University of TehranInternational Journal of Mining and Geo-Engineering2345-693060120260301Fracture mechanisms in rock-like Bi-material beams under mode I loading: effects of crack location and thickness ratio1710623010.22059/ijmge.2026.399561.595284ENEhsanGhavimiDepartment of Mining Engineering, Faculty of Mining and Materials, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran.MoslehEftekhariDepartment of Mining Engineering, Faculty of Mining and Materials, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran.Hamid RezaNejatiDepartment of Mining Engineering, Faculty of Mining and Materials, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran.Journal Article20250728Understanding the fracture behavior of bi-material systems is crucial in rock mechanics where material heterogeneity and interfacial discontinuities can significantly affect crack propagation. This study experimentally investigated the crack propagation mechanisms in layered specimens composed of two cementitious materials with deliberately contrasting mechanical properties. Six bi-material configurations were tested under three-point bending using pre-notched beams, with variations in layer thickness and initial notch location. Single-material tests were also conducted to determine the uniaxial compressive strength, tensile strength, and fracture toughness of each constituent material. The results demonstrated that notch location and relative layer thickness significantly influenced fracture behavior. Cracks originating in the stiffer material typically propagated directly across the interface. In contrast, cracks initiated in the weaker material often showed deflection or staged propagation. Load–displacement curves reflected these differences, with specimens containing notches in the weaker material exhibiting lower peak loads, and in some cases, multiple load peaks. The experimental findings contribute to a deeper understanding of interface-controlled fracture behavior in rock-like composites and provide valuable data for validating future numerical simulations.https://ijmge.ut.ac.ir/article_106230_c9560f826c8e3bccde3d12bced15e864.pdfUniversity of TehranInternational Journal of Mining and Geo-Engineering2345-693060120260301Cross gradient based joint inversion of EM-LIN and DC resistivity data91510623110.22059/ijmge.2026.399972.595285ENRaminVarfinezhadInstitute of Geophysics, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran.MohammadFerasatDepartment of Engineering Geology, School of Geology, College of science, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran.Journal Article20250803Non-uniqueness and instability of single geophysical approaches may be reduced by utilizing constraints and a priori information in terms of regularization, but deriving enough information about subsurface sources generally demands integration of two or more geophysical data sets. Cross gradient based joint inversion is one of the most widespread ways of geophysical data integration where involved methods share their information for each other through cross gradient function. In this paper, the joint inversion of DC resistivity and EM34 data was applied to the measured data at Morgenzon Farm site in South Africa, where the reconstruction of a dolerite dyke or sill is the principal target indicating the presence of groundwater. The separate inversion of DC resistivity data highlights a two layered medium as an interface and a small weak anomaly in the middle of the profile, while EM34 inverse model indicates a resistive dyke in the middle of the profile with a depth range from 5 to 15 m. Join inversion allows the involving methods to propagate their characteristics to each other, and it was found that joint inverse model of the DC resistivity is the best result to reconstruct the subsurface structure. In addition, joint inversion results were compared with the cooperative inversion of these approaches. Ultimately, the measured magnetic and gravity data were also inverted, allowing their joint interpretation with the separate and joint resistivity models.https://ijmge.ut.ac.ir/article_106231_3dc125622a88bcda7184337a58d9f006.pdfUniversity of TehranInternational Journal of Mining and Geo-Engineering2345-693060120260301Stabilization Of soil with waste ceramic powder & calcium carbide residue for subgrade application172410623210.22059/ijmge.2026.389985.595223ENYogitrikaThakurCivil Department, National Institute of Technology, Hamirpur, India.Ravi KumarSharmaCivil Department, National Institute of Technology, Hamirpur, India.Journal Article20250205The rapid depletion of natural resources and increasing industrial waste production underscore the urgency for sustainable soil stabilization strategies. This study presents a comparative evaluation of waste ceramic powder (WCP) and calcium carbide residue (CCR) as sustainable additives for enhancing the engineering properties of clayey soil. Reusing these industrial by-products not only mitigates landfill pressure and groundwater contamination but also conserves natural construction material. Soil