel with constant burden.
➔ Bottom of holes must be at the same level.
➔ Drill rig perpendicular to face.
➔ Drill rig leveled.
➔ Drill rig well set on hole position.
➔ Drill operator communicates rock properties (fracture, karst,
water…) to blasting crew.
➔ Measure drill hole locations with tape (do not pace) and mark
(e.g. with spray paint) before drilling.

G E O M I N I N G G U I D E
 Mining Operations
Drilling & Blasting

4 Mine Blast Pattern

3
5
2
6
22 7
B S
8

21

1 23 26

24
25 10 9

18 11
19
27
13 12
20

16
14

17
15

Legend :
1 - Bench height 8 - New crest (After mucking) 15 - Toe 22 - Drill cuttings pile
2 - Hole-to-crest 9 - Rear row of boreholes 16 - Hole-to-toe 23 - Stemming
3 - B = Burden 10 - Side break 17 - Subrilling 24 - Column explosive
4 - Borehole Coverage Area = S x B 11 - Intermediate row(s) of boreholes 18 - Exp. column height 25 - Crest
5 - S = Spacing 12 - Crest row of boreholes 19 - Hole depth 26 - Borehole collar
6 - Hole Dia. 13 - Front burden 20 - Floor or final grade 27 - Bottom priming
7 - Back break 14 - Bank angle 21 - Stem height

41

Drilling & Blasting

• Explosives:
➔ Dynamites, nitrate-fuels (ANFO), slurries, watergels, emulsions,
heavy ANFO.
➔ Energy is expressed in calories per gram based on ANFO
(Ammonium Nitrate with Fuel Oil is the reference at 100).
➔ Density is expressed in grams per cubic cm, and determines the
weight of the loaded explosives.
➔ Use water resistant explosives in holes with non-evacuable
water.

• Detonators:
➔ The booster is a charge into which a detonator is inserted
to initiate a primary charge.
➔ The primer is a booster armed with an initiating charge.

G E O M I N I N G G U I D E
 Mining Operations
Drilling & Blasting
• Factor affecting blasting efficiency:
➔ Rock properties
❿Young modulus
❿Poisson ratio
❿Compressive and tensile strength
❿Porosity.

➔ Explosive properties
❿Type (ANFO, emulsion, dynamite)
❿Velocity of detonation
❿Distribution in the column
❿Quantity
❿Delaying.

➔ Blast design
❿Hole diameter length and inclination
❿Pattern
❿Stemming length and material
❿Subdrilling.
42

Drilling & Blasting

• Geological factors influencing blasting efficiency:
➔ Structure
❿In case beds are dipping, blasting rows must be parallel to the
strike.
❿In case of irregular faces or walls, the orientation of the first
row must be perpendicularly adjusted to the strike of beds or
joints.
❿In all cases, the holes of the last row of the next blast should be
marked before blasting.
➔ Rock hardness
❿Hard rock requires the generation of many cracks, thus high
bore hole pressure, high velocity and energy.
❿Soft rock requires more gases and needs more than shock
energy for adequate fragmentation and displacement.

G E O M I N I N G G U I D E
 Mining Operations
Drilling & Blasting
• Blast Design (1):
➔ There is no magical formula to optimize blast design.
➔ The only way to optimize blast is by trials.
❿Choose hole diameter appropriate to bench height.
❿Start with:
– Square pattern (Space and burden in meters = 0.9 x hole
diameter in inches)
– Crushed stemming material (cleaned 20 mm stone)
– Bottom initiation with Nonel (non electric detonetor)
depending on the local law
– and delays:
• 17-25 ms between holes,

• 42-50 ms between rows.

43

Drilling & Blasting

• Blast Design (2):
❿Evacuate water (if there is any) from the hole before loading
explosive.
❿Evaluate the last result:
– Vibration
– Fragmentation
– Muck pile profit
– Back break
– Video film each blast to evaluate when possible.
❿Modify only one parameter at each trial until optimisation.
❿Environmental constraints can increase the number of holes
to be drilled per ton of rock blasted, thus limiting the tonnage
included in any drill pattern.

G E O M I N I N G G U I D E
 Mining Operations
Drilling & Blasting

Muck Pile Profile Types

Material thrown back onto bench
Excessive backbreak

Tight
Hard to dig, poor fragmentation related to
insufficient interval between rows (<35 ms).

Some overbreak
Hard to dig, moderate fragmentation, suitable for shovel
excavation related to short delay interval (35-50 ms) at
Tight,
compact high benches. Good for quality control while reclaiming by
loader in quarries with horizontal or inclined continuous
bedding and suitable for loading at low benches (7-8 m).

Little overbreak

Easier to dig, good fragmentation, suitable for loader

excavation related to longer delay interval (>50 ms).
Loose, spread out
Too much displacement may need bulldozer to prepare
the muck pile for loading.
44

Drilling & Blasting

• Key Indicators for drilling and blasting efficiency:
➔ Energy factor (gr equivalent ANFO per ton)
➔ Fragmentation curve (distribution curve, swell factor)
➔ Productivity of drilling (m per ton of rock)
➔ Productivity of blasting (ton per blast)
➔ Optimized drill hole diameter (power at bit)
➔ Penetration rate
➔ Number of blasting incidents over time
➔ Number of new environmental complaints
➔ Total drilling cost (unit of cost per ton)
➔ Total blast cost, including secondary blasting or mechanical
breaking of oversized boulders (unit of cost per ton)
➔ Vibration level in relation to permissible level.

G E O M I N I N G G U I D E
 Mining Operations
Loading & Hauling
• Main applications of loading equipment (1):
➔ Wheel Loaders
❿For frequent blasts
❿Multi face loading
❿Sorting and transporting boulders
❿Reclaiming ripped material
❿Polyvalent equipment in the quarry (assistance and aid)
❿Stock forming equipment
❿Needs good floor and lower face profile.

45

Loading & Hauling

• Main applications of loading equipment (2):
➔ Hydraulic excavators (Back-hoe)
❿For important blasts (one face loading)
❿For extraction after weakening blast or direct extraction when
possible
❿Narrow and difficult working areas (2-4 m bench width is
enough for working)
❿Usable in loose underfooting areas
❿For selective mining (better quality control while loading)
❿For removing overburden (less effected by the surface
conditions).

G E O M I N I N G G U I D E
 Mining Operations
Loading & Hauling
• Main applications of loading equipment (3):
➔ Hydraulic shovels
❿For important blasts (one face loading)
❿Possibility of direct extraction
❿Narrow and difficult working areas
❿Usable in loose underfooting areas
❿For hard materials
❿Cleaning working front (foot, faces)
❿Possibility of “drop ball”*
❿Good adaptation to all type of hauling equipment.

* “Drop ball”: a method of breaking big boulders of a blast by dropping

a steel ball onto the boulder.

46

Loading & Hauling

• Comparison of loading equipment:
Equipment Wheel Loader Hydraulic Excavator Hydraulic Shovel

Capacity 4-10 m 3
2.5-6 m 3
4-7 m3

Life time (hours) 10-15 000 10-20 000 15-20 000

Penetration force low (tires) 250-400 KN 350-550 KN

Cycle time (min.) 0.50 - 0.65 0.30 - 0.55 0.30 - 0.55

Bucket fill factor 0.90 - 1.15 0.90 -1.30 0.85 - 1.00

Operation cost (loading) moderate low high

Purchasing cost moderate low high

G E O M I N I N G G U I D E
 Mining Operations
Loading & Hauling
• Selection criteria for distance and slope for hauling equipment (1):
Equipment Distance Slope

Track dozer < 100 m < 20-25°

Wheel loader < 100 m < 10°

Scraper < 1000 m < 10-20°

Articulated truck ~ 1000 m < 20°

Rigid frame truck < 10 000 m < 8-10°

Wagon or rail car ~ 10 000 m < 6°

47

Loading & Hauling

• Selection criteria for hauling equipment (2):
➔ Truck dozer
❿Used when slope is important
Compared to horizontal, 20% production loss or gain for ± 10° slope
variation.
❿Blade selection with regard to material properties must
be done carefully
❿Life time: 50 000 hours.

➔ Scrapers
❿For very bad road conditions (rolling resistance >10%)
❿For earthworks and non-consolidated rocks
❿High dead load
❿Not good for distances longer than 1 km
❿Life time: 15 000 hours.

G E O M I N I N G G U I D E
 Mining Operations
Loading & Hauling
• Selection criteria for hauling equipment (3):
➔ Wheel loaders
❿Difficult working conditions for the operator as well as for the
equipment.
Compared to 2% rolling resistance, ~ 30% production loss at
8% rolling resistance.
❿High tire cost.
➔ Belt conveyor
❿Especially for crushed stone
❿Low operation cost
❿High investment.
Best choice when road construction is difficult.
➔ Wagon or rail car
❿Needs loading equipment
❿Low operation cost
❿High investment cost.

48

Loading & Hauling

• Selection criteria for hauling equipment (4):
➔ Rigid Frame Truck
❿High payload (25-350 t)
❿For all type of rocks (robust and polyvalent tray)
❿Needs good underfooting and roads (rolling resistance < 6%)
❿Good working condition for operator (suspensions)
❿Life time: 40 000 hours.

➔ Articulated trucks
❿Limited payload (<40t)
❿For earth works (tray not well adapted for hard rocks)
❿For bad roads (rolling resistance > 6%) and difficult loading
and unloading zones
❿Good for small sites where road construction can not
be justified.
❿High maintenance cost
❿Life time: 10 000 hours.

G E O M I N I N G G U I D E
 Mining Operations
Loading & Hauling
• Matching factors for loading and hauling equipment:
➔ Bench height restriction and required flexibility
➔ Diggability and muck pile configuration
➔ Lift-dump height clearance
➔ Bucket fill factor
➔ Loading cycle time
❿Loader 3-5 passes, Excavator 3-7 passes.

➔ Floor condition and rolling resistance, road grade

➔ Travel distance
➔ Required crusher throughput
➔ Labor cost (hourly cost, shift structure…)
➔ Other costs (capital, fuel & oil, tires, parts & maintenance).

49

Loading & Hauling

Truck and loader spotting

Wheel Loader

60°

Dumper
120°

Front

G E O M I N I N G G U I D E
 Mining Operations
Loading & Hauling
• Key indicators for loading and hauling efficiency:
➔ Truck or bucket fill factor (%)
➔ Diggability (sec per cycle and t/h)
➔ Productivity (t/h)
➔ Fuel consumption (liter per hour)
➔ Tire consumption ($/km)
➔ Number of gear changes in cycle
➔ Fleet capacity versus requirement
➔ Total cost for loading and hauling (cost unit per ton).

50

Loading & Hauling

• Ancillary equipment:
➔ Track bulldozers are the most common, particularly for
overburden removal.
➔ Scrapers can be used for overburden or clay removal.
➔ Motor grader should be used to maintain roads.
➔ Water truck reduces dust and improves road maintenance.

G E O M I N I N G G U I D E
 Mining Operations
Loading & Hauling
• Roads and Underfooting:
➔ The quality of roads and underfooting is one of the parameters
for assessing the performances of mining operations.
➔ Roads and underfooting affect production and maintenance
costs.
❿For 1 km road, about 10% production loss at 5% RR* compared
to 3% RR.
❿More tire and fuel consumption, etc.
* Rolling Resistance: force opposed by the road to the progression of the
wheels of the hauling equipment.

Underfooting Rolling Resistance

Good, hard road 1.5 - 2.0
Dirty road, little maintenance 3.0 - 5.0
Dirty road, soft under footing 6.0 - 8.0
Loose sand or gravel 10.0
Dirty road, soft under travel, no maintenance, muddy 11.0 - 20.0
51

Loading & Hauling

• Hauling Road Maintenance:
➔ Water truck should wet roads lightly and frequently because
wet tires are more prone to cut.
➔ Roads should be maintained by graders not only to clear debris
but also to ensure drainage and level. The loader can also do
this in small quarries.
➔ Rolling Resistance, being an important factor in cycle time,
should be minimized.
➔ Haul roads include loading and dumping areas.
➔ The width of haul roads has to be adapted to truck traffic. In
the case of two way haul roads, 4 X width of truck.
➔ All road slopes must be regular and adapted to the truck’s
characteristics.

G E O M I N I N G G U I D E
 Mining Operations
Crushing and Sizing
• Factors affecting crushing & sizing efficiency:
➔ Feed area must always be kept clean.
➔ Wear patterns need to be reviewed frequently along with set
points.
➔ Feeders and their crushers should be interlocked.
➔ Feed should be adjusted to sized materials for vibrating step-
type grizzlies.
➔ The required raw mill power (kWh) is affected by particle size
distribution.
➔ Screens should be sized to 133% the required capacity.
➔ Screens should be specified for wet or dry applications.
➔ Feed must be evenly spread across the screen.
➔ Bed depth should not exceed 4x the deck opening.

52

Crushing and Sizing

• Crushing equipment:
Rock Output Crushing
properties Characteristics equipment
Sticky Compaction may choke device at exit Toothed Double Roll
Moist for Hammer, Impact and Jaw crushers Toothed Single Roll

Hard rock For close size distribution Jaw (double toggle)

(watch for slabbing) Jaw or Gyratory
Abrasive rock Impact
For cubical shape output and high Vertical Shaft Impact
capacity (watch for abrasion
For high capacity, less wear but less
reduction ratio

Soft rock Compact in shape, high capacity ➔ Jaw (single toggle)

High output, max fines ➔ Impact
Close distribution ➔ Hammer
Compact in shape ➔ Roll
For friable rocks ➔ Vertical Shaft Impact

G E O M I N I N G G U I D E
 Mining Operations
Crushing and Sizing

• Crushing equipment:
Operation Max Feed Reduction Typical Power (HP) Cost
Size (mm) ratio equipment For 400-600 tph (x 1 000 US$)

Primary 500-1500 3-4 Gyratory 150-250 250-350

crushing 2-3 Jaw 175-300 250-350
4-7 Impact (double rotor) 300-400 200-400
5-10 Hammer 700-1100 400-500
5-10 Toothed Roller 150-400 350-800
3-10 Vertical Shaft
Impactor

Secondary 50-500 5-10 Gyratory 100-200

crushing Cone 200-300 250-400
Impact (double rotor) 300-500
Hammer
Roller

53

Crushing and Sizing

• Key indicators for crushing & sizing efficiency:
➔ Throughput (t/h)
➔ Size distribution curve
➔ Power consumption (kWh per crushed ton)
➔ Re-circulation rate (t/h)
➔ Dust suppression efficiency
➔ Total crushing cost.

G E O M I N I N G G U I D E
 Mining Operations
Equipment Management
• Has a great impact on mining costs and therefore can not be
neglected.
• The purpose of equipment management is:
➔ To choose the most suitable equipment for the required work
➔ To lengthen equipment life
➔ To minimize downtime
➔ To control service intervals
➔ To improve re-sale value.

54

Equipment Management
• New equipment choice parameters:
➔ Justification of replacement (EVA…)
➔ Compatibility with mining methods and raw materials
characteristics
➔ Type of machine
❿Best operating cost
❿Preventive maintenance requirements and cost
❿Cost-effective repair strategy and after-sale service
❿Equipment and components life expectancy
❿Re-sale value

➔ Benchmarking
➔ Training and implication of operators.

G E O M I N I N G G U I D E
 Mining Operations
Equipment Management
• Preventive maintenance recommends tasks and intervals to help to
plan downtime and prevents unexpected failures.
➔ Systematic oil sampling provides analysis of oil contaminants
and trends to identify problem areas.
➔ Inspections and performance evaluation, often done by the
equipment operator on a checklist, help to identify potential
problems and to make some small repairs.
➔ Customized operator training can be a key factor in reducing or
eliminating operator error.
➔ A well kept schedule should be followed to ensure timely
repairs.
➔ A close cooperation between maintenance and operation
people is required for preventive maintenance.
➔ Record keeping provides a history to optimize preventive
maintenance scheduling, predicts maintenance costs for
equipment, and helps select new equipment.

55

Safety
• Proper safety performance is based on team work and good
communication.
• Each quarry must have safety regulations. The following are just
given as an example. See Appendix IV for detailed safety rules which
are applicable in all quarries.
➔ Housekeeping in the quarry
➔ Posted safety policy and rules
➔ Clean operator cabins
➔ Posted emergency procedures and phone numbers
➔ Regular meetings of Safety Operators
➔ Proper road signs and speed limits placed at key areas
➔ “Danger” or “No Trespassing” signs to prevent unauthorized
entry
➔ Back-up signals on all mobile equipment
➔ Working safety guards where required
➔ Personal safety equipment like hard hats, steel-toe boots,
safety glasses.

G E O M I N I N G G U I D E
 Raw Material
Raw Mix Audit

Raw Mix Audit

Raw Material

G E O M I N I N G G U I D E
 Raw Materials & Raw Mix Audit
Introduction
• Audit’s objective
• Plant Characteristics:
➔ Process type
➔ Main equipment
➔ Clinker types and capacity.
• Competitors on the same market

57

Location
• Geographic location of plant and quarries (illustrated on a map).
• Description of the local transportation system (into the plant,
between plant and deposits, around the deposits…).
• Description of the plant and quarries neighborhood (villages, other
inhabited areas, springs, places of worship, cemeteries, historical
monuments, natural parks, other industrial sites…).
• Geomorphologic description (landscape, relief, surface waters…).
• Regional climatic conditions.

