Optimización de los procesos de explotación en la zona minera de áridos y pétreos del Río Upano

Abstract

The purpose of the current research work was to optimize the exploitation processes in the aggregate and stone mining area of the Upano River located in Morona County. The description of the study area applied a descriptive investigation of the rocks peculiarities through a bibliographic review, and in situ observation in the extraction zones. On the other hand, it identified the physical properties of the stone material by means an experimental investigation with a quantitative approach about measurement of abrasiveness and granulometry of the collected samples. The field research used passive observation as technique and a photographic record as instrument in order to determine the stone material, also extraction methods that are currently applied. The methodology for production lines in the loading and transport optimization allowed to measure the waiting time of the dump truck, based on the number of backhoes to determine the total cost for each complete loading and transportation circuit. It used the Fuzzy methodology with the map algebra tool for digital modeling through ArcGIS software to obtain the susceptibility map which identified the possible places and level of threats during the mining in the Upano River. The possible areas of exploitation were established based on the volume of the reserve, access roads and surrounding human settlements that generate three industrial zones with an approximate area of 45.22 hectares. The abrasion test determined: wear of 30.25% and the granulometry test showed 80% of pebbles and blocks, and 20% of sand. It concluded that the material is suitable for civil constructions taking into account the exploitation by strips would reduce the transport time, besides the management of three backhoes would reduce operating costs to $ 1,713.76. Finally, it recommends formalizing the mining activity in accordance with the regulations established by the relevant agencies.