The province of Granada (Spain) is of great interest for the advance of the research on the use and exploitation of quarries in Roman times. This work shows the first results on the use of local stone varieties from this eastern area of Roman Baetica province. In this respect, a geological and petrographic study of the quarries exploited in the Sierra Gorda sector and surrounding areas is given, taking as reference the archaeological materials documented in the Roman villa of Salar, located at the western edge of the Granada Basin (Spain). Sierra Gorda and the areas around the Vega de Granada were a supply site for stone materials in Roman times in the Roman villa of Salar. Several lithotypes have been identified, most likely coming from this mountain massif. The use of the Dogger calcareous breccia and, probably, the nodular limestones of the Dogger-Malm stands out. However, the use of the micritic Lias limestones remains to be confirmed. In the case of the oolitic limestones (from the Jurassic) there is a high probability that this typology came from other provinces (M & aacute;laga or C & oacute;rdoba), not from Sierra Gorda. The crinoid limestones used (also Jurassic) are most likely from Sierra Elvira. Finally, the exact location from which the Miocene calcarenites (Alhama or Esc & uacute;zar) were extracted is yet to be determined.
Heritage stones have been used since prehistoric times for a variety of purposes. The beauty of historic stone buildings that have endured over time testifies to the importance of heritage stones to the cultural heritage of societies. The aim of this paper is to study the timelessness of two ornamental stones from the islands of Thassos and Naxos. The marble of Thassos was originally extracted in the 7th century BC from the ancient quarry of Alykes, which produced a grey calcitic marble. This quarry had been in operation for over 1200 years and had become one of the most important sources of marble in ancient times. Today the ancient quarry is no longer in operation. The quarrying and exploitation of another calcitic marble began later, in modern times, in the central part of the island of Thassos. Laboratory tests carried out on this “new” marble have confirmed that its aesthetic and physical-mechanical properties are similar to those of the marble extracted from the ancient Alykes quarry. The white marble of Naxos was widely used even in prehistory and antiquity for religious purposes or for daily life objects and later for architectural purposes, in monuments and sculptures. Naxos quarry is still in operation, and the marble is used for various applications, due to its high quality characteristics. The mineralogical and physical-mechanical properties of these marbles have been determined in the Lithos Laboratory, in order to highlight their importance as heritage stones.
The “late Baroque towns of the Val di Noto” in south-eastern Sicily, Italy, testify an outstanding post-seismic rebuilding architectonic achievement, after that an earthquake destroyed them in 1693. The reconstructed towns, characterised by “distinctive innovations in town planning and urban building” have been added to the UNESCO World Heritage list since 2022. They exhibit architectural features characterised by a close relationship between local stone, geological context and societal development. Indeed, they are characterized by the employment of two lithotypes, i.e., sedimentary (i.e. Hyblean limestones) and magmatic (i.e. Etnean lavas) rocks, resulting in an original bichromy. Nevertheless, once in the city centres, stone materials are exposed to atmospheric agents (e.g., rain, wind, solar radiation, aggressive atmospheric pollutants, freeze-thaw cycles, crystallization of saline solutions, and growth of organisms) that, over time, may trigger weathering process. In this contribution, we focused on two main lithotypes widely used as building stones and, specifically, we carried out a review on its fabric-related petrophysical properties, in terms of petrography, porosity, seismic and geo-engineering behaviour and observed the deterioration forms developed in the buildings. Our review paper aims to provide a basic tool, useful either for conserving monuments of cultural heritage and for their restoration.