G E O M I N I N G G U I D E
 Raw Materials & Raw Mix Audit
Regional Geology
• Stratigraphy and lithology with a focus on present and potential raw
material sources (illustrated on a geological map and stratigraphical
column).
• Regional tectonic, seismicity and volcanism.
• Regional hydrogeological conditions.

58

Legal Aspect
• Status of cement raw materials in the mining legislation.
• Land control (for the plant and deposits):
➔ Private properties
➔ Leased lands
➔ Other (depth restriction…).
• Required legal permits (delivered by…, expiration date):
➔ Exploration license
➔ Mining license(s)
➔ Operating license
➔ Other permits (explosives use, public roads use, water
management…).
• Type and amount of taxes for the land and underground use.
• Other data relating to the local regulation.

G E O M I N I N G G U I D E
 Raw Materials & Raw Mix Audit

The following points, up to “Raw Mix”

should be applied separately
to each of the raw materials.

59

Geological Characteristics
• Existing data:
➔ Geological and topographical maps (1:2000 or 1:5000)
➔ Aerial photo frequency, precision of topographical restitution
➔ Geological reports, drill holes, analyses…
• Detailed geological description of the deposit (raw materials,
overburden, karst…).
• Local hydrogeology (surface and underground water).
• Local geotechnical problems (slope instabilities, land-slides…).

G E O M I N I N G G U I D E
 Raw Materials & Raw Mix Audit
Reserves
• Reserves tonnage and chemistry (according to official local data):
➔ Proven and probable reserves including their calculation
methods and equivalent in clinker.
• Geological or potential reserves:
➔ Horizontal and vertical extension of the deposit under-mining
➔ Other potential deposits.
• Possibility of acquiring more land to increase reserves and to support
the environment strategy.

60

Quality
• Geochemical characteristics of the extracted raw material from
drilling and sampling programs as well from quarry assaying.
➔ Variability
❿For each of the major oxides, the average and standard
deviation from both the drilling program and the quarry
assays should be given
❿Analyses of the major oxides and LOI including SO3, alkalis,
Cl, P205, pyrite and free quartz
❿Some samples from deposit can be collected to check
geochemistry.
➔ Physical characteristics
❿Density
❿Moisture (seasonal variations)
❿Compression and tensile strength.

G E O M I N I N G G U I D E
 Raw Materials & Raw Mix Audit
Mining
• Description of the long and short-term mining plan as well as the
mining method.
• Geometric parameters of the quarry:
➔ Reasons for the orientation of mining fronts
➔ Bench height and general appearance
➔ Floors and haulways conditions
➔ Safety benches and berms protection.
• Extraction mode: Conventional (Drill & Blast) or Mechanical (Ripping…).
• Mobile equipment:
➔ General appearance, type & number, capacity (m/h and
diameter for drill, m3 and hp for others), availability, main
concerns should be given for each of the following:
❿Drill, excavator, loader, truck, bulldozer, grader and other main
service equipment.
• If quarry is sub-contracted, specify general conditions of contract.
61

Mining
• Drilling:
➔ General position of the drill: perpendicular to the bench,
leveled, positioning on hole location
➔ Advance of drilling with respect to blasting.
• Blasting:
➔ Geometric parameters (number of rows, hole per row, hole
layout, hole diameter, burden, spacing, sub-drilling, inclination,
stemming…)
➔ Grid type (square, rectangular or staggered)
➔ Explosive types and characteristics
➔ Column load description and stemming material
➔ Initiation and detonator types
➔ Firing sequence
➔ Consumption of explosives per ton of blasted material
➔ Quantity of oversize blocks and cost ratio (cost of oversize/total
blasting cost)
➔ Average blasted tonnage
➔ Suitability of the blasted rock to the crusher type
➔ Safety measures.

G E O M I N I N G G U I D E
 Raw Materials & Raw Mix Audit
Mining
• Loading:
➔ Loading efficiency ( bucket fill factor, cycle time, waiting time,
ease of loading equipment to dig into blasted rock)
➔ Cleanness of the operation
➔ Blending done by the loading if required
➔ Safety of the operation.
• Hauling:
➔ Hauling efficiency ( dumper fill factor, cycle time, waiting time,
rock spills at loading and on roads)
➔ Bunching
➔ Matching of the trucks with the loading and crushing
equipment
➔ The conditions of the haulways (Drainage, crown, curves,
wetting…)
➔ Safety of the operation.
62

Mining
• Crushing:
➔ Type of crusher
➔ Year of construction and general state
➔ Feed size distribution
➔ Type of feeding mechanism and its capacity
➔ Designed and effective production rates
➔ Main crushing related problems
➔ Type of circuits (open or closed)
➔ Re-circulation rate
➔ Suitability of conveying systems
➔ Reliability
➔ Types of screens and their efficiency (when applicable)
➔ Heave and throw of screens
➔ Safety measures around the crusher.

G E O M I N I N G G U I D E
 Raw Materials & Raw Mix Audit
Mining
• Cost ($/t):
➔ Blasted material
➔ Delivered material at crusher
➔ Sub-contracted work (when applicable)
➔ Crushed material
➔ Total cost of material delivered to raw mill.
• Staff:
➔ Quarry staff and organization
➔ Capability of staff to control contractors.

63

Environment
• Nuisances:
➔ Ground and air vibration
➔ Dust
➔ Surface and ground water outlet control
➔ Visual impact
➔ Buffer zone.
• Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) report if available.
• On-going and final reclamation plans.
• Emergency plan.
• Access restriction measures to the quarry.
• Main problem related to environmental protection.

G E O M I N I N G G U I D E
 Raw Materials & Raw Mix Audit
Raw-mix
• Description of raw mix line including comments:
➔ Raw material stocks
➔ Prehomo or blending tanks
➔ Bins and feeders
➔ Homogenization.
• Origin, composition, regularity and cost of raw mix additives.
• Current raw-mix composition and analyses (monthly mean values and
standard deviation for 1-2 last years):
➔ Chemical composition
➔ Fineness
➔ Moisture
➔ Raw-mix and clinker uniformity.
• Potential improvement of raw-mix composition and logic.
• Some samples can be collected for each type of raw material, raw
meal and clinker.
64

Quality Control
• Description of control logic:
➔ Sampling points and type (automatic, manual)
➔ Sampling methods (automatic, manual)
➔ Sampling frequency
➔ Analysis frequency
➔ Analyzed parameters
➔ Corrective actions (manual or automatic, software…).

• Description of laboratory equipment for chemical analysis

(equipment type, analytical methods).

• Description of data processing software.

G E O M I N I N G G U I D E
 Raw Materials & Raw Mix Audit
Conclusions
• Legal aspect

• Geological characteristics

• Reserves and quality

• Mining plan

• Mining equipment

• Mining cost

• Environment

• Raw-mix

• Quality control

65

G E O M I N I N G G U I D E
Appendix I

Chemical
Analysis

G E O M I N I N G G U I D E
 Chemical Analysis
Chemical Analysis
• LOI determination for high-calcium or dolomitic limestone:
➔ Dry at 110°C overnight
➔ A pre-loss at 750° C for 1 hour is performed on the sample so as
to prevent loosing material from effervescent de-carbonation
➔ Then ignition for 1 hour at 1000°C.
• LOI determination for other raw materials:
➔ Dry overnight
❿110°C for normal samples
❿45°C for samples containing gypsum and samples to be analyzed
for SO3 related to sulfides
➔ Ignition for 2 hours at 1000°C.

67

Chemical Analysis
• Preparation of fused beads (method used at CTS):
➔ Pulverize the ignited sample to 100% passing the 300 µm in
order to crush the lumps (mortar and pestle).
➔ The ignited sample 1.0000 +/- 0.0003 is combined with 6.5000
+/- 0.0003 g of lithium tetraborate (anyhdrous) in a small jar.
➔ A glass Leco spoon (0.3g) with lithium nitrate as a fluidity and
oxidizing agent is added.
➔ The above mixture is transferred (carefully and completely) to
a clean crucible and blended with a clean Teflon stirring rod
for 1 minute.
➔ Two drops of Lithium Bromide solution as an anti-wetting agent
is added to the crucible.
➔ The Claisse Fluxers Bis are used to fuse the mixture by heating
Program 1 to 1050°C for 20 minutes and to pour out fused
liquid into a polished mold.
• A glass bead is ready to be analyzed by the XRF after the cooling
period.

G E O M I N I N G G U I D E
 Appendix II

Lafarge
Raw Materials
Doctrine

G E O M I N I N G G U I D E
 Lafarge Raw Materials Doctrine

Raw Materials
Cement plants belong to heavy industry, and as such,
are built to last. Therefore, they must own or have
control over substantial reserves of raw materials.

Reserves
Each operating unit must have a policy concerning the acquisition
and preservation of its reserves of raw materials (limestone, marl,
clay, sand…).

• The raw material reserves of a cement plant represent a major

competitive asset in terms of their location, quantity and quality.
• In order to assure long plant life and prepare for the future, each
Operating Unit must ensure it has adequate reserves for:
69
– plants currently in operation,
– plants projected for the relatively near future,
– long-term projects to assure growth, restructuring or strategic
positioning,
– the anticipation or prevention of potential projects undertaken by
competitors.

• The exploration for deposits must be based on rigorous geological in-

vestigations and conducted as discreetly as possible.

• Each Operating Unit will define with its Technical Center, its “proven,
probable and potential” reserves in terms of years of clinker produc-
tion at current plant rated capacity (CKHC # 0005).The target is fifty
years of proven and probable reserves for the existing plants (except
justifiable cases such as use of secondary raw materials) and for new
projects.

• The proven reserves must guaranty a supply of at least ten years.

G E O M I N I N G G U I D E
 Lafarge Raw Materials Doctrine

Management And Preservation

of Mining Operations

• For each deposit, Operating Units must establish a long term plan for ob-
taining or extending of mining rights, land control and administrative per-
mits.This plan will contain for all areas impacted by the long term mining
plan including buffer zones; the following information:
– property limits,
– expiry dates of mining permits,
– tonnage and chemistry of reserves,
– characteristics of the deposits and their environmental constraints,
– action plans and necessary budget.

• For each deposit Operating Units must establish a long-term plan for min-
ing, based on geological investigations and the following issues:
– long-term optimization,
– economic objectives of mining,
– environmental protection.
70 This plan, periodically updated, will be carried out using the best tools available,
in particular deposit modeling techniques.The Operating Unit is responsible for
implementing these plans.
Each Operating Unit will also implement and maintain a policy of protection
and preservation for deposits which are being mined.This policy will require:
– protecting the environment and maintaining close relations with all con-
cerned (government, local officials, neighborhoods, etc.),
– creation and preservation of buffer zones around operating areas,
– rehabilitation in harmony with the neighboring landscape,
– continuous research for improvement in environmental protection
(i.e. vibration, noise, dust, visual aspect…),
– prohibition of the storage or burial of materials or waste in the quarry
which may pollute the ground water or create other risks,
– mining operations respecting internal and external safety rules,
– a professional supervision of mining operations by plant staff.

G E O M I N I N G G U I D E
 Lafarge Raw Materials Doctrine

Definitions
Reserves of raw materials must be certified by
Technical Centers and classified as follows:

Proven Reserves
Reserves in fully controlled land for which we have the mining rights
and the necessary administrative permits for mining operations.
– They have been evaluated on the basis of representative core
drilling and reliable geochemical analyses.
– The revision of the short term mining plan is based on these re-
serves.

Probable Reserves
Reserves in fully controlled land for which we have the mining rights,
but the necessary administrative permits for mining operations may be
incomplete, or reserves in incompletely controlled land for which we
have the mining rights and the necessary administrative permits for
mining operations. 71

– They have been evaluated on the basis of representative core

drilling, or equivalent, and reliable geochemical analyses.
– The long term mining plan includes these reserves.

Potential Reserves
Reserves in a land which is uncontrolled, but recognized as potentially
miniable after obtaining the necessary permits.
– The necessary geological investigations are not fully carried out
to ensure their quantity, quality and miniability.
– Their technical and economical feasibility is uncertain.
– These reserves have the same value for a competitor as for La-
farge.

References
Related practices can be found in Geomining Guide.

G E O M I N I N G G U I D E
 Appendix III

Variograms

G E O M I N I N G G U I D E
 Variograms
Absolute Variogram

• γ (h) = 1/2N Σ (xi - xi+h)2

N: number of pairs xi, xi+h
xi, xi+h: values of the variable of interest at locations i and i + h, separated by
the distance h

• This is the most common type of variogram, which must be used to

define Kiriging parameters.

73

Relative and Logarithmic Variograms

• Can be useful for detecting spatial structures when:

➔ There are anomalous high values
➔ Positively skewed distribution
➔ Relative Variogram
➔ γ (h) = 1/2N Σ [ (xi - xi+h)2 / m2]
(division by a local mean squared)
➔ Relative variograms are resistant to outliers (isolated high
values) when applied to positively skewed distributions
(asymmetrical distribution with a tail of high values).
• Logarithmic Variogram:
➔ Use the logarithm of values
➔ Do not use logarithms to perform estimations as it is
complicated to back transform an estimated logarithm to the
original variable.

G E O M I N I N G G U I D E
 Variograms
Power of Differences

• Exponent 2 is the standard value for the absolute variogram (squared

differences between values separated by a vector h).
• Exponent 1 can be used to underline particular features of the spatial
structure.
➔ Efficient to detail long scale structures (range and anisotropy),
but should not be used to model nugget effect.
However, kriging should be done with standard variogram
calculations (power of 2).

74

Search Angle

• Horizontal Angle:
➔ Azimuth measured in degrees clockwise from north
(0° = north).

• Vertical Angle:
➔ Dip measured in negative degrees down from horizontal
(0° = horizontal).
➔ These angles must be chosen according to the sampling and
drilling patterns (could require many angles, not necessarily at
90º). Also consider the strike, the dip and the intermediate
direction.

G E O M I N I N G G U I D E
 Variograms
Tolerance Angle

• Aperture angle of a cone centered on the azimuth and dip.

• Any pairs of points falling within the cone is used for variogram
calculation.
• For variograms along the holes, the tolerance angle can be small
because data is collected on a regular grid.
• For variograms along the holes (in the plane of the strata), the
tolerance angles are determined by trial and error. The number of
pairs and spatial continuity are the main criteria for determining the
proper angle.
• A directional tolerance of 180° corresponds to an omnidirectional
variogram (the direction of h is neglected, and only the magnitude
of h is considered).
• The omni-directional variogram should be used when the drilling
pattern does not allow for a sufficient number of pairs.

75

Slicing along X, Y or Z

• Always apply slicing along Z to limit the search for pairs of samples
to more specific stratigraphic horizons (for horizontal deposit).
• This means pairs from the same stratigraphic horizons can be
compared.
• If the deposit is inclined, apply slicing along the direction of the
strata, and try to reduce the tolerance as much as possible along
other directions.

G E O M I N I N G G U I D E
 Variograms
Estimation: weights according to distances

Point to be estimated

d1<d2<d3
but sample #3 should have a more
important weight than sample #2

76

Section View: horizontal layer

G E O M I N I N G G U I D E
 Variograms
Section View: inclined layer

77

Maximum Number of Steps

• Number of steps x Step length = total distance for which the

variogram is calculated

Step Length (basic unit distance)

• Average distance between holes

• Distance between samples (length of composite)

G E O M I N I N G G U I D E
 Variograms
Step Length

• Anisotropic sampling pattern => the step length must depend on the
direction.
➔ Sample spacing along the hole is much smaller than sample
spacing between holes.
• Clustered drilling pattern => several step lengths.

Distance of Reliability

• The distance of reliability can depend on the direction (if the study
area is rectangular).
• Set to one-half the length of the area to insure that the vector h and
increments xi - xi+h characterize the whole study area, and not only
the edge points.

78

Step Length

G E O M I N I N G G U I D E
 Variograms
Variogram Modeling

• Variogram model specifications are required for:

➔ ESTIME, to compute confidence intervals for inverse distance
method
➔ KRIGE to perform ordinary kriging to estimate unknown values
and to calculate kriging variance.
• Nugget effect: Intercept at the origin (h=0), which represents the
noise in the data (short spatial scale):
➔ Usually defined from the variogram along the hole, or from
close pairs of holes
➔ The nugget effect is the same for each direction.

79

Variogram Modeling

• The spherical model is the most commonly used variogram model:

➔ It can describe almost all practical cases of the cement industry.
➔ It reaches a sill at a distance referred to as “the range”.
➔ The distance for which the data are no longer correlated.
• The Linear and Exponential models could also be used.
• The Exponential model is similar to the Spherical model, but rises
more steeply near the origin
• The Gaussian model, used to model extremely continuous
phenomena, is not very useful for mining applications.