samples treated with varying proportions of CCR and WCP were subjected to tests including Atterberg limits, Standard Proctor compaction, pH, Differential Free Swell (DFS), and Unconfined Compressive Strength (UCS) after 3, 7, and 28 days of curing. Test results revealed substantial improvement in soil characteristics, with CCR showing slightly superior results. The addition of CCR and WCP altered the soil classification from CH to MI and CL respectively. CCR addition reduced the Plasticity Index from 24.14% to 5.31%, making the soil suitable for subgrade applications. WCP increased MDD and reduced OMC, while CCR showed the opposite trend due to its fine particle size and pozzolanic nature. The swelling potential was significantly reduced, and after 28 days of curing, the UCS improved by 2.08 times with CCR and 1.81 times with WCP. Beyond stabilization, this study highlights the future potential of CCR as an alkali activator and WCP as a geopolymer precursor, supporting their application in sustainable and resource-efficient geotechnical and construction practices.https://ijmge.ut.ac.ir/article_106232_fe64749e05d5797b26332be3d443bebd.pdfUniversity of TehranInternational Journal of Mining and Geo-Engineering2345-693060120260301A hybrid empirical-numerical framework for pillar stability and reinforcement in deep underground marble mines: a case study253310623310.22059/ijmge.2026.393790.595241ENMritunjayKumarDepartment of Mining, National Institute of Technology Karnataka, Surathkal, India.AkhilAvcharDepartment of Mining, National Institute of Technology Karnataka, Surathkal, India.ShambhaviSinhaDepartment of Mining, National Institute of Technology Karnataka, Surathkal, India.Journal Article20250420This study developed a hybrid empirical-numerical framework to enhance pillar stability and reinforcement in deep underground marble mines, addressing the challenges posed by increasing depths where traditional methods falter. The purpose was to create a reliable, efficient tool for assessing and optimizing pillar stability, ensuring safety at depths up to 30 meters. The methodology integrated empirical calculations, using the Obert and Duvall (1967) method, with FLAC3D numerical simulations, employing a depth-dependent weighting system (<em>α</em>) to balance simplicity and precision. Data from seven pillars (P1–P7) was preprocessed, analyzed, and optimized through width adjustments (e.g., P1 from 30 m to 60 m) and rock bolt reinforcement (1.8 m spacing). Findings revealed a decline in hybrid Factor of Safety (FOS<sub>hybrid</sub>) from 3.59 at 5.5 m to 1.23 at 30 m pre-optimization, rising to 2.18 post-optimization, meeting the safety threshold 2.0. Validation against empirical (e.g., 3.616 at 5.5 m) and numerical (e.g., 1.95 for P6 at 21.5 m) FOS values, with R<sup>2</sup> <em>></em><em> </em>0.95 And CV <em>< </em>15%, confirmed the framework’s accuracy. This hybrid approach significantly improved safety and efficiency, offering a scalable solution for deep mining. Future research could extend it to other rock types or incorporate real-time monitoring, enhancing its adaptability and impact.https://ijmge.ut.ac.ir/article_106233_0c0940e108b97a50f1610f2b30bccabd.pdfUniversity of TehranInternational Journal of Mining and Geo-Engineering2345-693060120260301A reduction policy of ground vibration due to mine blasting using hybrid algorithms354210623510.22059/ijmge.2026.399055.595281ENMasoudMonjeziDepartment of Engineering, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran.SajjadZarehnejadDepartment of Engineering, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran.MojtabaRezakhahDepartment of Engineering, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran.Journal Article20250721Blast-induced ground vibration poses significant environmental and safety challenges in mining operations. Traditional predictive models relying on Peak Particle Velocity (PPV) face limitations due to the confounding effect of distance, a non-controllable variable. This study introduces a novel integrated framework for predicting and optimizing blast vibrations through four key contributions. First, we propose the Vibration Power Index (VPI = PPV × D^α), a location-independent metric derived from seismic attenuation laws with an empirically determined site-specific coefficient. Second, to address data scarcity, we implement SMOTER (Synthetic Minority Over-sampling Technique for Regression) for enhanced dataset augmentation. Third, we develop a robust Artificial Neural Network (ANN) model for VPI prediction, which is subsequently integrated with an enhanced Hybrid Firefly Algorithm (HFA) featuring chaotic initialization and adaptive parameters for global optimization. Finally, a closed-loop methodology from data preprocessing to optimization was established. Applied to 77 blast records from the Asbcheran mine, our ANN achieved superior performance (R²=0.97, RMSE=4.33), while the HFA identified an optimal pattern reducing mean VPI by 28%. This framework provides a practical tool for sustainable blast design