Por un lado, ciertos elementos potencialmente tóxicos (EPT) presentes en residuos mineros abandonados (RMA), tales como, Cu, Mo, Pb, Sb y Zn constituyen un riesgo permanente para la salud, la biodiversidad y el ambiente. Por otro lado, la alta demanda de estos elementos, asociada a una población creciente y que los recursos del planeta son limitados, representa una problemática en el suministro futuro de materias primas. Este estudio plantea la posibilidad de abordar de manera integral ambas problemáticas, es decir, mediante el reaprovechamiento de los RMA, basado en la valoración económica de los minerales críticos, estratégicos y metales preciosos (Au y Ag) que puedan contener. La información se obtuvo del inventario de pasivos ambientales mineros realizado en la Región Minera Cananea-Nacozari en el norte de México, donde se cuantificaron los contenidos totales de los elementos presentes en los RMA. Se calculó el volumen de cada emplazamiento de RMA y, junto con la densidad específica, se calculó el tonelaje del mineral por elemento de interés. Así, se identificó que el 35 % de los RMA inventariados son susceptibles para el reaprovechamiento de sustancias como Au, Ag, Cu, Mo, Pb, Sb y Zn, ya que se encontraron residuos con valores económicos calculados de hasta 598 millones de dólares. Los resultados sugieren que es posible reaprovechar los RMA, insertándolos al marco regulatorio ambiental vigente, contribuyendo a la economía circular, al tiempo que se abordan las problemáticas de contaminación por el efecto de los RMA y la escasez de materiales que preocupa a la sociedad.
This monograph integrates research from 12 countries from three continents (Europe, Asia, and America). The publication projects an exceptional international dimension, encompassing studies from Spain, Italy, Greece, Norway, Slovenia, Germany, Portugal, and France in Europe; Qatar, India, and South Korea in Asia; and Brazil in South America. This geographic diversity provides a multidisciplinary perspective from the various research groups that have collaborated on this monograph, documenting the richness of their geodiversity and historical exploitation on a global scale.The contributions from the different scientific teams underscore the importance of historical quarries as scientific-technical spaces for material traceability. Through the use of advanced methodologies, petrophysical studies, and engineering analysis, these works demonstrate that quarries are not merely exhausted deposits, but authentic laboratories. They allow for the generation of georeferenced inventories and ensure that any restoration intervention respects the petrophysical integrity and originality of the heritage element.From a heritage perspective, the monograph highlights that the study of these sources is essential for correctly understanding built heritage and its construction history. By linking each building to its territory—as observed in many of the cases presented —the authenticity of the cultural asset is further guaranteed.The collection of works compiled in this monograph reflects the significance of historical quarries as a key piece in heritage studies and underlines their value as a first-rate scientific-technical space. It is evident that these sites are not only the material origin of our monuments but laboratories where geology, history, and engineering converge to ensure the authenticity and proper conservation of our built memory.
Ouro Preto, located in the state of Minas Gerais, Brazil, is a city rich in historical, geological, and cultural significance. It was built during the gold rush of the 17th and 18th centuries in the colonial period, and its urban architecture has been remarkably preserved to this day. Ouro Preto is strategically located in the Iron Quadrangle, a globally important mineral province with a complex geological setting spanning from the Archean to the Proterozoic eon. The city is renowned for the exploration of conventional mineral resources such as gold, iron, manganese, uranium, gems, etc., as well as the extraction of ornamental rocks, particularly quartzite, soapstone, marble, and gneisses. These rocks, part of the Qfe stratigraphic framework, were used to construct the architectural heritage in the Baroque and Rococo styles, many of which were crafted by the hands of the artist Aleijadinho (Ant & ocirc;nio Francisco Lisboa). Ancient quarries preserved around Ouro Preto, or even within the urban area, are remnants of rock extraction and are an integral part of the city's historical heritage. They have become a popular tourist attraction and a subject of scientific studies. Knowledge of the conection between the Qfe rocks and the historical monuments in the city of Ouro Preto emphasizes and enriches its legacy as a global geological and architectural heritage, affirming its status as a fundamental human heritage.
During PLANAGEO project, some areas were selected to undergo exploration programs according to target materials – Au (Fe); REE (Nb-Ta); Ni/Cr/Pt - using handheld field instruments. Portable instruments are widely used in exploration as a prompt way of obtaining information and direct field work and subsequent investigations. The Serra da Neve Alkaline Complex (SNAC) is a wide set of volcanic and subvolcanic structures that host REE (Nb-Ta)-bearing mineralogy. The same potential exists for elements with similar geochemical behavior such as incompatible trace elements, Large-Ion Lithophile Elements (LILE) and High-Field Strength Elements (HFSE), such as U and Th. The survey for a group of elements obtained by X-Ray Fluorescence and for equivalent Uranium (eU), equivalent Thorium (eTh) and Potassium by Gamma Ray Spectrometry showed similarities in their concentrations in rock sample sites. U and especially Th distribution show the same patterns as REE in different lithologies within the SNAC, mainly in the syenites. Nb tends to concentrate in alkaline dikes, apart from ijolites. There is a clear anomaly to be followed in the SE zone, in the Nejoio satellite intrusion.