G E O M I N I N G G U I D E
 Variograms
Variogram Models

1.50

1.25

1.00
(h)

0.75
0.50 Sph
0.25 Exp
Gaus
0.00
0 50 100 150 200 250 300

Distance (h)
80

Variogram Components

1.50

1.25

1.00
C1, sill
(h)

0.75

0.50
Range
0.25
C0, nugget effect
0.00
0 50 100 150 200 250 300

Distance (h)

G E O M I N I N G G U I D E
 Variograms
Calculation and Modeling Strategy

• Calculate directional variograms for various directions and the

omnidirectional variogram.
➔ Geology and drilling pattern give important indications.
• Verify the criteria N(h) =>20-30 and h<dmax/2.
• If necessary, increase the angular tolerance or the step length
to increase N(h).
• Model the nugget effect and the sill with the omnidirectional
variogram.
• Model the directional variograms (ranges and anisotropies) using
the previous parameters (if possible).

81

Inverse Distance Method

• Traditionally, 2 is arbitrarily chosen as an exponent for inverse

distance methods.
• If the nugget effect is high (> 70% of spatial variation), an exponent
of 0 or 1 should be chosen.
• Continuous models with lower nugget effect should have an
exponent of 1 or 2 and give more weight to close samples.

G E O M I N I N G G U I D E
 Appendix IV

Safety
Rules

G E O M I N I N G G U I D E
Modified from Safety Manual of Western Mobile Inc.,
Denver Colorado, USA (1996).

G E O M I N I N G G U I D E
 Safety Rules
Accident Reporting

• Any employee sustaining a work-related injury or illness, shall report

to his or her supervisor immediately.
• All work-related injuries or illnesses will be treated by a designated
provider of medical services. See your immediate supervisor for the
nearest location and the proper form. In the case of an extreme
emergency, the nearest facility shall be used. All follow-up care will
be done by a designated provider of such services.

83

Personal Protection

• Employees in construction areas, plants, and work sites shall wear:

➔ Head protection (hard hat)
➔ Approved shatter-resistant safety glasses or safety goggles
➔ Approved hard-toed foot wear.
• Additional protection such as safety goggles or a full face shield and
protective clothing, appropriate for the work being done, shall be
worn when:
➔ Grinding or chipping
➔ Using a metal-working machine
➔ Performing any operation where an unusual hazard to the eye
exists.

G E O M I N I N G G U I D E
 Safety Rules
Personal Protection

• When the danger of falling more than two (2) meters exists, an
approved safety belt (or harness) with a lifeline suitably attached and
fastened to a secure point shall be worn.
• Approved hearing protectors shall be worn where the Management
requires it.
• Approved respiratory protection shall be worn where the
Management requires it.
• Clothing will be appropriate to working conditions. Hair, including
facial hair, must be contained around rotating equipment and/or
moving machine parts.

84

Cleanup

• Work places, passageways, storerooms, service rooms, shop and

lubrication areas, shall be kept clean and orderly.
• Ladderways, stairways, walkways, ramps, and platforms shall be kept
free of material which could cause stumbling or slipping hazards, or
injure persons below.
• Protruding nails, rebar, wire and other similar materials, which create
a hazard to personnel, shall be removed or completely bent over.

G E O M I N I N G G U I D E
 Safety Rules
Electricity

• You must always call an electrician when electrical work is needed,

with the exception of changing light bulbs, or when working on
automotive circuits. All repair work on any type of electrical
equipment shall be performed by qualified and/or experienced
electricians.
• The metallic frame, case, or enclosure of all stationary electrical
equipment such as motors, motor generators, transformers, starting
and control apparatus, oil switches, metallic conduits, cable sheaths,
hoists, telephones, heaters, and any other equipment that may
become accidentally charged with electric current shall be grounded.
• No person shall open a manual switch to disconnect power from a
running motor, except in case of emergency and only when the
regular starter control is not functioning.

85

Electricity

• Lamp sockets shall be of a weather-proof type material where they

are exposed to weather or wet conditions that may interfere with
illumination or create a shock hazard.
• Electric equipment and circuits shall be provided with switches or
other controls. Such switches or controls shall be of approved design
and construction and shall be properly installed.
• Transformer stations shall be enclosed to prevent anyone from
unintentionally or inadvertently contacting energized parts; such
enclosures shall be kept locked to prevent unauthorized entry.
• All power stations shall be marked in such a way as to show what
they control. This identification is to be done on all switches without
exception, unless there is immediate, obvious identification.

G E O M I N I N G G U I D E
 Safety Rules
Electricity

• Mobile equipment shall not run over power cables unless the cable
are properly bridged or protected.
• Blasting circuits shall be:
➔ Insulated
➔ Ungrounded
➔ Isolated from all other conductive elements.
• Circuits shall be protected against excessive overload by fuses or
circuit breakers of the correct type and capacity.
• Power wires and cables shall be insulated adequately where they pass
into and out of electrical compartments.

86

Electricity

• Cables shall enter metal frames of motors, splice boxes, and electrical
compartments only through proper fittings.
• Dry wooden platforms, insulating mats, or other electrically non
conductive material shall be kept in place at all switchboards and
power control switches where shock hazards exist.
• Permanent splices and repairs made in power cables, including the
ground conductor where provided, shall be:
➔ Mechanically strong with electrical conductivity as near as
possible as that of the original
➔ Insulated to a degree at least equal to that of the original and
sealed to exclude moisture
➔ Provided with damage protection as near as possible to that of
the original, including good bonding to the outer jacket.

G E O M I N I N G G U I D E
 Safety Rules
Electricity

• Electrically powered equipment shall be de-energized before

mechanical work is done on such equipment; power switches
shall be:
➔ Locked out or other measures taken which shall prevent the
equipment from being energized without the knowledge of the
individuals working on it.
➔ Activated only after such locks or preventative devices are
removed by the persons who installed them or by other
authorized personnel.
• Always refer to the Plant Lockout procedure when in doubt.

87

Explosives

• Any person who removes or attempts to remove explosives or

detonators from company property shall be subject to immediate
discharge and criminal prosecution.
• No person shall blast, store, transport, guard, use or handle
explosives or detonators unless he or she is completely familiar with
the blasting procedure and authorized to do so.
• Explosives or detonators in transit shall not be left unattended.
• Vehicles containing explosives or detonators shall not be taken to a
repair shop for any reason, and explosive conveyance shall be cleaned
and inspected by a supervisor before it is brought into a repair shop.
• Explosives and detonators shall not be contained in the same
compartment.

G E O M I N I N G G U I D E
 Safety Rules
Fire Prevention and Control

• No person shall smoke or use an open flame within an unsafe

distance of an area where smoking or the use of an open flame may
cause a fire or explosion.
• Signs warning against smoking and open flames shall be posted so
that they can be readily seen in areas or places where fire or
explosion hazards exist.
• Means shall be provided to confine, remove, control, or drain away
spilled or flowing flammable or combustible liquids.
• Drip pans shall be provided to catch leakage or spillage when oil or
flammable or combustible liquids are dispensed in a place or manner
which may create a hazard; floor areas where drip pans are used
shall be kept clean.
• In areas where fire is a hazard, materials such as oily waste and rags
which are subject to spontaneous combustion, shall be placed in
covered metal containers until disposed of properly.

88

Fire Prevention and Control

• Fuel lines of gravity-feed fuel systems shall be equipped with valves

to cut off fuel at the source and shall be located and maintained to
minimize fire hazards.
• Firefighting equipment shall be strategically located, readily
accessible, plainly marked and properly maintained.
• Discharged, damaged, or unserviceable equipment shall be reported
to a supervisor as soon as possible. Valves on oxygen and acetylene
cylinders shall be kept closed when the contents are not being used.
• When welding or cutting, suitable precautions shall be taken
to insure that smoldering metal or sparks do not result in a fire;
firefighting equipment shall be immediately available at the site.
• No welding, cutting or open flame is allowed within ten (10) feet of
exposed batteries.

G E O M I N I N G G U I D E
 Safety Rules
Machinery, Equipment and Tools

• Machinery or equipment that is to be used during the shift shall be

inspected before work begins by a competent person; defects
affecting safety shall be corrected before the machinery is used.
• Machinery or equipment shall not be lubricated while in motion
where a hazard exists unless equipped with extended cups or fittings.
• Where a hazard exists, work shall not be done above machinery or
equipment without building stagings, wearing safety belts, or other
suitable protective precautions being taken.
• Defective tools shall not be used.
• Tools and equipment shall not be used beyond the design capacity
intended by the manufacturer where such use may create a hazard to
personnel.
• Conveyor start up must be preceded by an audible alarm 30 seconds
before start.

89

Material Handling and Storage

• A manway shall be provided where materials are stacked or stored.

• Material shall be stacked or stored in such manner to prevent
stumbling or fall-of-material hazards.
• Secure footing and an adequate escape route shall be maintained
when moving, erecting, or removing material.
• Compressed and liquid gas cylinders shall be securely fastened in
an upright position.
• Valves on compressed gas cylinders shall be protected by covers
when being transported or stored, and shall be protected from
displacement when in use.

G E O M I N I N G G U I D E
 Safety Rules
Material Handling and Storage

• Working under or passing under suspended loads is forbidden.

• Hitches and slings used to hoist materials shall be constructed and
suitably issued for the particular material being handled.
• Taglines shall be attached to loads that may require steadying or
guidance while suspended.
• No one shall work from or travel on the bridge of an overhead crane
or hoist where catwalks, toeboards, and railings are not provided.
• Operators of cranes and hoists shall construe unclear signals to mean
“Stop”.
• Do not walk on a sand or rock material pile, unless over stabilized
slope.

90

Mechanical Guards

• Exposed moving machine parts, which may be contacted by and

cause injury to persons, shall be guarded, including:
➔ Gears, sprockets and chains
➔ Drive, head, tail and take up pulleys
➔ Flywheels, couplings, and shafts
➔ Sawblades and fan inlets
➔ Other similar moving parts.
• Guards at drive, head, and tail pulleys of conveyors shall extend a
distance sufficient to prevent a person from accidentally reaching
behind the guard and becoming caught between the belt and the
pulley.
• Except when testing or repairing machinery, guards shall be securely
in place while machinery is being operated.
• Hooks on cranes, chainfalls and similar equipment used for hoisting
shall be equipped with operating safety catches.

G E O M I N I N G G U I D E
 Safety Rules
Mobile Equipment

• Defects, which affect safe operation of the equipment, shall be

corrected before a unit is placed in operation.
• Operators' compartments of mobile equipment shall be kept free of
debris and extraneous materials.
• Except for training purposes, no person shall ride on mobile
equipment unless a seat is provided.
• Where provided, seat belts shall be used.
• Operators shall insure that all persons are in the clear before starting
or moving equipment.
• Operating speeds of mobile equipment shall be consistent with
conditions of roadways, grades, clearance, visibility, traffic and type
of equipment in use; tailgating is prohibited.

91

Mobile Equipment

• Equipment, materials or supplies to be transported on mobile

equipment shall be loaded and secured so as to prevent sliding,
shifting or spillage during transport.
• Jumping from any vehicle is absolutely forbidden.
• You must make sure your position is secured while on or around
any vehicle.
• Any equipment left unattended at night shall have reflectors,
lights and barricades if near a roadway or highway in normal use.
• Any equipment parked at a worksite shall be choked if the
equipment is to be left out of service for the working shift.
Park brakes should always be set on parked equipment.

G E O M I N I N G G U I D E
 Safety Rules
Mobile Equipment

• Seatbelts need not be provided on equipment that does not have a

Roll Over Protection Structure (ROPS).
• Any person locating himself beneath a truck box without the safety
device engaged shall be subject to immediate disciplinary action, up
to and including discharge.
• It is mandatory that you have a spotter, or clear vision to the rear,
before backing your vehicle.
• Do not position our truck parallel to a basement or other excavation.
• Do not get sideways on any slope or hill. Keep mixers on even ground
to the extent possible.

92

Travelways, Escapeways and Ladder/Stairs

• A safe travelway shall be provided and maintained to all working

places.
• Crossovers, elevated walkways, elevated ramps, and stairways shall be
of substantial construction, provided with handrails, maintained in
good condition; where necessary, toeboards shall be provided.
• Ladders shall be of substantial construction and maintained in good
condition.
• Fixed ladders shall not incline backwards.
• Portable rigid ladders shall be provided with suitable bases ; when
used, ladders shall be securely placed.
• Persons climbing or descending ladders shall face the ladders and
have both hands free for climbing.
• A ladder or stairway must be provided where there is a break in
elevation of 45 cm or more.

G E O M I N I N G G U I D E
 Safety Rules
Travelways, Escapeways and Ladder/Stairs

• Extension ladders must have rungs evenly spaced less than 30 cm

apart.
• Ladder landings must have platforms every 6 m and cages if over 6 m.
• Ladder rungs must be spaced evenly and have no obstruction behind
them (17.5 cm clearance behind ladder rungs). Rungs should be
corrugated, dimpled, or coated with skid-resistant materials and
there must be 25 cm behind rungs, not to exceed 35 cm. Ladder
handrails or the ladder itself must extend 1 meter above the landing.
• Ladders must be able to support 10 kg per rung and 220 kg per
section (section is between landings). Rungs should be at least 40 cm
wide.
• Cages are not required if a safety cable system is in place.
• Stairways and ladderways must be kept clear. No storage of
materials, etc.

93

Travelways, Escapeways and Ladder/Stairs

• Stairway landings must be at least 45 cm wide and 5 cm deep, if they

are permanent.
• Stairways should be installed at 30 degrees. Up to 50 degrees is
acceptable (30 degrees from horizontal position).
• Stairs should be 22 cm dep. Variations in riser height should not
fluctuate more than 1 cm.
• If doors or gates are located at the top of stairways or ladderways,
there must be a landing with 50 cm or more clearance beyond the
swing of the door. There must also be a window in the door, if
possible.
• Stairways must have handrails. If more than four steps, a midrail must
also be provided. The top handrail must always be 90 cm higher than
the steps.
• Employees shall not jump from any elevation.

G E O M I N I N G G U I D E
 Safety Rules
Welding and Cutting

• Welding, arc welding, cutting, or soldering shall be done only by a

competent person; trainees may weld, arc weld, cut or solder only
under the supervision of a competent person.
• Persons cutting or welding shall wear proper clothing and
equipment.
• No person shall work alone when welding or cutting in a hazardous
or confined area and adequate ventilation shall be provided.
• Electrode holders not in use shall be placed so that accidental contact
with a grounding medium will not occur.
• Welding cables shall be inspected for defects or beaks in the
insulation and shall be repaired or replaced if defects or breaks are
found.

94

Welding and Cutting

• Compressed and liquid gas cylinders shall be secured in a safe

position.
• Hoses shall not be hung from or exert undue strain upon regulators.
• Hoses shall be kept clean and free from oil and grease.
• Acetylene bottles that have been laying down shall be stored upright
for thirty (30) minutes or longer prior to use.
• Oxygen cylinders shall not be stored in rooms or areas reserved for oil
or grease storage.
• The frames of all welding and cutting machines shall be grounded
(third wire or separate wire).

G E O M I N I N G G U I D E
 Safety Rules
Excavation – Trenching

• Employees exposed to vehicular traffic at excavations or trenching

sites shall wear warning vests.
• Trenching shall be conducted at one to one repose. The removed
earth must be stored at least 90 cm from the trench edge.
• Trenching of more than 102 m deep will require the Management
Supervisor in attendance for the duration of the task. Storage of the
removed earth will have to be at least 1.8 m from the edge of the
trench.

95

Miscellaneous

• Horseplay shall not be tolerated.

• Any person who removes, displaces, damages, destroys or carries off
any safety device, safeguard, notice, or warning furnished for the
protection of personnel shall be subject to disciplinary action up to
and including discharge.
• No one shall advance beneath persons working overhead until those
working above have given permission in a clear, positive, and obvious
manner.
• Persons shall not get on or off moving equipment or ride hanging on
to the side of any type of equipment.
• Absolutely no one will be permitted to ride in buckets of moving
front-end loaders.

G E O M I N I N G G U I D E
 Safety Rules
Miscellaneous

• Employees shall use proper lifting techniques: lift with your legs,
keep your back straight, keep the load close to your body, do not lift
and twist with a load, get help if a load is too heavy.
• Any employee who is operating any company equipment at any time
while taking, using or consuming prescribed drugs must notify his/her
supervisor prior to using or operating company equipment.
• Employees are not allowed to walk up conveyors.
• To work from a conveyor you must be tied off with a harness.

96

G E O M I N I N G G U I D E
 Appendix V

Rehabilitation
Guidelines
Taken from
Strategic Quarry Rehabilitation Project (SQRP) of the Group

G E O M I N I N G G U I D E
 Site Selection

1
º
N
Objective
To assess major issues before applying for a permit: geology, water

E
regime, biodiversity, landscape, heritage, archaeology, human

N
environment, zoning by-laws.

I
To assess the project's ability to be integrated into the environment and

L
the local community's ability to accept it.

E
Application

D
All future quarries and extensions.

I
U
Principles

G
An environmental survey must be carried out before opening any new
quarry or major extension.
The survey will include:
• An ecological assessment (flora and fauna)
• A detailed geological assessment including hydrogeology and
hydrology
• Transport infrastructure (roads, waterways, rail) and proximity to
market
• Human environment: sufficient distance from urbanized areas;
compatibility with urban planning documents and constraints 97

• Environment: avoid or safeguard designated areas as well as those of

high ecological, archaeological or other interest
• Restoration of worked areas to be planned to blend into the wider
landscape or recreate landscapes lost to intensive management
• Alternative solutions.

