Approach to Measurements of Block Size and Rock Quality Designation on Nickel Laterite Mine

Abstract

One of the problems in the nickel laterite is exposed unserpentinized peridotite rock fragments great in saprolite zone. The increasing of block size will reduce mine recovery and make mining operation become high cost.. To create a zoning deployment size of a block of rock, used the approach block volume and rock quality designation (RQD) method. Classification of rock block size is divided into four units: rock type 1, rock type 2, rock type 3, and unfracture. RQD value and volume block calculated from drill core in each spaced 50 meters. The research area is located on the concession. Vale West Block the hill X, Y and Z. The aim of this study to provide integrated information and details about the type of boulder based on the size and distribution so as to simplify the mining process. The method used is the measurement of the dimensions of the boulder adapted to drill point and compare RQD values which have been calculated on the drill log. Classification of rock type and the making of distribution maps using ArcGIS 9.2 software. Analysis of the results obtained at the X area, mostly including rock type 1 and large-sized as much as 35% of the sample surface and 67% of the core sample. In the area Y obtained difference RQD values ie rock type 2 based on the sample surface and rock type 1 based on core samples. In the area of Z also there were different types of rock that is equal to 67% unfractured rock type on the sample surface while the core samples including rock type 2 by 83%. Different types of rocks derived from both methods due to differences in data collection based on the dimensions of rock and core samples are done vertically. In addition, factors topographical differences in all three areas, affecting the deployment of the exposed rock fragments,