Within the scope of the PLANAGEO Project, conducted by UTE IGME-LNEG-IIA in southwestern Angola, groundwater studies were developed in the Kalahari basin, province of Cunene. These studies, mostly carried out in the last years of the project, comprised an extensive review and reprocessing of all the heritage pre-independence geophysical and borehole data and benefited from the knowledge that was already acquired through the project, namely regarding geology and aerogeophysics. After the 3D modelling of heritage geoelectrical data from 1966-67, another geophysical field survey comprising time-domain electromagnetics was carried out and 5 deep boreholes in selected basin sites were drilled, geophysical logs were carried out and pumping tests and groundwater analysis of major, minor and trace elements were conducted. Results confirmed the estimated depths of the deepest aquifers and their high salinity groundwater in large basin areas. The resulting information from the boreholes has proven to be consistent with the geophysical surveys and research works carried out in Namibia and will therefore be the basis for a future monitoring network of the deep aquifers of the aquifer systems of the Cunene province.
A major geochemical exploration campaign was carried out in SW Angola during the PLANAGEO project, including the analysis of rock, soil, and stream sediment samples using in situ portable X-ray fluorescence (pXRF) analysers. The present work focuses on the analytical results obtained in the area of the Giraúl Pegmatitic Field, a world-class Li-rich pegmatitic dike swarm, as well as on adjacent areas with potential for critical element mineralisation. In situ pXFR geochemical analyses revealed high Nb and Ta contents in the pegmatites of Giraúl, in the surrounding soils, suggesting a clear relation to LCT pegmatites. The most important Nb contents are found in denudated soils from the Cretaceous latite volcanic units of the Bero Volcanic Complex, reaching values up to 896 mg/kg. This work has enabled to define some areas of special interest: (a) the Giraúl Pegmatitic Field, where significant anomalous concentrations of Nb-Ta (Li-Be) occur; (b) the amphibolitic units of the Namibe Group metasediments and other mafic Palaeoproterozoic intrusions, which show potential interest for base metal (Cr-Ni-Co, Cu) exploration; and (c) the Cretaceous volcanic rocks of the Namibe Basin, in the coastal region, which hold potential interest for Fe-Ti (V).
Recognizing the pivotal role of the sector in the socioeconomic development of the nation, the Government of the Republic of Angola has actively endorsed the establishment of a geological-mining cartography. This initiative, employing modern methodologies, is a fundamental tool for strategically planning mineral resource exploitation. The outcomes of this initiative underscore the remarkable diversity of substances and the considerable significance of the studied deposits. In the domain of Industrial Rocks and Minerals, specifically within the CARMINA subprogram, a comprehensive compilation of 30 geological-mining maps has been generated. These maps delineate Areas of Mining Potential, and are accompanied by corresponding reports that encapsulate the research findings and technical-analytical outcomes of the investigated regions. The undertaken efforts have unveiled the substantial potential for Natural Stone, featuring novel varieties of granites, marbles, and “exotic” rocks such as amazonites, sodalites, pegmatites, and carbonatites. The last refered rock types are particulary interesting since they serve as sources for industrial rocks and minerals, encompassing valuable resources like lithium and Rare Earths. Thus, these resources exhibit promising prospects in the context of the energy transition. Additionally, noteworthy deposits include high-purity quartz in Equimina region, feldspars in Giraúl area, kaolins and clays within the Cunene Anorthositic Complex. The systematic creation of mineral resource maps, along with the associated research, contributes to the provision of up-to-date information regarding the geological-mining potential of the studied territory.
La investigación tiene como objetivo cuantificar los cambios topográficos ocurridos en el Valle del Mezquital, México a causa de la actividad minera a cielo abierto en el periodo 2003-2016. La actividad de extracción de rocas carbonáticas y otros materiales pétreos ha provocado transformaciones significativas en el relieve y paisaje. El método se fundamenta en el uso de técnicas de teledetección y generación de Modelos Digitales de Terreno (MDT) a partir de imágenes estereoscópicas del Sistema para la Observación de la Tierra (SPOT). Los resultados estiman, para las 24 minas identificadas, volúmenes de extracción que superan los 146 millones de m3 para el periodo estudiado. Además, se identifican cambios significativos en el paisaje con incidencia evidente en la morfometría con un incremento sostenido en los ángulos de la pendiente.