List of proven techniques available

• Bio-geographical context:
– topographical maps,
– geological report,
– mining report,
– climate,
– hydrography, hydrology (flood plains) and water wells,
– quality of species (flora and fauna),
– endangered and endemic species (flora and fauna),
– potential rehabilitation program.

• Human and cultural context:

– neighboring human population inventory, including active groups,
– inventory of representative ecological interest groups,

G E O M I N I N G G U I D E
 Site Selection
– archaeological investigation,
– physical constraints (cemeteries, pipes, etc.),
– ceremonial and sacred grounds of indigenous peoples.

Costs
• Cost depends on country, size, history, etc. Can vary from US$10K to >
US$100K.

List of reference documents

ARQUIER Georges 1990, Granulats, presse de l'ENPC.
Organisation et Environnement 1993, Guide prospectif d’aménagement
de carrières calcaires en Lorraine. UNICEM URPG Lorraine – available at
Millery (69 – France).

List of show cases for this guideline

Site Division Region/dep. Country Comment
LA COURONNE Cement Charente France New operation plan taking into
account ecological assessment
LA FARE-LES-OLIVIERS Aggregates Bouches-du- France Choice of mining area and
Rhône operation plan according to
98
landscape
MUIDS/DAUBEUF Aggregates Eure France Sand and gravel terrace, to
(BERNIERES-SUR-SEINE) replace wet pits soon exhausted
same processing factory
HOPPEGARTEN Roofing Brandenburg Germany New operation in the Nature
Park “Märkische Schweiz”
SAINT-CONSTANT Cement Québec Canada Site extension

Experts to contact
Name Division/region/sector Country Phone nº
Ron FOSTER Aggregates United Kingdom 44 1 530 241 088
Serge DALLAS Aggregates France 33 1 40 95 69 30
Yves DERREAL Cement France 33 1 49 11 40 40
Philippe CHEVALIER Gypsum France 33 4 90 21 21 81

G E O M I N I N G G U I D E
 Choice of Rehabilitation Objectives

2
º
and Future Use

N
E
Objective
The rehabilitation objectives and future use must be socially and

N
environmentally beneficial, as well as technically and economically

I
feasible.

L
E
Application

D
All quarries in any geographical context.

I
Principles

U
The rehabilitation project must be designed according to the following

G
criteria:
– ecological considerations (see Guideline nº 1),
– geological and hydrogeological contexts,
– surrounding landscape (see Guideline nº 14),
– habitat creation and biodiversity enhancement when possible,
– economic feasibility,
– social and cultural preferences and opportunities.

List of proven techniques available

• Ecological and geological studies (see Guideline nº 1) 99
• Landscape studies (see Guideline nº 3 and 14)
• Consultation of any party – mineral planning authority, local authority,
neighbors, the land owner, statutory agencies or NGOs – involved in
the choice of the appropriate after-use.

Costs
Geological studies (see Guideline n° 1)
Landscape studies: 7 000 to 20 000 €
Ecological survey: 3 000 to 8 000 €

List of reference documents

Organisation et Environnement 1993, Guide prospectif d’aménagement
de carrières calcaires en Lorraine. UNICEM URPG Lorraine – available at
Millery (69 – France).

G E O M I N I N G G U I D E
 Choice of Rehabilitation Objectives
and Future Use
Experts to contact
Name Division/region/sector Country Phone nº
Ron FOSTER Aggregates United Kingdom 44 1 530 241 088
Yves DERREAL Cement France 33 1 49 11 40 40
Georg THOMAS Roofing Germany 49 6171 61 26 42
Arnaud COLSON Aggregates France 33 1 40 95 69 00

100

G E O M I N I N G G U I D E
 Visual Simulation

3
º
N
Objective
To facilitate choices and validate the concept. To enable the visual

E
amenity of the site to be considered at successive stages as the mineral

N
working and rehabilitation progress in order to communicate with the

I
authorities and the general public.

L
E
Application

D
Any quarry where the landscape is expected to be a major issue and
where the use of such techniques is relevant.

I
U
Principles

G
• Involve landscape architects in the project.
• Transfer geological, topographical and hydraulic data to a simulation
software program.
• Quantify the deposits to be mined:
Topsoil/Subsoil/Overburden/Mineral.
• Use aerial and/or line-of-sight photography coupled with landscape
design software.

List of proven techniques available 101

Topography on Autocad, Ortho-Photo, Coralis or comparable software
programs
• 3 D imaging:
– AMAP: software that can simulate plant growth, with various
species,
• Hydrogeological modeling
• Hydraulic modeling
• Scale models
• Photomontage
• GIS

Costs
• Software (AMAP): 15 000 €.
• For visual simulation:
– overall modeling 3 000 to 10 000 €,
– cost per visualisation point: 2 000 €
• For visual animation (approx. 3 minutes):
– visual only: 15 000 €,
– audiovisual: 20 000 €.
Those software programs are complex and should be contracted out.

G E O M I N I N G G U I D E
 Visual Simulation
List of reference documents
Atelier Architecture Environnement
1999-2000, Carrière de la Malle – Variante de réaménagement paysager,
LAFARGE GRANULATS PROVENCE available at Marseille (13 – France).
TUP/GVA (P. Thebault): CD ROM about the rehabilitation of Port La
Nouvelle, St Pierre La Cour, Le Teil, available at Lafarge ciment St Cloud
Tavernola.

List of show cases for this guideline

Site Division Region/dep. Country Comment
MUIDS / DAUBEUF
(BERNIERES-SUR-SEINE) Aggregates Eure France 3 D simulation, scale
models
PORT LA NOUVELLE Cement Aude France 3D simulation
YAMNUSKA Cement Alberta Canada AMAP
TAVERNOLA Cement Lombardia Italy Landscape simulation of
the mining stages
LA MALLE Cement Bouches-du-Rhône France Simulation drawings for
+ Aggregates project of rehabilitation
modification
MAZAN Gypsum Vaucluse France 3D simulation
102

Experts to contact
Name Division/region/sector Country Phone n°
Claire PAJON Aggregates France 33 1 40 95 69 00
Jean Pierre GRASSI Gypsum France 33 4 90 69 71 14
Jean-Guy LEVAQUE Cement North America 1 514 738 1202
Louis DESCOMBES Cement France 33 4 75 49 60 23

G E O M I N I N G G U I D E
 Rehabilitation Plan

4
º
N
Objective
The rehabilitation plan describes the series of phased operations that

E
make the future use of the site possible. The rehabilitation plan is used

N
as an internal and external communications tool. It is a fundamental

I
document for the quarry manager.

L
E
Application

D
All quarries are required (under the Lafarge Rehabilitation Policy) to
have a rehabilitation plan, which must be updated periodically.

I
U
Principles

G
The rehabilitation plan is essential to the implementation of the policy.
It must be part of or coordinated with the mining plan.
• Support from local stakeholders is necessary.
• The rehabilitation plan should be defined taking the extraction
program and the after-use into account (see Guideline nº 2).
• Gradual reclamation will spread the costs of rehabilitation over the
lifetime of the site. It must be illustrated with detailed phase plans.
• For cement operations, the rehabilitation plan must be defined in
collaboration with the relevant Technical Centers or departments.
103
• Coordination with the mining plan, as well as supervision and
monitoring of earthmoving, should minimize the displacement of plant
and equipment (see Guideline nº 9) and prevent environmental
damage.

List of proven techniques available

• The rehabilitation plan should include:
1. Final topographical data
2. Fencing, gates and boundaries
3. Water regime, aquifer levels
4. Plantings: hedges, bushes, woodlands
5. Habitats to be created
6. Rights of way
7. Public access and car parking facility (if intended)
8. Buildings (birdwatching hides, club house, offices, visitor center…).
• Areas for storage of soil and overburden should be carefully
designated on the rehabilitation plan (see Guideline nº 11). These areas
should take the ultimate use of the stored material into account and
preferably be located close to their final destination (see Guideline
nº 9). Where overburden is thick and storage will be long-term (hard
rock quarries), land outside the extraction area should be identified
for storage.

G E O M I N I N G G U I D E
 Rehabilitation Plan
• Simulation tools and models.
• Map of the site showing measures prescribed by the planning
permission.
• Use of past examples and published research documents.
• Supervision and monitoring, included in the rehabilitation budget
and systematically carried out (frequency to be set according to site
characteristics: for example, every second year for cement quarries,
every year for sand and gravel pits).

Costs
Vary considerably, and use of consultants can be expensive. In-house
expertise could be used for advice.
In North America: US$ 20 000 to 80 000.

List of reference documents

DINGETHAL F. J., JÜRGING P., KAULE G., WEINZIERL W.
1998, Kiesgrube und Landschaft, 3. Auflage
Paul Parey – available at Oberursel (Germany), Issy (France)

List of show cases for this guideline

104
Site Division Region/dep. Country Comment
SENAS Aggregates Bouches-du-Rhône France
GUERNES/SANDRANCOURT Aggregates Yvelines France landscape-
designed maps
LLYNCLYS Aggregates Shropshire UK
STONE CASTLE FARM Aggregates Kent UK
PONT de PEILLE (Contes) Cement Alpes Maritimes France
KARSDORF Cement Sachsen-Anhalt Germany
MATOZINHOS Cement Minas Gerais Brazil
DAVENPORT Cement Iowa US Park
HOPPEGARTEN Roofing Brandenburg Germany
BAMBURI Cement Kenya

Experts to contact
Name Division/region/sector Country Phone n°
Bernard BOURGUE Aggregates France 33 4 95 09 45 00
Ron FOSTER Aggregates UK 44 1 530 241 088
Claire PAJON Aggregates France 33 1 40 95 69 00
Yves DERREAL Cement France 33 1 49 11 40 40
René HALLER Cement Kenya 254 11 48 61 55
Jean-Guy LEVAQUE Cement North America 1 514 738 1202

G E O M I N I N G G U I D E
 Consultation with Authorities,

5
º
Associations and Neighbors

N
before Application

E
N
I
Objective

L
To identify key stakeholders.
To seek the approval of the local community, statutory and non-

E
statutory agencies, by presenting them with proposals and being

D
prepared to consider their concerns and requirements.

I
To obtain acceptable conditions within a reasonable timeframe in

U
order to draw up the operation plan.

G
Application
All quarries requiring a new or modified approved plan.

Principles
• Determine the main concerns of the community and the authorities.
• Justify the choice of the site and [operation plan (including
rehabilitation): economics, geography, environment (see Guideline
nº 1 and 2).
• Ensure that all consultees understand the facts of a proposed 105
development.
• After hearing the concerns of authorities, associations and neighbors,
modify the application and proceed with a new consultation to
present the modifications following this new application. Therefore,
this is an iterative process and may require a series of consultations.

List of proven techniques available

• Exhibitions, visits, opinion surveys, public inquiry, open days
(Guideline nº 24), public meetings.
• Becoming part of the local community, for example by establishing a
follow-up committee (Guideline nº 23).
• Simulation tools (see Guideline nº 3).
• Presentation of data about the company, especially existing
reclaimed sites (photographs and explanations).
• Tours of reclaimed sites to show the techniques implemented and
their result.
• One on one or small group discussions are preferable to large public
meetings.
• Mailings to neighbors.

G E O M I N I N G G U I D E
 Consultation with Authorities,
Associations and Neighbors
before Application
Costs
• Documents.
• Time devoted to presentation (can save time later).
• Opportunity cost (mitigation).

List of reference documents

Ministère de l’Environnement 1992, Charte de la Concertation, Ministère
de l’Environnement, France. Available at Issy or Millery (France).

Union Nationale des Producteurs de Granulats

1992, Charte Professionnelle de l’Industrie des Granulats UNPG, France –
Available at Issy (France).

List of show cases for this guideline

Site Division Region/dep. Country Comment
LA FARE-LES-OLIVIERS Aggregates Bouches-du- France Concertation for quarry
Rhône instead of controlled
106 rubbish dump
CAVAILLON Aggregates Vaucluse France Concertation committee
before quarry extension
SANDY Aggregates Bedfordshire UK
LA COURONNE Cement Charente France Concertation with
associations to deal
with ecological constraint
MONTMORENCY Gypsum Val-d’Oise France Early and close
contact with neighbours,
authorities and
associations
HOPPEGARTEN Roofing Brandenburg Germany

Experts to contact
Name Division/region/sector Country Phone n°
Arnaud COLSON Aggregates France 33 1 40 95 69 30
Jean-Claude MARCOU Aggregates France 33 1 60 73 54 40
Bernard BOURGUE Aggregates France 33 4 95 09 45 54
Andi HODGSON Aggregates UK 44 1 530 24 11 16
Yves DERREAL Cement France 33 1 49 11 40 40
Patrick PARIS Cement France 33 1 49 11 43 37
Denis SCHMID Gypsum France 33 4 90 21 21 28

G E O M I N I N G G U I D E
 Dialogue With Local Community

6
º
During Permitting Procedure

N
E
Objective

N
Once the operation plan has been developed, and before its approval,

I
the objective is to reach a consensus with the local community.

L
E
Application

D
All quarries needing a new or modified approved plan.

I
U
Principles

G
To reach consensus:
– presentation of the main characteristics of the project,
– ensure that consultees are made aware of the facts using reliable
data,
– understand possible political implications,
– support community access to independent expertise.

List of proven techniques available

• Meetings, including: town and/or regional councilors, planning
authority, local community representatives. 107
• Allocate staff resources and time to meet, possibly by appointment,
in order to directly answer the questions of each party concerned.

Costs
Time and documents devoted to presentation.

List of reference documents

Ministère de l’Environnement 1992,
Charte de la Concertation,
Ministère de l’Environnement, France
Available at Issy or Millery (France).

Union Nationale des Producteurs de Granulats (UNPG)

1992, Charte Professionnelle de l’Industrie des Granulats
UNPG, France – Available at Issy (France).

G E O M I N I N G G U I D E
 Dialogue With Local Community
During Permitting Procedure
List of show cases for this guideline
Site Division Region/dep. Country Comment
GUERNES/ Aggregates Yvelines France For extension on
SANDRANCOURT Flicourt
LLYNCLYS Aggregates Shropshire UK
LA GRANDE-PAROISSE Cement Seine-et-Marne France
MONTMORENCY Gypsum Val-d’Oise France Early and close
contact with
neighbours authorities
and associations
HOPPEGARTEN Roofing Brandenburg Germany

Experts to contact
Name Division/region/sector Country Phone n°
Pierre PROY Aggregates France 33 3 44 38 30 00
Dominique EVRARD Aggregates France 33 4 72 24 46 25
Jean-Claude MARCOU Aggregates France 33 1 60 73 54 40
108 Patrick PARIS Cement France 33 1 49 11 43 37
Denis SCHMID Gypsum France 33 4 90 21 21 28
Andi HODGSON Aggregates UK 44 1 530 24 11 16

G E O M I N I N G G U I D E
 Implementation of the

7
º
Rehabilitation Plan

N
E
Objective

N
Define and allocate the resources and measures needed to implement
the rehabilitation plan in line with its budget and schedule.

I
L
Application

E
All quarries before the beginning of any rehabilitation phase.

D
I
Principles

U
• Gradual restoration should be implemented as identified in the

G
rehabilitation program (see Guideline nº 4).
• The person responsible for the rehabilitation should understand and/or
apply:
– the existing mining plan,
– all the rehabilitation processes required by the approved plan
(earthmoving, vegetation…),
– management of contractors,
– the potential benefits (or damage) that can result from
rehabilitation operations if they are successful or not, especially in
terms of coordinating equipment and supplies with climatic 109
constraints,
– the internal and external skills required for providing advice and
guidance,
– make sure adequate funds are accrued and allocated in a timely
fashion, in accordance with Group policy and procedures.

List of proven techniques available

• Choice of contractors: already known by the company or proven
specialists.
• Restoration audits, periodic project meetings with contractors.
• For seeding, planting…, see the relevant Guideline.
• Collecting data on the rehabilitation program, for future work and cost
assessments (see Guideline nº 8).

Costs
A good program that is properly implemented avoids additional costs.
US$ 5 000 to10 000 /ha without transport or rough grading of raw
material.

G E O M I N I N G G U I D E
 Implementation of the
Rehabilitation Plan
List of reference documents
Mineral Planning Guidance (UK)

List of show cases for this guideline

Site Division Region/dep. Country Comment
GUERNES/SANDRANCOURT Aggregates Yvelines France
BELLEGARDE Aggregates Gard France
BESTHORPE Aggregates Nottinghamshire UK
VILLIERS-ADAM Gypsum Val-d’Oise France Already subcontracted
HOPPEGARTEN Roofing Brandenburg Germany
EXSHAW Cement Alberta Canada CKD site

Experts to contact
Name Division/region/sector Country Phone n°
Hervé CHIAVERINI Aggregates France 33 2 32 54 70 75
Claire MORICE Aggregates France 33 1 34 97 02 70
Bernard BOURGUE Aggregates France 33 4 95 09 45 54
110
Jean-Guy LEVAQUE Cement North America 1 514 738 1202
Pierre MATEU Gypsum France 33 1 60 26 64 04
Yves DERREAL Cement France 33 1 49 11 40 77
David PARK Aggregates UK 44 1 7406 54 461
Stephan NICOLAY Roofing Germany 49 6171 61 24 36
Frédéric THOUE Cement (CTI) Worldwide 33 4 74 82 18 04

G E O M I N I N G G U I D E
 Control, Monitoring and Reporting

8
º
N
Objective
Guarantee the sustainability of the plan and apply corrective measures.

