Mining of Mineral Deposits

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Structural influence on the flow of solute contaminant in mine: Case study Maiganga Coal, Gombe State, Nigeria

Kushai Caleb Aluwong1, Mohd Hazizan Mohd Hashim1, Suhaina Ismail1

1Universiti Sains Malaysia, Nibong Tebal, Malaysia


Min. miner. depos. 2025, 19(1):47-55


https://doi.org/10.33271/mining19.01.047

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      ABSTRACT

      Purpose. This research aims to better understand key components such as geology, lineament networks, and human-induced changes to improve methods for controlling contamination risks in mining environments. Specifically, the study exa-mined how mining operations, structural alterations, and geological formations influence contaminant flow.

      Methods. Autonomously generated lineaments from several data sets were analyzed to determine their lengths and orientations. Shuttle Radar Topography Mission-Digital Elevation Models (SRTM-DEM) and aeromagnetic data were explicitly used in this analysis. The research also uses PQWT and Abem SAS 1000 measurements to describe the sedimentary environment, particularly emphasizing the presence of thick, resistive sandstone layers at shallow to moderate depths. Additionally, the amounts of anions, cations, and metals in water samples were measured and compared to World Health Organization (WHO) and Nigerian Standard for Drinking Water Quality (NSDWQ) guidelines.

      Findings. The results show that structural elements like thick, resistant sandstone layers affect solute movement in mining contexts. In high-energy settings, lineaments exhibit multi-directionality and substantial sedimentary strata. High quantities of metals such as copper, manganese, and cadmium are associated with leachate from mining waste, while water analysis showed excessive levels of nitrogen and nitrate.

      Originality. This research uniquely integrates structural geology, solute transport, and contamination control, highlighting novel findings in lineament analysis and sedimentary environment characterization.

      Practical implications. This research shows a pathway for industries to optimize resource extraction, improve waste ma-nagement, and enhance water quality protection.

      Keywords: resistivity, lineament, mine environment, digitization, contaminan


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