Los monorraíles, como transporte de personas y mercancías, se crearon y desarrollaron en el siglo XIX y continuaron en el XX y XXI como alternativa al tráfico ferroviario convencional de dos carriles. El sistema Lartigue, inventado por el ingeniero francés que le dio nombre, fue uno de ellos. En base a sus conceptos e ideas, entre 1882 y 1924 él mismo y otros diseñaron numerosas variantes del sistema. Una de ellas fue el monorraíl minero de Igorre, creado en 1905 para dar servicio a una pequeña mina de pirita de hierro en Vizcaya. El presente trabajo describe, en primer lugar en qué consistió el sistema Lartigue, para pasar a continuación a explicar las características técnicas del prototipo de Igorre, y narrar su viaje inaugural, que constituyó un importante evento para la industria vasca. Este fue el último monorraíl de la marca, el primero de su tipo en España y el único movido por un motor de gasolina que, además, usaba el novedoso sistema de transmisión continuamente variable (CVT). Como aportaciones destacadas del trabajo se proponen la traza del itinerario, de la que no se han encontrado referencias, y la descripción del monorraíl, de la que no se tiene noticia en los tratados internacionales especializados. Este fue uno de los cuatro monorraíles que emplearon el sistema Lartigue para uso minero, de los ocho construidos que estuvieron en actividad del total de veinticinco modelos diseñados, veinticuatro por la firma titular y uno por una compañía minera norteamericana cuando Lartigue ya había desaparecido.
In the Humpata area, near Lubango (southwest Angola), igneous, metamorphic, volcano-sedimentary, and carbonate rocks outcrop, with ages ranging from Paleoproterozoic to Mesoproterozoic. Elluvial-alluvial Cenozoic deposits of sands, clayey silts with gravels, and ferralitic armour overlie these lithologies. The aim of this study is to identify mineral raw materials for construction aggregates to supply nearby Lubango area and provide a first characterisation of their potential as raw material. Natural primary aggregates are here classified into sand and gravel, and crushed stone. Regarding characterisation of sand and gravel potential, the mineralogy of selected alluvial sand samples, particle size classification, and the respective cumulative distribution curves were studied. The analysed sands are fine, coarse, and fine to coarse-grained aggregates, suitable for construction in bituminous mixtures for roads and plaster. Use in concrete will need mixing with coarser sand. Considering the proximity to Lubango and the accessibility to raw material, the lithologies with the greatest potential for crushed stone are granites and dolomite limestones. Other lithologies such as dolerite also have potential for construction raw materials. Samples of granite, dolomite limestone, and dolerite aggregates were characterised through their granulometric curve, particle shape, and physical tests: water absorption, density, and the fragmentation resistance test. Overall, these tests revealed an adequate behaviour of the samples in relation to the analysed properties, suggesting the possibility of using these aggregates in the most frequent applications.
In the Cubal region between Benguela and Huambo (SW of Angola), grey biotite granites of middle Paleoproterozoic age occur on a planation surface as residual reliefs, either of inselberg or inselgbirge type. The objective of this work is to carry out the preliminary classification of the grey granites of the Cubal region (SW of Angola), ranking the areas in relation to their potential in granites as ornamental rocks. Six granite lithotypes were identified, which can be grouped into 3 sets according to their textural characteristics. The petrographic analysis reveals that from a mineralogical point of view, granitic lithotypes are very similar with a significant content of plagioclase. The samples chemical analysis shows a homogeneous acidic composition in the granite composition range. Tests were carried out to determine real and apparent density, total and open porosity, water absorption at atmospheric pressure, compressive strength, and bending strength. The results show that the Cubal granites have the characteristics of quality ornamental stones, which in general can be used in all types of applications, in interior and exterior environments. Based on a set of variables, an empirical classification of the ornamental potential of the granites was made, where 4 levels of increasing potential in the study area are established.