E
Monitor and report the progress and cost of the rehabilitation to ensure

N
that they are compliant with the rehabilitation plan.

I
Record the history (annual diary) of the rehabilitation work.

L
E
Application

D
All quarries in the process of rehabilitation.

I
Principles

U
• Inspection and monitoring: by the person responsible for the

G
rehabilitation, who should immediately report any problems of
implementation or excessive cost to a higher authority, before the
situation gets out of hand.
• Ensure that the rehabilitation work is carried out in accordance with
company and regulatory safety and environmental requirements.
• Reporting is done by the person in charge of the rehabilitation: the
local management chooses the recipient according to the type of
operations.
• Identify improved practices and update Guideline.
111

List of proven techniques available

• Monitoring done by quarry manager if competent and possibly cross-
checked by internal advisor or consultant.
• Control during rehabilitation: ensure compliance with the
rehabilitation plan (which must be compliant with the approved plan).
• Keep a rehabilitation diary to record the main operations and the
conditions in which they have been carried out (dates, operations,
climate conditions, contractors, species planted or habitat created,
pictures, advisors…).
• Regular surveys (maps) of the quarry identifying rehabilitation works
already completed or planned.
• Inspection after rehabilitation: photographs year by year, taken from
the same points, to check plant growth and general establishment, for
example (satellite and aerial imagery are excellent, if available).
• Ecological assessment.

Costs
• Time devoted to the operations.
• Consultants.

G E O M I N I N G G U I D E
 Control, Monitoring and Reporting
List of reference documents
Observatoire du paysage,
Mission paysage, Ministère de l’Aménagement du Territoire et de
l’Environnement (France) / LAFARGE – ISO 14004 standard.

List of show cases for this guideline

Site Division Region/dep. Country Comment
LA FLECHE Aggregates Sarthe France ISO 14001 records of
rehabilitation
SENAS Aggregates Bouches-du-Rhône France Reporting of the
rehabilitation by a consultant
VAL D’AZERGUES Cement Rhône France
MAZAN Gypsum Vaucluse France Operational mining
plan includes reclamation
work
RAHMSTORF Roofing Niedersachsen Germany Reporting of the
rehabilitation by a
consultant
GODMANCHESTER Aggregates Cambridgeshire UK

112 Experts to contact

Name Division/region/sector Country Phone n°
Bernard BOURGUE Aggregates France 33 4 95 09 45 54
Ron FOSTER Aggregates UK 44 1 530 241 088
Bruno BIANCO Cement France 33 4 72 54 11 65
Jean-Pierre GRASSI Gypsum France 33 4 90 69 71 14
Frédéric THOUE Cement CTI 33 4 74 82 18 04
Stephan NICOLAY Roofing Germany 49 61 71 61 24 36

G E O M I N I N G G U I D E
 Earthmoving (general considerations)

9
º
N
Objective
To minimize the costs of earthmoving through the use of appropriate

E
techniques and machinery.

N
The technical objectives for successful handling are mentioned in

I
Guideline nos. 10, 11 and 12.

L
E
Application

D
All quarries in which materials are stripped and handled.

I
Principles

U
Adhering to planned works which have been agreed with regulatory

G
bodies.
• Use equipment appropriate for each type of earthmoving operation.
• If possible, choose the right climate conditions to handle materials.
• Coordinated rehabilitation can minimize intermediate storage and
double handling of materials.
• Provide some access roads or paths: this must be planned early to
avoid additional costs.

List of proven techniques available 113

• A comprehensive rehabilitation plan including the volume of
materials to be handled during each phase of rehabilitation: the
earthmoving optimization strategy is easier to visualize on a serie of
drawings.
• Moisture conditions during the earthmoving operations: this
parameter is even more important than the choice between
coordinated rehabilitation and intermediate storage, especially for
topsoil and subsoil (see Guideline nº 10). A wet material can be easier
to extract, but damages soil structure by smearing and consolidation.

Costs
Blasting: 0.40 to 0.60 €/t (can be necessary for waste from crystalline
rock quarries).
Loading + transport + grading: 1.5 €/m3.
Extraction: 0.50 €/t if necessary, with a shovel.
Loading: 0.30 to 0.40 €/t.
Bulldozer: 800 €/day.

G E O M I N I N G G U I D E
 Earthmoving (general considerations)
List of reference documents
B. ODENT, M. LANSIART 1999, Remise en état des carrières : principes
généraux, recommandations techniques et exemples par types
d’exploitation, Ministère de l’Aménagement du Territoire et de
l’Environnement (France), 64 pages.

List of show cases for this guideline

Site Division Region/dep. Country Comment
WEST DEEPING Aggregates UK High grade soil
reestablishment
FRENEUSE Aggregates Yvelines France
BROOKFIELD Cement Nova Scotia Canada
LIMAY Cement Yvelines France
TAVERNOLA Cement Lombardia Italy Waste material
monitoring
VILLEVAUDE Gypsum Seine-et-Marne France Continuous
backfilling with
overburden

Experts to contact
114
Name Division/region/sector Country Phone n°
Arnaud COLSON Aggregates France 33 1 40 95 69 30
Ron FOSTER Aggregates UK 44 1 530 241 088
Roger HYNES Aggregates UK 44 1 707 356 000
Frédéric THOUE Cement CTI 33 4 74 82 18 04
Ghislain JOUBAND Gypsum France 33 1 60 26 64 04

G E O M I N I N G G U I D E
 Soil Handling

0
1
º
Objective

N
Preserve the quality and productivity of soil.

E
Application

N
Quarries in which soil is handled, stockpiled or returned to the site.

I
L
Principles

E
• Segregate materials whenever possible: at least topsoil, and possibly

D
subsoil if such soil level can be distinguished.

I
• Soil handling requires appropriate climatic conditions.

U
• Avoid excessive handling, to preserve soil integrity and minimize costs.

G
List of proven techniques available
• Comply with planning conditions, which may specify moisture criteria
and machinery to be used.
• If topsoil and subsoil can be distinguished from each other, the two
materials must be removed separately, and replaced in sequence to
restore the soil profile. In some cases, when the topsoil layer is too thin,
both layers can be removed as one.
• Topsoil and subsoil thickness vary from site to site. Consult soil surveys 115
or ask restoration managers or suitably qualified people.
• Climate conditions: the soil should not be handled when it is too wet or
too dry, to avoid compaction and loss of structure. The ideal moisture
content or soil plasticity limits are based on local knowledge, as soil
characteristics vary from region to region.
• For nature conservation objectives, it can be better to strip topsoil after
native vegetation has set seed, in order to maximize the stores NdT:
seeds in the soil.
• If possible, soil must be placed directly on areas to be reclaimed.
• If soil must be stored, the location of stockpiles must be planned to
avoid excessive handling. Stockpiles must be close to areas to be
reclaimed, and away from drainage channels. They must not exceed
2 to 3 m height (according to the type of soil and climate). When
stored for long periods of time (more than 1 year), topsoil piles must
be seeded and stabilized to protect the soil from erosion, discourage
weeds and maintain active microorganisms.
• Once the soil has been placed on the site or stockpiled, heavy
machinery must not be allowed to travel over it.

Costs
See Guideline nº 9.

G E O M I N I N G G U I D E
 Soil Handling
List of reference documents
MICHALSKI, M.F.P. et al.
1987, Rehabilitation of pits and quarries for fish and wildlife, Ministry
of Natural Resources of Ontario, Land Management Branch, 59 pages.

PERRY, David A. et al.

1988, The plant-soil bootstrap: microorganisms and reclamation of
degraded ecosystems, Restoring the Earth Conference, “Environmental
restoration” edited by John J. Berger.

STROHMAYER, Patti
1999, Soil stockpiling for reclamation and restoration activities after
mining and construction, University of Minnesota, Department of
Horticultural Science, H5015 Restoration ecology,
Restoration and Reclamation Review 1999 @
www.hort.agri.umn.edu/ h5015/rrr.htm.

List of show cases for this guideline

It’s a very common practice, used on all LAFARGE quarries covered by a
soil (only quarries located in deserts may not be concerned).

116
Site Division Region/dep. Country Comment
BUCKDEN Aggregates Cambridgeshire UK
PRASVILLE Aggregates Eure-et-Loir France Agricultural
rehabilitation
FRANGEY Cement Yonne France
MAZAN Gypsum Vaucluse France Management of
soil deficit

Experts to contact
Name Division/region/sector Country Phone n°
Ron D. FOSTER Aggregates UK 44 1 530 241 088
Roger HYNES Aggregates UK 44 1 707 356 000
Hervé CHIAVERINI Aggregates France 33 2 32 54 70 70
Stephan NICOLAY Roofing Germany 49 61 71 61 24 36
Khalid SAMAKA Cement France 33 3 86 54 61 77
Jean-Pierre GRASSI Gypsum France 33 4 90 69 71 14
Jean-Guy LEVAQUE Cement North America 1 514 738 1202

G E O M I N I N G G U I D E
 Overburden / Waste rock

1
1
º
Objective

N
To optimize handling by placing overburden or waste rock in its final
location.

E
To maintain availability and quality of materials for rehabilitation.

N
I
Application

L
Any quarry / All quarries.

E
D
Principles

I
• If possible, handle overburden/waste rock only once.
• The implementation of the rehabilitation plan should take visual

U
impact into account, and preserve the accessibility of reserves.

G
• Overburden storage must conform to a stable engineering design.
• Avoid any erosion or landslide hazard.
• Avoid compaction, in the case of agricultural or forestry restoration.

List of proven techniques available

• Choice of the final location:
1. direct return to the surfaces to be reclaimed;
2. site chosen according to the following criteria: geology (preserve 117
access to the deposit), distance from the deposit (as short as
possible), landscape integration (see Guideline nº 13 and nº 14)
possibly outside the working area (this may require planning
permission).
• Stability of the proposed stockpile:
1. stability study,
2. final slope: less than the natural angle of repose of the material
(as specified by local regulations and/or geologists'
recommendations),
3. compaction of the materials may be necessary after each laying
phase,
4. if the storage is long-term, the pile should be seeded (see
Guideline nº 20) to control erosion (see Guideline nº 15).
• If necessary:
1. drainage to prevent ponding within and around the storage area
(see Guideline nº 17),
2. where final landforms are created, decompaction (ripping) may
be necessary to facilitate root development (see Guideline nº 19).

Costs
See Guideline nº 9.

G E O M I N I N G G U I D E
 Overburden / Waste rock
List of reference documents
CFEG
October 1994, Projet de comblement d’un talweg : étude géotechnique
(Rivolet Quarry, Rhône, France) – available at Millery (France).
BRGM
March 1990, Carrière de La Patte (Rhône, France) : établissement du
projet de stabilisation et de stockage de stériles – available at Millery
(France).
CETE Lyon
November 1992, Carrière de La Patte (Rhône, France) : mise en dépôt
de matériaux – available at Millery (France).
MICHALSKI, M.F.P. et al.
1987, Rehabilitation of pits and quarries for fish and wildlife, Ministry
of Natural Resources of Ontario, Land Management Branch, 59 pages.
STROHMAYER, Patti
1999, Soil stockpiling for reclamation and restoration activities after
mining and construction, University of Minnesota, Department of
Horticultural Science, H5015 Restoration ecology, Restoration and
Reclamation Review 1999 @
www.hort.agri.umn.edu/h5015/rrr.htm.
118
List of show cases for this guideline
Site Division Region/dep. Country Comment
QUATRO BARRAS Aggregates Curitiba Brazil
RIVOLET Aggregates Rhône France Stability study for
a future pile
MOUNTSORREL Aggregates UK
MATOZINHOS Cement Minas Gerais Brazil
ST-CONSTANT Cement Québec Canada 3D golf course
ST-PIERRE-LA-COUR Cement Mayenne France
VILLEVAUDE Gypsum Seine-et-Marne France Management of
soil deficit

Experts to contact
Name Division/region/sector Country Phone n°
Jean-Luc BOURGUET Aggregates France 33 1 40 95 69 30
Jean-Christophe Cement France 33 2 43 66 44 47
FAUCHADOUR
Ghislain JOUBAND Gypsum France 33 1 60 26 64 04
Jaïr FERNANDES Cement Brazil 55 21 217 31 00
Jean-Guy LEVAQUE Cement North America 1 514 738 1202

G E O M I N I N G G U I D E
 Grading and Contouring

2
1
º
N
Objective
Create stable landforms that can be integrated into the existing

E
environment and landscape.

N
Application

I
L
All quarries.

E
Principles

D
The proposed landforms should take the following aspects into

I
account:

U
– local/regional geomorphology,

G
– proposed restoration design (included in planning permission),
– stability of the materials deposited,
– soil erosion hazards,
– biodiversity,
– integration within the surrounding landscape (see Guideline
nº 14), whether final landforms are natural-looking or not: some
artificial cliffs are now even classified as valuable features that
must be protected.
119

List of proven techniques available

• Materials used to create landforms are usually waste rock and
overburden, which are graded prior to the placing of the soil.
• On level areas and gentle slopes, grading must be minimized to avoid
soil compaction.
• In abandoned areas of quarry sites, selective blasting can be used to
create slopes that link the top of the quarry to the quarry floor, and
mimic a natural cliff and scree feature.
• For agriculture, maximum slope is 10°.
• On sloped sites:
1. for conservation purposes: ripping should be parallel to the
contours to reduce runoff and encourage infiltration;
2. for agriculture: ripping should be carried out following natural
drainage patterns.
• In wet sites, especially pits, creating islands and shallow zones
enables the development of plants such as reeds, constituting
habitats for many animals and plants.
• For areas that are to be built upon: compaction if necessary (see
Guideline nº 22).

G E O M I N I N G G U I D E
 Grading and Contouring
Costs
Bulldozer, grader or shovel: 600 to 800 €/day.

List of reference documents

MICHALSKI, M.F.P. et al.
1987, Rehabilitation of pits and quarries for fish and wildlife, Ministry of
Natural Resources of Ontario, Land Management Branch, 59 pages.

List of show cases for this guideline

Site Division Region/dep. Country Comment
COURNONSEC Aggregates Hérault France Selective blasting
BALLOY Aggregates Seine-et-Marne France
BRADBOURNE Aggregates Kent UK Sevenoaks Wildfowl
Reserve
SANDY Aggregates Bedfordshire UK Wholly recreated
slopes using waste
rock, overburden
and soil
BROOKFIELD Cement Nova-Scotia Canada
LE HAVRE Cement France
RAHMSTORF Roofing Germany
120
LE PIN Gypsum Ile-de-France France

Experts to contact
Name Division/region/sector Country Phone n°
Bernard BOURGUE Aggregates France 33 4 95 09 45 00
Ron D. FOSTER Aggregates UK 44 1 530 241 088
Roger HYNES Aggregates UK 44 1 707 356 000
Rogelio DUPONT Cement France 33 2 32 79 20 40
Pierre MATEU Gypsum France 33 1 60 26 64 04
Stephan NICOLAY Roofing Germany 49 6171 61 24 36
Jean-Guy LEVAQUE Cement North America 1 514 738 1202

G E O M I N I N G G U I D E
 Landscape Integration of Visual

3
1
and Acoustic Barriers

º
N
Objective

E
Integrate permanent visual and acoustic barriers into the rehabilitation

N
plan.

I
Application

L
This practice can be applied to sites where permanent visual and

E
acoustic barriers have to be set.

D
I
Principles

U
• Mask critical viewpoints of the future or existing quarry.

G
• Integrate barriers into the surrounding environment (see Guideline
nº 14).
• If possible, create these barriers before opening the site, especially if
the barriers are intended to be built or topped with vegetation.

List of proven techniques available

• Visual and acoustic barriers can be either berms (bunds) built on
purpose, or natural relief kept untouched at the boundaries of the
121
site.
• Berms can be built directly with overburden materials. The resulting
landforms must then be topped with growth medium, seeded, and
possibly planted (see Guideline nº 20 and 21).
• The plant species for visual barriers should be chosen from the local
vegetation. Fast-growing species (to rapidly establish a barrier) and
long-lived species (to perpetuate/ensure the durability of the
intervention) can be combined.
• Contouring of berms should be considered for visual effect and ease
of maintenance.

Costs
See Guideline nº 9 (earthmoving), Guideline nº 20 (seeding), Guideline
nº 21 (planting).

