Geophysics applied to the mapping of natural caves hosted in iron ore in carajás (PA), Brazil

Abstract

The Brazilian environmental licensing for mining activities requires technical-scientific studies to demonstrate that natural caves will be protected from the impact of the mining operations. This study presents the results of near-surface geophysical methods applied to geostructural mapping of the rock mass in which the caves are hosted. The ferruginous karstic terrains are challenging to the geophysical interpretation due to the caves’ modest dimensions and the large variations in the host rock physical properties. Electrical Resistivity and GPR (Ground Penetrating Radar) geophysical surveys, were performed overlaying a natural cave located in the surroundings of the N4EN iron mine, in the Carajás Province, northern Brazil. The resistivity data were useful to discriminate different lithotypes as well as the presence of humidity in the rock mass, while the GPR data revealed a detailed degree of fracturing of the rock mass. The presence of humidity and the highly fractured zones may constitute zones of greater fragility of the cave walls and ceiling.