The Portilla Formation represents one of the major Devonian reef developments of the Cantabrian Zone and is overlain by the (mainly) siliciclastic succession of the Nocedo Formation. There is no agreement concerning the definition of the Portilla-Nocedo boundary, and several subdivisions occur in the literature. In this paper, we investigate the lithostratigraphic variability of the reefal succession and the stratigraphical consequences of the various subdivisions. The review supports the merger of the reefal limestone succession as one stratigraphic unit, the Portilla Formation, and rejects the separation of the Valdoré Limestone as a basal reefal development of the overlying Nocedo Formation.
A study was conducted in the Cassinga region with a portable XRF (pXRF) device to measure chemical elements in soils and rocks. Measurements were made in 318 outcrops and 1638 soils of the area. Four areas part of the Cassinga region were studied: Cuíma-Samboto, Chipindo, Jamba and M’Popo-Tchamutete where chemical elements were reported individually, and a multivariate study was conducted in each area. The main conclusions of this ongoing study are that the group pf elements/oxides such as MnO, Fe2O3,V, Cr, Co, Ni, Zn, Sb and As, corresponds to the pathfinders of Au mineralisations (As and Sb) and basic origin of elements, such as, Cr, Co, Ni and sulphides (Cu, Zn) and confirms enrichment in the four areas studied, Cuíma-Samboto, Chipindo, Jamba and M´Popo-Tchamutete. The geochemical behavior in terms of pathfinders for Au is associated with the major regional direction of NE-SW faults where hydrothermal fluids could have transported Au. Perpendicular structures associated with this major regional direction NE-SW also exhibit high concentrations of this group of elements especially associated with Neoarchean formations of the Jamba and Chipindo groups and in the adjacent limits of the old granites.
El sector minero experimenta profundas transformaciones hacia una industria digital y sostenible. En este escenario, es esencial fortalecer la formación de profesionales capaces de liderar los desafíos de la minería del futuro, donde los recursos humanos especializados constituyen un pilar clave para mejorar la productividad, competitividad e innovación. Sin embargo, persiste un desfase entre las demandas del sector y la formación que ofrecen las universidades chilenas, generando diferencias que requieren atender necesidades tecnológicas, ambientales y sociales. Esta situación define la formulación del problema. Por otra parte, el objetivo general de este estudio es identificar los contenidos curriculares clave que deben incorporarse en la carrera de Ingeniería Civil de Minas en Chile. La investigación abarcó el período 2014-2023 y aplicó una metodología que combinó la revisión sistemática de literatura, el análisis documental y directrices para el diseño curricular, con el fin de identificar contenidos claves. Los resultados evidenciaron discrepancias relevantes entre la oferta académica y las demandas del sector, aunque la Universidad de Chile y la Universidad de Santiago de Chile presentaron menores diferencias. Los hallazgos subrayaron la urgencia de formar capital humano capaz de liderar la Minería 4.0, integrando innovación tecnológica, sostenibilidad y excelencia operacional. Se concluye que es prioritario actualizar los planes de estudio, incorporando competencias alineadas con las tendencias globales, para consolidar una minería competitiva, sostenible, resiliente y con visión prospectiva de la cadena de valor del negocio minero. Esta investigación tiene relevancia al aportar criterios claros para cerrar la brecha entre academia e industria.
Durante la transición Orosírico a Estatérico intruyeron una amplia variedad textural y composicional de granitoides en la región de Namibe del Escudo del Congo Suroccidental. Este magmatismo fue contemporáneo con un evento tectonometamórfico regional Eburneano de edad 1.83-1.81 Ga, caracterizado por una deformación dúctil polifásica, engrosamiento cortical, metamorfismo regional de alta-T/baja-P y fusión parcial. Los datos petrológicos y estructurales permiten identificar tres series granitoides. Las fábricas magmáticas presentes en sills de leucogranitos de la serie G1 están alineadas con el contacto intrusivo y las fábricas S2-L2 en los gneises encajantes, interpretándose como sin- y tardi-cinemáticos respecto a la deformación D2. Los granitoides de las asociaciones gabroico-diorítica y tonalítico-granodiorítica de la serie G2 intruyeron el núcleo de las antiformas D3, formando macizos elongados paralelamente a las charnelas. Estas intrusiones exhiben una foliación magmática subvertical y una lineación subhorizontal, alineada con las fábricas S3-L3 del encajante, lo que sugiere un emplazamiento de la serie G2 desde sin- a tardi-D3. Los granitos de la serie G3 forman macizos de contornos elípticos que cortan a la macroestructura de D3 y muestran una organización textural zonada concéntricamente. La orientación de las fábricas magmáticas planares y de los enclaves es subparalela a la S4 en el encajante, indicando la intrusión de la serie G3 desde sin- hasta post-D4. La geocronología U-Pb por CA ID-TIMS en circón muestra que estas suites intruyeron en un corto intervalo de tiempo de 10 Ma, con distintos pulsos a 1808 Ma (suites G1 y G2) y 1803-1801 Ma (suites G2-G3).