G E O M I N I N G G U I D E
 Landscape Integration of Visual
and Acoustic Barriers
List of show cases for this guideline
Site Division Region/dep. Country Comment
BAIXAS Aggregates Pyrénées- France Visual berm
Orientales
MOUNTSORREL Aggregates Leicestershire UK
ST-CONSTANT Cement Québec Canada
LE HAVRE Cement Seine-Maritime France Natural relief
CARRESSE Gypsum Pyrénées- France Visual berms
Atlantiques
WHITLINGHAM Aggregates Norfolk UK
HOPPEGARTEN Roofing Brandenburg Germany

Experts to contact
Name Division/region/sector Country Phone n°
Bernard BOURGUE Aggregates France 33 4 95 09 45 54
Yves DERREAL Cement France 33 1 49 11 40 40
122 Jean-Louis BARON Gypsum France 33 5 59 38 49 40
Stephan NICOLAY Roofing Germany 49 6171 61 24 36
Jean-Guy LEVAQUE Cement North America 1 514 738 1202
Ron FOSTER Aggregates UK 44 1 530 241 088

G E O M I N I N G G U I D E
 Landscape Integration

4
1
º
Objective

N
To integrate the site into the surrounding landscape, during and after
mineral extraction.

E
N
Application

I
All quarries and sand and gravel pits.

L
E
Principles

D
• Define the landscape context: criteria based on physical, historical,

I
social and biological characteristics of the site and region.

U
• Determine the site characteristics.
• Establish a list of skilled landscape experts according to the region.

G
• Be wary of trends (e.g., regular alignments of conifers are nowadays
inadvisable in many cases): solutions must be adapted to specific site
conditions reflected in the inventories.

List of proven techniques available

• The first step is to carry out a visual impact assessment of the site,
taking into account topography, hydrology, climate, vegetation types,
wildlife; historical and social components of the landscape; as well as 123
surrounding land uses and development patterns.
• Use of simulation tools (Guideline nº 3).
• Specific interventions are then developed to prevent damage to the
visual resource, or to mitigate the existing impact on the landscape.
These interventions must also consider ongoing operations and
potential future land uses.
• These operations are best established by local landscape architects
when the project size justifies their work.

Costs
Landscape studies with visual simulation: about 7 000 to 20 000 € (see
Guideline nº 2 and 3).

List of reference documents

Lots of references:
DINGETHAL F. J., JÜRGING P., KAULE G., WEINZIERL W.
1998, Kiesgrube und Landschaft, 3. Auflage Paul Parey – available at
Oberursel (Germany), Issy (France).

G E O M I N I N G G U I D E
 Landscape Integration
COMON Marie-Laure
1998, Paysage et aménagement de carrières, UNPG
Comité National de la Charte (France) – available at Issy.

List of show cases for this guideline

Site Division Region/dep. Country Comment
AIX-EN-PROVENCE Aggregates Bouches-du-Rhône France limestone quarry
BARBEY Aggregates Seine-et-Marne France sand and gravel pit
FALKLAND Cement British Columbia Canada
PORT-LA-NOUVELLE Cement Aude France
BAMBURI Cement Mombasa Kenya
VILLIERS-ADAM Gypsum Val-d’Oise France Plantation of trees in
landscape area
HOPPEGARTEN Roofing Brandenburg Germany

Experts to contact
Name Division/region/sector Country Phone n°
Bernard BOURGUE Aggregates France 33 4 95 09 45 00

124 Pierre DE PREMARE Aggregates France 33 1 40 95 69 33

Jean-Marc GONZALEZ Cement France 33 4 68 40 41 05
Pierre MATEU Gypsum France 33 1 60 26 64 04
Stephan NICOLAY Roofing Germany 49 6171 61 24 36
Jean-Guy LEVAQUE Cement North America 1 514 738 1202
René HALLER Cement Kenya 254 11 486 155

G E O M I N I N G G U I D E
 Soil Erosion Control

5
1
º
Objective

N
Prevent erosion on re-created landforms in order to avoid landslides, loss
of soil and discharge of solids outside the site.

E
N
Application

I
All quarries and sand and gravel pits where soils need to be stabilized.

L
E
Principles

D
• Erosion control measures should be implemented as soon as possible.

I
• Erosion control should be properly engineered.

U
• Remediation is much more expensive than prevention.
• Gentle slopes, where possible, are cheaper and more efficient than

G
more sophisticated products.
• Take the main hydrological network into account and maintain it if
possible.
• Take erosion control techniques into account prior to earthmoving
operations.
• Adapt the techniques to climate conditions: the erosion hazard is
higher in a Mediterranean climate than in an oceanic one.
125
List of proven techniques available
• Grading of slopes and general topography management is the main
factor of erosion control (Guideline nº 12).
• Bioengineering:
– Some plants have an appropriate root system to stabilize soils. They
can be set up by the following means: seeding (see Guideline nº 20),
planting (see Guideline nº 21), live staking or live fascine.
– Slopes with slumps, headcuts and gullies can also be repaired by
branch packing (wood stakes + layers of vegetative cuttings
interlaid with compacted soil).
• Manufactured erosion control products:
– Mulches: degradable material consisting of straw, hay and other
plant debris, possibly sprayed with a bonding agent, or even
applied hydraulically (hydromulches).
– Meshes, used to stabilize slopes or to prevent soil erosion:
degradable open weave geotextile (coconut fiber, jute) rather than
polypropylene.
– Erosion control blankets.
• River-erosion hazard near sand and gravel pits: see Guideline nº 16.
• Rip-rap (massive stone wall), gabion or armored stone.
• Wind-breaks for wind erosion.

G E O M I N I N G G U I D E
 Soil Erosion Control
Costs
– seeding: see Guideline nº 20.
– planting: see Guideline nº 21.
– mulches: 0.1 €/m2.
– geotextile: 1 €/m2

List of reference documents

SOTIR, Robbin B.
1988, Introduction to soil bioengineering restoration, Restoring the Earth
Conference, “Environmental restoration” edited by John J. Berger.
HARDING, Michael V.
1988, Erosion control effectiveness: comparative studies of alternative
mulching techniques, Restoring the Earth Conference, “Environmental
restoration” edited by John J. Berger.
BOBROWSKI, John 1997,
Soil bioengineering with woody vegetation for slope stabilization,
University of Minnesota, Department of Horticultural Science, H5015
Restoration ecology,
Restoration and Rehabilitation Review 1997 @
www.hort.agri.umn.edu/h5015/rrr.htm
KNAPP, Leslie H.
126 1997, Use of manufactured materials in shoreline restoration projects,
University of Minnesota, Department of Horticultural Science, H5015
Restoration ecology,
Restoration and Rehabilitation Review 1997 @
www.hort.agri.umn.edu/ h5015/rrr.htm

List of show cases for this guideline

Site Division Region/dep. Country Comment
LA CALMETTE Aggregates Gard France
CANTAGALO Cement Rio Brazil
CARRESSE Gypsum Pyrénées- France Use of fascine
Atlantiques
VAL D’AZERGUES Cement Rhône-Alpes France Rip-rap

Experts to contact
Name Division/region/sector Country Phone n°
Bernard BOURGUE Aggregates France 33 4 95 09 45 00
Bruno BIANCO Cement France 33 4 72 54 11 65
Jean-Louis BARON Gypsum France 33 5 59 38 49 40

G E O M I N I N G G U I D E
 Shore Protection

6
1
º
Objective

N
To avoid scour of the banks of pits, sea shores and riverbanks due to
wave action, currents and water level changes, as well as regressive

E
erosion during and after exploitation.

N
I
Application

L
All sites located on shores.

E
D
Principles

I
• Use shore protection techniques to reduce wave action, encourage
sediment deposition, and stabilize the shore.

U
• Adapt protection techniques to river dynamics.

G
• Avoid any obstacle to riverfloods.
• Critical factors for shoreline and bank stability are:
– lake level and geometry,
– groundwater flow direction and velocity,
– surface roughness,
– prevailing winds,
– climatic conditions and seasonal weather variation.
Reduce wave action and stabilize the shore or riverbank, especially at
vulnerable points. 127

List of proven techniques available

Configuration of shorelines and slopes.
Beach fill
Cost-effective technique used for existing beaches.
Rock blocks
Rock blocks can be used in the event of river-erosion hazards.
Breakwaters (for quarries located on a sea or lake shore)
“Breakwaters are structures placed offshore to dissipate the energy of
incoming waves.”
Groins
Groins are finger-like structures that extend perpendicular from the
shore.
Discharge, weir
Revetments
Revetments are placed on banks or bluffs to absorb wave energy.
Vegetation
In a natural environment, vegetation is the primary source of
stabilization for dunes, banks, and bluffs.

G E O M I N I N G G U I D E
 Shore Protection
Costs
• rock blocks: € 25 – 40/t (supply +placing).

List of reference documents

Alabama Coastal Hazard Assessment @
http://payson.tulane.edu/inhl642/Alabama/htm/sps.htm
available at Montreal.

Jean-René MALAVOI - EPTEAU - LATITUDE -

1998, Guide Technique nº 2 : Détermination de l’espace de liberté des
cours d’eau – Agence de l’Eau Rhône Méditérannée-Corse (France).

HYDRATEC 1993-1994: hydrological studies for CREVECHAMPS site,

available at Millery (France).

List of show cases for this guideline

Site Division Region/dep. Country Comment
CREVECHAMPS Aggregates Meurthe-et-Moselle France Diverse rock block
structures against
flood damages

128 WHITLINGHAM Aggregates Norfolk UK

DAVENPORT Cement Iowa Canada Mississippi shore

Experts to contact
Name Division/region/sector Country Phone n°
Dominique EVRARD Aggregates France 33 4 72 24 46 25
Jean-Guy LEVAQUE Cement Canada 1 514 738 1202

G E O M I N I N G G U I D E
 Storm Water Management

7
1
º
Objective

N
Control major discharge of water collected in the quarry.

E
Application

N
All quarries.

I
L
Principles

E
Prepare a water management plan.

D
• Storm water control: establish drainage strategies to avoid

I
concentration of streams and therefore erosion (see Guideline nº 15)

U
and excessive suspended solids.

G
• Ensure that long-term devices (drainage layers, pipes, paths…) cannot
be threatened by natural phenomena: where possible, choose devices
that require minimal maintenance.

List of proven techniques available

• Discharge of surplus water through defined channels.
• Establishment of settling ponds, deemed necessary in the early years
after rehabilitation until vegetation has developed sufficiently, to
avoid the entrainment of suspended solids during rainstorms. 129
• Conversion of pits and quarries into flood retention basins: choice of
the final dimensions and levels of basins and connections between
them (pipes or open channels); agreement with a long-term partner
(see Guideline nº 29), usually a local authority or association.
• Structures against flood damage: see Guideline nº 16.
• Drainage: pipes, drains, ditches.

Costs
Site specific.

G E O M I N I N G G U I D E
 Storm Water Management
List of showcases for this guideline
Site Division Region/dep. Country Comment
BELLEGARDE Aggregates Gard France Flood retention
basins
MARFIELD Aggregates North Yorkshire UK Regulation of water
level in ponds
INHAUMA Aggregates Rio Brazil
MATOZINHOS Cement Minas Gerais Brazil
MONTES-CLAROS Cement Brazil Collection of water
for the plant needs
PORT-LA-NOUVELLE Cement Aude France
MAZAN Gypsum Vaucluse France Flood control basin
HOPPEGARTEN Roofing Brandenburg Germany

Experts to contact
Name Division/region/sector Country Phone n°
Bernard BOURGUE Aggregates France 33 4 95 09 45 54
Jaïr FERNANDES Cement Brazil 55 21 217 31 00
Jean-Pierre GRASSI Gypsum France 33 4 90 69 71 14
130
David PARK Aggregates UK 44 740 65 44 61

G E O M I N I N G G U I D E
 Water Quality Protection

8
1
º
Objective

N
To preserve the quality of aquifers and bodies of water whenever lakes
and wetlands are created.

E
N
Application

I
All quarries having a link with aquifers and natural bodies of water.

L
E
Principles

D
• Avoid any operation that could generate pollution.

I
• Strict management of any landfill operations taking place in wet

U
environments (lakes, marshes, etc.). See Guideline n° 22.
• Monitor water quality.

G
• Lake size and depth have an influence on nutrient levels.
• Quarry management can have a major influence on water quality.

List of proven techniques available

• Regular water analyses in lakes and wetlands, or the use of
piezometers.
• Check landfill materials (Guideline nº 22) before putting into water.
• Avoid planting deciduous trees around pond shores. 131

Costs
• Piezometer: € 2 000
• Water sampling and analysis: € > 400
• Hydrogeological surveys: € > 50 000

List of reference documents

SYMALIM (Syndicat Mixte pour l’Aménagement et la Gestion du Parc de
Loisirs et du Lac de Miribel Jonage) 1997, Atlas de l’Ile de Miribel-Jonage
SYMALIM – Parc Nature des Iles de Miribel-Jonage. Document available
at Millery (France).

Jean-Luc BOURGUET
1997, Chronique de la piézométrie et de la qualité des eaux de la nappe
du Garon, Internal document, available at Millery (France).

Philippe BARDOT
1999, Rapport d’expertise hydrogéologique : compatibilité des
exploitations des ressources en granulats et en eau de la vallée du Garon,
35 pages + annexes, available at Millery (France).

G E O M I N I N G G U I D E
 Water Quality Protection
Bernard DONVILLE
2000, La Carrière de Saint-Caprais (Haute-Garonne) : 20 ans de suivi
hydrogéologique – LAFARGE GRANULATS – available at Issy or Toulouse
(France).

List of show cases for this guideline

Site Division Region/dep. Country Comment
MONTLOUIS Aggregates Ille-et-Vilaine France Neutralization of acid
drainage by limestone
GRENADE Aggregates Haute-Garonne France pits being reclaimed in
order to be compatible
with production of
drinking water.
DECINES Aggregates Rhône France

Experts to contact
Name Division/region/sector Country Phone n°
Jean-Luc BOURGUET Paris France 33 1 40 95 69 30

132 Didier COLLONGE Brittany France 33 2 99 14 87 14

G E O M I N I N G G U I D E
 Soil Preparation

9
1
º
Objective

N
To safeguard and/or improve soil characteristics and where possible
to establish self-sustaining vegetation.

E
N
Application

I
All quarries with soil used for rehabilitation.

L
E
Principles

D
• Preserve, restore and/or enhance soil properties in accordance with the

I
initial characteristics.

U
• Original topsoil should be preserved.
• Encourage natural regeneration processes in line with biodiversity

G
objectives.
• Monitor crop production to adjust fertilization.
• Preparation should not be at the expense of the environment.

List of proven techniques available

• Topsoil stripping: see Guideline nº 10.
• Amendments may be necessary when topsoil must be brought from
another site. 133
• Biological amendments (e.g., compost, organic supplies, nitrogen-fixing
grasses, sewage sludge) are suitable for long-term results; however,
chemical fertilizers are often necessary to induce the process of natural
regeneration.
• If topsoil is not available: mycorrhizae can be used (see Guideline
n° 21).
• Decompaction can be necessary to facilitate root development.

Costs
– Chemical fertilizers: added to hydroseeding: additional cost
about € 0.1/m2.
agricultural technique: € 0.02 /m2.
– Amendments: lime, about € 400 /ha.

List of reference documents

Chambre d’Agriculture
1999, Etude agropédologique : diagnostic de remise en culture de
l’ancienne carrière “Bergerie de Broussan” à Bellegarde (Gard), 15 pages,
available at Rognonas (Bouches-du-Rhône, France).

G E O M I N I N G G U I D E
 Soil Preparation
CEMAGREF TPG
1999/2000, Techniques de réaménagement agricole et forestier.
MICHALSKI, M.F.P. et al.
1987, Rehabilitation of pits and quarries for fish and wildlife,
Ministry of Natural Resources of Ontario, Land Management Branch,
59 pages.

PERRY, David A. et al.

1988, The plant-soil bootstrap: microorganisms and rehabilitation of
degraded ecosystems, Restoring the Earth Conference, “Environmental
restoration” edited by John J. Berger.

REUTER, Ron
1997, Sewage sludge as an organic amendment for reclaiming surface
mine wastes, University of Minnesota, Department of Horticultural
Science, H5015 Restoration ecology, Restoration and Rehabilitation
Review 1997 @
www.hort.agri.umn.edu/h5015/rrr.htm

STURGES, Susan
1997, The use of mycorrhizae in mined land rehabilitation, University of
134 Minnesota, Department of Horticultural Science, H5015 Restoration
ecology, Restoration and Rehabilitation Review 1997 @
www.hort.agri.umn.edu/ h5015/rrr.htm

List of show cases for this guideline

Site Division Region/dep. Country Comment
BELLEGARDE Aggregates Gard France Agropedology study
BERNIERES Aggregates Eure France
SOMERSHAM Aggregates Cambridgeshire UK drainage
EXSHAW Cement Alberta Canada CKD site
KARSDORF Cement Sachsen Anhalt Germany Vineyard

Experts to contact
Name Division/region/sector Country Phone n°
Hervé CHIAVERINI Aggregates France 33 2 32 54 70 75
Yves DERREAL Cement France 33 1 49 11 40 40
Jean-Guy LEVAQUE Cement North America 1 514 738 1202
Ron FOSTER Aggregates UK 44 1 530 241 088

G E O M I N I N G G U I D E
 Seeding

0
2
º
Objective

N
To establish vegetation by seeding in reclaimed areas.

