Análisis de fragmentación de rocas mediante registro fotográfico en la concesión minera subterránea "Kristian David", cantón Pasaje - El Oro.

Abstract

This study aimed to carry out a fragmentation analysis with digital photographic record in the "Kristian David" mining concession, located in the Pasaje canton, El Oro province. In the subject area, there were collected structural data, rock mass characterization, drilling & blasting parameters and explosive properties, which were used in the Kuz-Ram predictive fragmentation model and compared to the digital fragmentation analysis. As evidence of the research, it was taken pictures of the fragmentation pile and each sample was quartered into 4 equal parts to have a more efficient distribution of fragment sizes: 10 blasts were taken by way of example. The free software "ImageJ" was used to digital process, applying two methodologies: manual and automatic. The analysis of each photograph was carried out through the following process: image import, scaling, image pre-treatment, image segmentation, particle analysis result and data tabulation in Excel. As a result of the photographic record analysis compared to the Kuz-Ram Predictive Model, it is shown, in the manual method, a maximum X50 of 54 mm and a minimum of 1 mm; in the automatic method, a maximum X50 of 72 mm and a minimum of 51 mm in the predictive model, a maximum X50 of 11 mm and a minimum of 6 mm. In conclusion, the particle size analysis in smaller particles is much closer to the predictive model and the manual photographic analysis method. It is recommended to use the manual method to process the photographs, since it is used to contour the particles, thus avoiding the creation of false particles.