La región de Namibe del suroeste de Angola forma parte del Escudo del Congo Suroccidental, que constituye un dominio cortical sometido a los procesos tectono-metamórficos relacionados con la orogenia Eburneana. Los trabajos de cartografía geológica realizados en el Proyecto PLANAGEO han permitido distinguir dos conjuntos metamórficos de edad Neoarcaico a Paleoproterozoico: (1) el conjunto de orto y paragneises del Complejo de Epupa; y (2) los metasedimentos supracorticales del Grupo Namibe. El Complejo de Epupa está constituido por ortogneises graníticos, tonalíticos y dioríticos, leucogneises y paragneises pelíticos, variablemente migmatizados. El Grupo Namibe incluye anfibolitas y mármoles calcíticos/dolomíticos basales sobre los que superpone una potente secuencia de pizarras, esquistos y metagrauvacas alternantes con intercalaciones de cuarcitas y metaconglomerados. Las relaciones cartográficas, el contraste litológico y la ausencia de ortogneises indican que el Grupo Namibe se depositó discordante sobre el Complejo de Epupa. Durante la orogenia Eburneana, tanto el Complejo de Epupa como el Grupo Namibe experimentaron una deformación dúctil polifásica y un metamorfismo regional que, en amplios sectores, alcanzó las condiciones de fusión parcial. Las estructuras eburneanas pueden agruparse en dos eventos deformativos dúctiles principales, D1 y D2, junto con otros dos eventos tardíos de menor penetratividad, D3 y D4. Los nuevos datos geocronológicos U-Pb SHRIMP en circón y 40Ar/39Ar en moscovita indican que el pico térmico del metamorfismo Eburneano, la cristalización de leucosomas, el emplazamiento de leucogranitos anatécticos y el enfriamiento del conjunto tuvieron lugar en un relativo corto intervalo de tiempo (~10 Ma).
El Plan Geológico Nacional de Angola (PLANAGEO) ha supuesto un importante reto cartográfico: reconocer y muestrear un vasto territorio de difícil acceso en un tiempo limitado, con la posibilidad de interceptar minas antipersona y antitanque diseminadas por el territorio, entre otros riesgos. Estas vicisitudes se hacen más significativas cuanto más remota es la región, como es el caso de la cuenca de Owambo, situada en el sur de Angola. Esta cuenca, también llamada Cuvelai-Etosha, es uno de los principales depocentros de la cuenca del Kalahari rellena por los sedimentos cenozoicos de tres grandes sistemas fluvio-deltaicos: Cunene, Cubango y Cuvelai. La inactividad de los dos primeros sistemas, la falta de afloramientos y la escasa continuidad lateral de las facies han dificultado aún más la definición litoestratigráfica y la cartografía geológica. Durante las primeras fases del proyecto, se realizó el mapa del regolito, basado en la metodología del CRC LEME (Cooperative Research Centre for Landscape Environment and Mineral Exploration). El uso de cocientes de bandas y del algoritmo de Análisis de Componentes Principales Dirigidos para procesar las imágenes multiespectrales Landsat 8 propuestos por esta metodología, en combinación con las imágenes radiométricas adquiridas a partir de la campaña aerogeofísica regional realizada en PLANAGEO, demostró ser una técnica esencial para la cartografía de los grandes sistemas deltaicos de la cuenca de Owambo y la diferenciación de las unidades geológicas dentro de estos sistemas.