E
Application

N
All quarries.

I
L
Principles

E
1. Natural recolonization:

D
– organic topsoil contains residual seed bank,

I
– recolonization can be achieved by the natural spread of seeds.

U
2. Seeding:

G
– indigenous seeds harvested in the vicinity,
– commercial seeds bought for this specific purpose (check origin).

List of proven techniques available

The techniques depend on the nature and physical characteristics of the
topsoil, the accessibility of the area and its slope.
• Agricultural techniques (with a tractor, cultivation and seeding
machine) can be used on regular land and prepared topsoil.
• Hydroseeding requires little preparation (seeds, mulch and water 135
sprayed together over the area to be seeded).
• Hand seeding on small area.
• Tree and shrub seeds can be scattered and sown along with grass seeds
(for tree and shrub planting, see Guideline nº 21).

Costs
Agricultural seeding of purchased seeds (including seeds): 0.02 €/m2.
Hydroseeding: 0.3 to 0.4 €/m2.
Additional costs: harvest of local seeds: 0.02 to 0.2 €/m2,
difficult access or very poor topsoil up to 0.2 €/m2.

List of reference documents

G. ARNAL
November 1979, L’Engazonnement des emprises routières, ministère de
l’Environnement du Cadre de Vie et des Transports, France.

CEMAGREF
2000 (in progress), Synthèse bibliographique des techniques
d’aménagement agricole et forestier.

G E O M I N I N G G U I D E
 Seeding
List of showcases for this guideline
Site Division Region/dep. Country Comment
AIX-EN-PROVENCE Aggregates Bouches-du- France Ssuccessful seeding in
Rhône dry climate conditions
TOSNY / BERNIERES Aggregates Eure France
GUERNES/
SANDRANCOURT Aggregates Yvelines France
LLYNCLYS Aggregates Shropshire UK Natural regeneration
WEST DEEPING Aggregates Lincolnshire UK Agriculture
QUATRO BARRAS Aggregate Curitiba Brazil
BAMBURI Cement Mombasa Kenya
VAL D’AZERGUES Cement Rhône France
VILLEVAUDE Gypsum Val d’Oise France Seeding of
intermediate quarry
slopes
RAHMSTORF Roofing Germany

Experts to contact
Name Division/region/sector Country Phone n°
136 Pierre de PREMARE Aggregates France 33 1 44 34 11 11
Bernard BOURGUE Aggregates France 33 4 95 09 45 00
Hervé CHIAVERINI Aggregates France 33 2 32 54 70 75
Ron FOSTER Aggregates UK 44 1 530 241 088
Yves DERREAL Cement France 33 1 49 11 40 40
Pierre MATEU Gypsum France 33 1 60 26 64 04
Stephan NICOLAY Roofing Germany 49 6171 61 24 36
René HALLER Cement Kenya 254 11 486 155

G E O M I N I N G G U I D E
 Tree and Shrub Planting

1
2
º
Objective

N
To enable tree and shrub species to develop on reclaimed areas.

E
Planting can be used for landscaping, bio-diversity, commercial forestry,

N
orchards and to develop an amenity, etc.

I
L
Application

E
All quarries, whenever possible.
For natural recolonization see Guideline nº 20.

D
I
Principles

U
Select the indigenous or exotic species, the age of the plant stock and

G
the planting pattern according to:
– the final use and landscape design (distinguish between forestry
and amenity),
– the physical characteristics of the substrate,
– the climate.
Take the planting season into account.
Prepare the soil and subsoil (ripping, weeding, gyro-crushing, plowing,
plant pits) In the case of an ecological objective, opt for a medium-
term reconstitution of a consistent biotope (diversity, edge effects) 137
rather than a massive and immediate reforestation by uniform conifers,
for example.

List of proven techniques available

• Get some help from a real pro!
• Techniques vary according to species, plant age and substrate.
• Planting of large or ornamental species: staked and/or protected
against pests or wild animals.
• Forestry plantation: small plants (0.1 to 0.3 m), 1 000 to 4 000 plants/ ha.
• A maintenance program in accordance with the rehabilitation
objective (Guideline nº 31) is compulsory; if watering is used it should
be continued.
• Decompaction may be necessary (see Guideline nº 19).
• Plants can be bare or root balled and may need watering at the
planting stage.
• On sterile soils, mycorrhizae can prove successful.

G E O M I N I N G G U I D E
 Tree and Shrub Planting
Costs (forestry)
Plant € 0.7 to 1/unit
Protection € 0.2 to 0.3/unit
Operation € 0.6 to 0.7/unit

List of reference documents

CSS (LAFARGE GRANULATS)
1997, Our environment development techniques, Internal documents.

List of show cases for this guideline

Site Division Region/dep. Country Comment
SENAS Aggregates Bouches-du- France Orchards (olive trees)
Rhône
GUERNES Aggregates Yvelines France Reconstitution of
SANDRANCOURT various local biotopes
MILLERY Aggregates Rhône France Mycorhiza
plantations
MOUNTSORREL Aggregates Leicestershire UK
KARSDORF Cement Sachsen Germany Vines planted in a
138
redeveloped area;
visual barriers with
plantations
MATOZINHOS Cement Minas Gerais Brazil Plantation nursery
BAMBURI Cement Mombasa Kenya
HOPPEGARTEN Roofing Germany
VILLEVAUDE Gypsum Val d’Oise France
QUATRO BARRAS Aggregates Curitiba Brazil

Experts to contacts
Name Division/region/sector Country Phone n°
Bernard BOURGUE Aggregates France 33 4 95 09 45 00
Arnaud COLSON Aggregates France 33 1 40 95 69 30
Loïc ROYERE Aggregates France 33 4 72 24 46 25
Pierre MATEU Gypsum France 33 1 60 26 64 04
René HALLER Cement Kenya 254 11 486 155
Georg THOMAS Roofing Germany 49 6171 61 26 42
Jaïr FERNANDES Cement Brazil 55 21 217 31 00
Ron FOSTER Aggregates UK 44 1 530 241 088

G E O M I N I N G G U I D E
 Landfilling

2
2
º
Objectives

N
To create landforms by filling in excavations with imported inert landfill
materials while preserving the quality of soil and subsoil.

E
N
Application

I
Any site lacking enough internal fill material to implement the

L
rehabilitation plan.

E
D
Principles

I
• Assess the sources of input and optimize the costs of transport.
• This activity must be compliant with regulations.

U
• Rigourous control of environmental quality.

G
• Assess the geological (hydrogeological & geotechnical) capability
to receive such materials.

List of proven techniques available

• Landfill management: volumes, quality, terracing, tipping techniques
(direct tipping or tip & push).
• Monitoring: maps, monitoring of water on site or using piezometers,
soil analyses; mechanical testing (bearing and settling capacity). 139
• Final cover quality must be taken into account.
• Perform appropriate soil compaction for areas that are to be built
upon.

Costs
Earthmoving: see Guideline nº 9.

List of reference documents

European directive 1999 - Nº 1999/31/EC of 26.04.1999
concerning the dumping of waste.

CFEG October 1994, Projet de comblement d’un talweg : étude

géotechnique (Rivolet Quarry, Rhône, France) – available at Millery
(France).

BRGM March 1990, Carrière de La Patte (Rhône, France) :

établissement du projet de stabilisation et de stockage de stériles –
available at Millery (France).

CETE Lyon November 1992, Carrière de La Patte (Rhône, France) : mise en

dépôt de matériaux – available at Millery (France).

G E O M I N I N G G U I D E
 Landfilling
List of show cases for this guideline
Site Division Region/dep. Country Comment
CHEVRIERES Aggregates Oise France Diversified backfill
and run-in backfill
procedures
ST FARGEAU- Aggregates Seine-et-Marne France 60 ha of backfill,
PONTHIERRY 180 villa plots
HILL FARM Aggregates Leicestershire UK
PAULDING Cement Ohio USA CKD site
VILLIERS-ADAM Gypsum Val-d’Oise France Underground mine
filling with
earthworks and
demolition waste
FORCHHEIM Roofing Bavaria Germany 20 ha of backfill

Experts to contact
Name Division/region/sector Country Phone n°
Pierre de PREMARE Aggregates France 33 1 44 34 11 11
Jean-Guy LEVAQUE Cement North America 1 514 738 1202
Pierre MATEU Gypsum France 33 1 60 26 64 04
140
Stephan NICOLAY Roofing Germany 49 61 71 61 24 36

G E O M I N I N G G U I D E
 Follow-up Committee

3
2
º
Objective

N
To communicate and publicize achievements and progress with respect
to the rehabilitation plan.

E
To prevent or resolve crises within the neighborhood.

N
I
Application

L
Any quarry; this concerns both rehabilitation and operation.

E
D
Principles

I
Committee should include representatives of local stakeholders, primarily

U
neighbors and local authorities.

G
Organize meetings on site to inform people regularly about our
activities.
Listen to criticisms in order to improve the implementation details of the
rehabilitation project.

List of proven techniques available

• For establishing a follow-up committee:
– the list of members should be representative of the various
interests, 141
– role of committee secretary is fulfilled by the company,
– the frequency of meetings should be tailored to the mandate of the
committee.

For each meeting

• Site preparation (meeting room, quarry site).
• Agenda.
• Minutes of previous meeting.
• Proof of improvements based on agreed indicators: photos, water
analyses, acoustic measurements, etc.

Costs
Site specific.

List of reference documents

Ministère de l’Environnement
1998, Charte de la Concertation – Ministère de l’Environnement, France.
Available at Issy or Millery (France).

G E O M I N I N G G U I D E
 Follow-up Committee
Braas Dachsysteme GmbH
Records of the project Kiessandtagebau Münchenberg-Wildermann,
roof tile work – Hoppegarten, files stored at the unit.
Product technology and Raw Materials (DP).

Kurt Fleckenstein
Aktuelle Probleme des Rohstoffabbaues. Verlagsgesellschaft Grüter,
Hannover, 121 pages.

Christoph Werner
1998, Akzeptansmanagement,
Journal “Steinbruch und Sandgrube 06/98”, pages 24-26.

B. Wohlrab et. al
1995, Oberflächennahe Rohstoffe. Gustav Fischer Verlag Jena, Stuttgart,
304 pages (ISBN 3-334-60963-4).

Ulrich Tränkle, Thomas Beirwenger

1999, Naturschutz in Steinbrüchen, Industrieverband Steine+Erden
Baden-Württemberg, Ostfildern, 84 pages (ISBN 3-934184-00-6).

142 List of show cases for this guideline

Site Division Region/dep. Country Comment
SENAS Aggregates Bouches-du-Rhône France
SANDRANCOURT Aggregates Yvelines France
SANDY Aggregates Bedfordshire UK
LLYNCLYS Aggregates Shropshire UK
LA COURONNE Cement Charente France
MAZAN Gypsum Vaucluse France
HOPPEGARTEN Roofing Brandenburg Germany Operation in the
nature park
“Märkische Schweiz”

Experts to contact
Name Division/region/sector Country Phone n°
Bernard BOURGUE Aggregates France 33 4 95 09 45 00
Hervé CHIAVERINI Aggregates France 33 2 32 54 70 70
Stephan NICOLAY Roofing Germany 49 61 71 61 24 36
Pierre ARDANT Cement France 33 5 45 23 39 15
Jean-Pierre GRASSI Gypsum France 33 4 90 60 71 14
Ron FOSTER Aggregates UK 44 1530 242 151

G E O M I N I N G G U I D E
 Open Days, Visits

4
2
º
Objective

N
To improve general relations with site neighbors by presenting our
rehabilitation achievements to a broad public.

E
N
Application

I
Any quarry undergoing rehabilitation

L
E
Principles

D
Organization

I
• Invitation, advertising

U
• Safety
• Site preparation

G
• Internal information
• Formation and training of team.

Content
• Rehabilitation plan
• Rehabilitation techniques
• Monitoring tools
• Guided tours. 143

The site must be clean and welcoming. Local journalists should be

invited.

List of proven techniques available

Visitors may include employees and their families, neighbors, schools,
local authorities, customers.
Have suitable sites available with, for instance:
• Exhibition in a tent
• Slide show (beware of excessive ambient light)
• Self-guided tours
• Narrated visit: partly in tour bus or minibus, for extensive sites and
depending on the number of visitors
• Promotional gifts (discuss with communications or commercial
department)
• Organization of participatory and observation activities: ornithological
journeys, fishing, and similar.

G E O M I N I N G G U I D E
 Open days, visits
Costs
€ 5 to 25 k/day
• Mobilization of Group employees (preparation + day).
• Rental of tents, tour buses, display equipment for exhibition, etc.
graphic communication: production of signs and boards, descriptive
sheets, brochures.
• Promotional gifts.

List of reference documents

Ministère de l’Environnement
1998, Charte de la Concertation, Ministère de l’Environnement, France.
Available at Issy or Millery (France).

List of show cases for this guideline

Site Division Region/dep. Country Comment
BERNIERES Aggregates Eure France
BOULBON Aggregates Bouches-du-Rhône France Quarry used once a
year as theatre for
the “Festival
144 d’Avignon”
GODMANCHESTER Aggregates UK
CONTES Cement Alpes-Maritimes France

Experts to contact
Name Division/region/sector Country Phone n°
Dominique EVRARD Aggregates France 33 4 72 24 46 25
Hervé CHIAVERINI Aggregates France 33 2 32 54 70 70
Louis DESCOMBES Cement France 33 4 75 49 60 23

G E O M I N I N G G U I D E
 Partnerships with

5
2
Conservation Groups,

º
N
Organizations and

E
Statutory Agencies

N
I
L
E
Objective
To enlist the participation of third parties for the development of

D
quarrying plan and rehabilitation objectives in order to utilize their

I
expertise, take their expectations into account and hear their points of

U
view.

G
Application
Any site in the Group, even in the absence of local pressure, provided
interested parties can be involved.
For instance, when the site represents a scientific – especially natural or
archeological – novelty or is of possible importance for tourism, leisure or
land use.

Principles 145

• Search locally for the most interested/appropriate partners.

• Prepare a suitable presentation of the project and communicate to
stakeholders.
• Identify mutual interests of parties.
• Define concrete objectives for partnership and consider written
contract.
• Clarify mutual obligations.
• Partnership document, if any, must include objectives, commitments,
means, duration, termination clause.

List of proven techniques available

• Associate scientific organizations with our research into natural
environments, water or landscapes.
• Facilitate the study of a phenomenon generated or revealed by our
activity by the appropriate scientific bodies.
• In return, solicit the most complete information possible about the
methodology of the studies and the results obtained.
• Draft agreements with a nature conservation group for studies on
natural ecosystems, specific animal or plant species.
• Sale of the land to a scientific partner such as: National or Regional.

G E O M I N I N G G U I D E
 Partnerships with
Conservation Groups,
Organizations and
Statutory Agencies
Nature Trust, Natural Regional Park where applicable, conservation
organizations, (see Guideline nº 29).
• Lease granted to this type of partner, see also Guideline nº 29.
• Tri-partite agreement between the owners of rented sites the partner
and LAFARGE.
• Authorization for research works, such as archaeological or geological
salvage excavations (e.g.: amber deposits at
CHEVRIERES/HOUDANCOURT).
• Archaeology: agreement with the appropriate public structure.

Costs
Extremely variable/main cost is related to time spent in preparing
partnership
146 • Amber: permitting access to deposit by pumping for the Natural
History Museum + participation in financing the research (€ 30 k).
• LPO/FIR Brittany (LAZ site): Arranging nesting facilities.

List of reference documents

• Agreements
Agence des Espaces Verts Région Ile-de-France
Fédération Rhône-Alpes de protection de la Nature (FRAPNA)
Institut National de Recherche Agronomique (INRA)
Ecole Nationale Supérieure du Paysage (Versailles).

• CORA Rhône
1999, L’EFFRAIE nº 13 : La Gravière du Garon à Millery, document
available at Millery (France).

• Internal documents
Une découverte scientifique exceptionnelle : ambre de l’Oise – document
available at Issy, Verberie, Sandrancourt, Millery (France).

• Various press articles

G E O M I N I N G G U I D E
 Partnerships with

2
/
Conservation Groups,

5
2
Organizations and

º
N
Statutory Agencies

E
N
I
List of show cases for this guideline

L
• LAFARGE/WWF Partnership

E
D
Site Division Region/dep. Country Comment

I
HOUDANCOURT Aggregates Oise France Study of fossil
invertebrates in the

U
Sparnacian amber

G
( - 54 My)
LAZ Aggregates Finistère France Monitoring of bird of
prey nesting by
LPO/FIR Brittany
SANDRANCOURT Aggregates Ile-de-France France Agence des Espaces
Verts - Ile-de-France
SANDY Aggregates Bedfordshire UK
BESTHORPE Aggregates Nottinghamshire UK 147

MARBLEHEAD LCM: Ohio USA Ohio State Nature

aggregates Preserve with
continued
monitoring and
inventory of rare
plants
LE TEIL Cement Ardèche France FRAPNA
MATOZINHOS Cement Minas Gerais Brazil
RAHMSTORF Roofing Lower Saxony Germany Specific preparing
of slopes for sand
martins

Experts to contact
Name Division/region/sector Country Phone n°
Pierre DE PREMARE Aggregates France 33 1 44 34 11 11
Patrick ROLLAND Aggregates France 33 2 99 47 39 61
Irv MAURER LCM: aggregates USA 1 410 847 32 00
Louis DESCOMBES Cement France 33 4 75 49 60 23
Georg THOMAS Roofing Germany 49 6171 61 26 42

G E O M I N I N G G U I D E
 Terminal Cleaning

6
2
º
Objective

N
To prepare for final rehabilitation by removing all disused production
facilities and waste material, before the partial or complete closure of

E
the quarry.

N
I
Application

L
All quarries of the Group ready to be totally or partly rehabilitated.

E
D
Principles

I
• List all necessary cleaning operations.
• Plan for cleaning of site.

U
G
Many site cleaning procedures used during operations can also apply to
terminal cleaning:
• Disposal of any items that have become useless or undesirable for
esthetic or environmental reasons.
• Prior selective sorting on site and storage as required.
• An environmental audit to determine whether there are any issues that
require special attention or cleanup, particularly prior to sale of the site
• Maintenance of sufficient staff and budget until the site is permanently
149
rehabilitated as planned.

List of proven techniques available

• Sort the recoverable structures (hoppers, conveyor belts…), to be
stored separately.
• Waste skips: scrap, oily waste, etc.
• Prevent intrusion, especially via access ways that could lead to the
dumping of undesirable products (refuse, drums…): fencing to be
checked at these points (see Guideline nº 27).
• Inert waste: to be removed to a specialized sorting center; keep the
delivery vouchers.
• Obtain third-party acknowledgment of cleaning.
• Prepare a document gathering data on site cleaning and plant
decommissioning, especially cost data (see Guideline nº 8).

Costs
Provide for the following expenses:
– disposal of used oils: free for a sufficient volume;
– dismantling of the installations: see documents below;
– environmental remediation where necessary.

G E O M I N I N G G U I D E
 Terminal Cleaning
List of reference documents
Internal documents:
LAFARGE GRANULATS, Direction Environnement et Ressources Minérales
Nov. 1999 – Coûts des travaux de remise en état, provisionnables au
31.12.1999 – document available throughout the LAFARGE GRANULATS
Environment network (France).

LAFARGE GRANULATS
Dismantling and refurbishing of the port of Lyon-Vaise – notes available
at Millery (Rhône, France).

List of show cases for this guideline

Site Division Region/dep. Country Comment
AIX-EN-PROVENCE Aggregates Bouches-du-Rhône France
BRADBOURNE Aggregates Kent UK Sevenoaks Wildfowl
Reserve
HAUBOURDIN Cement Nord France
LOTINGHEN Cement Nord France
BAMBURI Cement Mombasa Kenya
150 PORTEL-DES- Gypsum Aude France Team working
CORBIERES continuously until
the end of the
program

Experts to contact
Name Division/region/sector Country Phone n°
Loïc ROYERE Aggregates France 33 4 72 24 46 25
Louis DESCOMBES Cement France 33 4 75 49 60 23
Philippe CHEVALIER Gypsum France 33 4 90 21 21 81
Georg THOMAS Roofing Germany 49 6171 61 26 42

G E O M I N I N G G U I D E
 Site Security

7
2
º
Objective

N
To limit the risks of accident after site closure.

E
Application

N
All quarries.

I
L
Principles

E
• Control all hazardous points (ponds, benches and faces).

D
• Whenever hazards cannot be completely eliminated, access

I
must be forbidden and the area must be enclosed.

U
G
List of proven techniques available
• Fencing: using either barbed wire, impenetrable hedge barriers or wire
netting (except in flood areas).
• Stakes: either of wood or metal with anchoring (for hard outcrops).
• Berms: with constraints as to height and direction in flood areas.
• Entrances: either barriers or gates (more costly but more efficient).
• Signage: mark out property limits. 151
• Surveillance: regular checking (monthly or even weekly) of fencing
especially at points accessible to outside vehicles.

A thorn hedge can be planted along the fence, best at the beginning of
mining operations, so as to develop a more lasting and impenetrable
physical obstacle.

Costs
Fencing: € 5/m with wood stakes every 3 m, 6 rows of barbed wire,
€ 15/m with metal stakes every 3 m, 6 rows of barbed wire.

Barrier: ≈ € 200: supply + installation with anchorage.

Gate: € 600 – 800: supply + installation with anchorage.

G E O M I N I N G G U I D E
 Site Security
List of show cases for this guideline
Many cases on our different operations.

Site Division Region/dep. Country Comment

AIX-EN-PROVENCE Aggregates Bouches-du-Rhône France Fencing and gate
CHEVRIERES Aggregates Oise France Wooden fencing for
landscape integration
LIMAY Cement Yvelines France

Experts to contact
Legal consequences must not be overlooked, therefore, the legal
department experts should be called upon as needed.

Name Division/region/sector Country Phone n°

Ron FOSTER Aggregates UK 44 1 530 242 151
Pierre DE PREMARE Aggregates France 33 1 44 34 11 11
Louis DECOMBES Cement France 33 4 75 49 60 23
Philippe CHEVALIER Gypsum France 33 4 90 21 21 81
Georg THOMAS Roofing Germany 49 6171 61 26 42

152

G E O M I N I N G G U I D E
 Information/Communication with

8
2
Stakeholders on Closing Issues

º
N
Objective

E
To obtain formal approval of authorities, associations and neighbors

N
about the rehabilitation implemented.

I
L
Use the Group’s rehabilitation references to earn broader approval by

E
these stakeholders regarding our activity, including new projects.

D
Application

I
All quarries that have just been totally or partly rehabilitated

U
G
Principles
• Present actual rehabilitation achievements rather than planned
projects (which can sometimes be modified).
• Explain the benefits to the local community of the rehabilitation
program implemented.
• Anticipate the questions and concerns of stakeholders.
• Ensure that the Group has honored its commitments, and highlight
this fact.
153

List of proven techniques available

• Site meetings with authorities, associations, neighbors, journalists.
• Document that explains the rehabilitation plan, the techniques
implemented, the final use.
• Information panels at the entrance or on viewpoints, if the risk of
vandalism (damage, graffiti…) is low enough.
• Application for environmental awards and communication on site after
winning them.

Costs
• Time devoted to meetings.
• Information panel: 200 to 1 000 €.

List of reference documents

GRANULATS SUD
1999, Présentation du réaménagement de la carrière,
GROUPE LAFARGE de la Plaine des Dès à Aix-en-Provence – available at
Marseille (France).

G E O M I N I N G G U I D E
 Information/Communication with
Stakeholders on Closing Issues
LAFARGE – CSS
1993, Moisson-Freneuse (78) : valorisation forestière et écologique des
terrains réaménagés, 2 pages – available at Issy or Sandrancourt (France).

LAFARGE – CSS
1996, Guernes/Saint-Martin-la-Garenne (78) : un site paysager de valeur
écologique, 2 pages – available at Issy or Sandrancourt (France).

Service Foncier Est

1995, Le réaménagement du site du Saulcy (now part of LAFARGE)
(Crévéchamps quarry) – Redland Granulats, 6 pages.

List of showcases for this guideline

Many cases on our different operations.
Site Division Region/dep. Country Comment
AIX-EN-PROVENCE Aggregates Bouches-du-Rhône France
CREVECHAMPS Aggregates Meurthe-et-Moselle France 28.09.1995:
presentation and visit
for administrations,
154
local authorities,
customers, profession
LA CROIX-ST-LEUFROY Aggregates Eure France Graduate UEPG-
award
MOISSON-FRENEUSE Aggregates Yvelines France Graduate UNICEM
URPG Ile-de-France
award
CHAVAGNE- étang de Aggregates Ille-et-Vilaine France
Babelouse (a pond)
SHALERSVILLE LCM: USA Graduate “Wildlife
Aggregates Habitat” award,
1994
LIMAY Cement Yvelines France
KARSDORF Cement Germany

Experts to contact
Name Division/region/sector Country Phone n°
Bernard BOURGUE Aggregates France 33 4 95 09 45 00
Hervé CHIAVERINI Aggregates France 33 2 32 54 70 75
Francis STEPANOFF Aggregates France 33 2 99 14 87 14
Louis DECOMBES Cement France 33 4 75 49 60 23

G E O M I N I N G G U I D E
 Finding Solutions to Manage

9
2
Sites Post Rehabilitation

º
N
Objective

E
To find solutions to ensure an acceptable long-term development of the

N
site through an adequate management scheme.

I
To avoid challenges to the future site use and the resulting impact on our

L
image.

E
D
Application
All quarries, especially those whose future use is related to nature

I
conservation, or other purposes of general interest.

U
G
Principles
• Technical conditions of rehabilitation must make it difficult to change
the final use of the site.
• Find an appropriate third party who will ensure long-term
management of the site according to agreed final use.
• If the quarry site is sold, agree on use and site management with future owner.
• Final use of site must be enacted in official documents on urban
planning and land-usage.
155

List of proven techniques available

• Involve ourselves with local community through local conservation groups.
• Communicate the value of the site to a wide audience.
• As all quarries and landholdings will require management, partners
have to be involved as a part of the management process.
• Maintain an influence to ensure the rehabilitation and site
management aims are achieved through the partnership arrangement.

Lease, licence or sale under conditions, to the following

possible partners
• Partnerships with policy groups:
– U.K.: Green Alliance (advising Government), English Nature
(statutory agency),
– France: Conservatoires Régionaux des Espaces Naturels.
• Partnerships with non-statutory agencies.
– U.K.: Royal Society for Nature Conservation & the Wildlife Trust
movement Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB),
– France: Ligue pour la Protection des Oiseaux (LPO) France Nature
Environment (FNE),
– Kenya.
• Partnerships with specific and local associations on species or habitat.
• Partnerships with Local Authorities.

G E O M I N I N G G U I D E
 Finding Solutions to Manage Sites
Post Rehabilitation
• Partnerships with farmers for an environnementally designed farming
(woodlands, hedges, specific agricultural practices…).

Costs
Varied and site specific.

List of reference documents

René Haller, From Wasteland to Paradise

List of show cases for this guideline

Site Division Region/dep. Country Associated partnership
Comment
LAGRUERE Aggregates Lot-et-Garonne France Local association
created on purpose for
future management
after rehabilitation
GUERNES/ Aggregates Yvelines France
SANDRANCOURT
SANDY Aggregates Bedfordshire UK The Wildlife Trust
156 for Bedfordshire
Bedfordshire County
Council RSPB
English Nature
BRADBOURNE Aggregates Kent UK The Jeffrey Harrison
Memorial Trust
BESTHORPE Aggregates Nottinghamshire UK Nottinghamshire
Wildlife Trust
PORTEL-DES- Gypsum Underground quarry
CORBIERES transformed into
successful tourisme
place of interest

Experts to contact
Name Division/region/sector Country Phone n°
Hervé CHIAVERINI Aggregates France 33 2 32 54 70 75
David DUBOIS Aggregates France 33 5 53 93 46 71
Claire MORICE Aggregates France 33 1 34 97 02 70
Ron FOSTER Aggregates UK 44 1 530 241 088
David PARK Aggregates UK 44 1 740 654 461
Yves DERREAL Cement France 33 1 49 11 40 77
Philippe CHEVALIER Gypsum France 33 4 90 21 81 81
Georg THOMAS Roofing Germany 49 6171 61 26 42

G E O M I N I N G G U I D E
 Final Decision on Ultimate Use

0
3
of Quarry

º
N
Objective

E
To identify and implement the after-use project best suited to the

N
surrounding context.

I
To maximise the potential of the after-use of the site in the best cost

L
effective manner, if this after-use is different from the initial

E
rehabilitation objective (otherwise, see Guideline nº 2).

D
Application

I
All quarries ready to be partly or totally rehabilitated.

U
G
Principles
• Based on a global approach that considers the site in its context, strive
to seize opportunities for projects able to add value in both economic
and environmental terms.
• Remember: the type of rehabilitation project must take the geological
and hydraulic consequences of quarry operations into account.
• The management costs related to the chosen rehabilitation system, as
well as any additional revenue streams, must be integrated into project
157
economics.

List of proven techniques available

• Ecological studies.
• Landscape studies.
• Economical studies: final land uses will generate a revenue such as
agriculture, forestry, angling and boating. Grant aids may also be
available from a variety of sources.
• Consultation with interested parties: local authority, neighbours, the
land owner, statutory agencies and NGOs…

Costs
See Guideline nº 2.
Feasibility studies if necessary (i.e.: water quality for fishing).

G E O M I N I N G G U I D E
 Final Decision on Ultimate Use
of Quarry
List of show cases for this guideline
Site Division Region/dep. Country Comment
CHEVRIERES Aggregates Oise France Future fishing center
BROADWATER Aggregates UK Sailing
WATERFORD Aggregates UK (mentioned on
26th June)
GODMANCHESTER Aggregates UK Zoned fishing
KINGSWOOD NNR Aggregates UK Forestry
(Undug land)
Choose between: Aggregates UK Agriculture
PANSHANGER
COLE GREEN
SOMERSHAM
Choose between: Aggregates UK Housing and
FOXHOLES industrial
DOUBLEGATES development
SHALERSVILLE Aggregates USA Local water supply
Housing
development
MARTES Cement France
158
GAGNY Gypsum Seine-St-Denis France Housing and urban
park
MONHEIM Roofing Germany Football pitch
(KIESGRABEN)

Experts to contact
Name Division/region/sector Country Phone n°
Pierre PROY Aggregates France 33 3 44 38 30 00
Pierre DE PRÉMARE Aggregates France 33 1 40 95 69 33
Ron FOSTER Aggregates UK 44 1 530 241 088
Irv MAURER LCM (Aggregates) USA 1 410 847 3200
Louis DECOMBES Cement France 33 4 75 49 60 23
Francis HORTEMEL Corporate France 33 1 44 34 11 11
Stephan NICOLAY Roofing Germany 49 61 71 61 24 36

G E O M I N I N G G U I D E
 Maintenance and Monitoring

1
3
º
Objective

N
To ensure the long-term viability of the rehabilitation program both
during and after quarry operations, in order to protect the Group’s

E
image and investment.

N
I
Application

L
This practice must be applied to all reclamation and landscaping work, as

E
long as LAFARGE group keeps control on the rehabilitated site.

D
Principles

I
Maintenance and monitoring are an integral part of any rehabilitation

U
program. Sufficient budgetary and human resources must therefore be

G
allocated to these aspects. They must be defined in a program and
coordinated by a project manager.
Maintenance and monitoring must be practiced to insure that
appropriate corrective measures are executed for all deficiencies that
may impair future uses. In case of sale, suitable information and
requirements must be transmitted to the buyer.

List of proven techniques available

1 – Above all, maintenance and monitoring refers to upkeep of 159

fences, site access control, cleanliness, and landscape

maintenance.
2 – In natural areas, maintenance will consist of watering, amending
the soil, replacing dead trees and shrubs, controlling pests,
removing weeds, moving between tree lines, cutting grassland
areas… Il can usefully be managed together with local NGOs or
partners. Monitoring will address issues of physical nature (soil
stability, resistance to erosion, drainage efficiency, water quality)
and biological nature (species richness, plant density, canopy
cover, seed production, fauna return, weed control, productivity,
and nutrient cycling) on a regular basis to insure the viability and
success of rehabilitation.

Nature Conservation
a. Produce and follow a management plan.
b. Keep an open mind and seek to enhance the site by further habitat
creation as appropriate.
c. Prepare a database of species and regularly review to identify
changes.
d. Issue periodic reports on the evolution of the site.
e. Seek the help of volunteers and associations to draw up the
inventory.

G E O M I N I N G G U I D E
 Maintenance and Monitoring
Forestry & Woodland
a. Produce and follow a woodland management plan.
b. Entrust the management of woodlands to professionals.

Agriculture
a. Produce a 5 year forward plan of agricultural enhancement.
b. This plan is to ensure the soil structure improves and drainage is
effective.
c. Crop selection and management must be defined to improve soil
structure.
The quality of the rehabilitation program must be certified through
an agronomical assessment.

List of reference documents

Michalski, M.F.P. et al.
1987, Rehabilitation of pits and quarries for fish and wildlife, Ministry of
Natural Resources of Ontario, Land Management Branch, 59 pages.
Cemagref de GrenobleEtude du Museum UNPG – Carton vert.

List of showcases for this guideline

160 Site Division Region/dep. Country Comment
BERNIERES Aggregates Eure France Forestry
GUERNES Aggregates Yvelines France Grassland
HOPPEGARTEN Roofing Brandenburg Germany Forestry
FORCHHEIM Roofing Bavaria Germany Agriculture
STEINBACH Roofing Bavaria Germany Forestry

Experts to contact
Name Division/region/sector Country Phone n°
Hervé CHIAVERINI Aggregates France 33 2 32 54 70 70
Ron FOSTER Aggregates UK 44 1 530 241 088
Louis DECOMBES Cement France 33 4 75 49 60 23
Stephan NICOLAY Roofing Germany 49 61 71 61 24 36

G E O M I N I N G G U I D E