optimization.https://ijmge.ut.ac.ir/article_106235_4f19db97049d8867ca75588f8fb69fa3.pdfUniversity of TehranInternational Journal of Mining and Geo-Engineering2345-693060120260301Prediction of Au grade in Carlin type using pathfinder elements by GMDH and MCMC in Zarshuran deposit435510623410.22059/ijmge.2026.401315.595299ENّFeridonGhadimiMining Department, Arak university of Technology, Arak, Iran.Journal Article20250827Pathfinder elements play a crucial role in the exploration of concealed and deep-seated mineral deposits. Their significance is particularly pronounced in the context of epithermal gold (Au) deposits, where their presence may serve as an indicator of nearby gold mineralization. Among these pathfinder elements, arsenic (As) and antimony (Sb) are considered the most critical for the exploration of epithermal Au systems. This study investigated Au Carlin type<strong> </strong>in the Zarshuran<strong> </strong>to highlight the utility of pathfinder elements in gold estimation. The analysis was conducted using the concentrations of 35 elements measured across 108 samples. The mineralization characteristics of the Zarshuran deposit exhibit notable similarities to those of epithermal gold deposits hosted in sedimentary rocks (Carlin-type), thus presenting a suitable exploration model for the northern Takab region. Selection of pathfinder elements was carried out through factor analysis, which revealed a strong positive correlation among Au, As, Cd, Pb, Sb, and Zn. Two predictive approaches were employed to estimate gold content: the Group Method of Data Handling (GMDH) neural network, and the Monte Carlo Markov Chain (MCMC) simulation. Neural network techniques, such as GMDH, are particularly well-suited for modeling datasets with both linear and nonlinear characteristics. In these models, As, Cd, Pb, Sb, and Zn were used as input variables. The predictive performance of the models was assessed using the coefficient of determination (R²). The GMDH neural network achieved a superior performance with an R² value of 0.9483, outperforming the MCMC simulation. Based on these findings, the GMDH neural network is recommended as a robust and reliable method for predicting Au mineralization in other prospective exploration areas.https://ijmge.ut.ac.ir/article_106234_1a26e07680ccfe82462fc71d4dc4f000.pdfUniversity of TehranInternational Journal of Mining and Geo-Engineering2345-693060120260301Gaussian copulas for spatial estimation of ore grade in a copper deposit576610443510.22059/ijmge.2025.398485.595277ENMarco AntonioCotrina-TeatinoDepartment of Mining Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, National University of Trujillo, Trujillo, Peru.Jairo JhonatanMarquina-AraujoDepartment of Mining Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, National University of Trujillo, Trujillo, Peru.Jose NestorMamani-QuispeFaculty of Chemical Engineering, National University of the Altiplano, Puno, Peru.Solio MarinoArango-RetamozoDepartment of Mining Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, National University of Trujillo, Trujillo, Peru.0000-0003-3594-0329Joe AlexisGonzalez-VasquezDepartment of Industrial Engineering, National University of Trujillo, Trujillo, Peru.SalomonOrtiz-QuintanillaMining Engineering School, Universidad Nacional Jorge Basadre Grohmann, Tacna, Peru.AldoCastillo-ChungDepartment of Metallurgy Engineering, National University of Trujillo, Trujillo, Peru.Journal Article20250712This study evaluates the effectiveness of the Gaussian copula (GC) in estimating copper grades in a Peruvian copper deposit, comparing its performance with Ordinary Kriging (OK). The methodology was implemented in Python 3.11.7 and Jupyter Notebook 4.2.5. Model accuracy was assessed through 5-fold spatial cross-validation using metrics such as Mean Squared Error (MSE), Mean Bias Error (MBE), Mean Absolute Error (MAE), and Variance. The estimation was conducted using a database of 5,654 composites. The results demonstrate that GC outperforms OK, achieving an MSE of 0.0882, an MAE of 0.1956, an MBE of 0.0394, and a variance of 0.0369. These values indicate that GC provides more accurate and less biased estimates, capturing local grade variability more effectively than OK. Although GC shows slightly higher estimation variance (0.0369 vs. 0.027), it successfully captures the maximum copper grade observed in the real data (2.95%), unlike OK (1.62%), suggesting that GC mitigates the excessive smoothing of OK while still maintaining a centered and stable distribution. In conclusion, the GC method emerges as a robust alternative to OK, offering improved precision, better spatial representation, and enhanced reliability in mineral resource estimation. Its implementation in Python also promotes greater accessibility and reproducibility, reinforcing its value as a practical tool in geostatistics.https://ijmge.ut.ac.ir/article_104435_ffc8a197c0c5ad92040f229e3988acd9.pdfUniversity of TehranInternational Journal of Mining and Geo-Engineering2345-693060120260301Structural study of the crust from gravity data: case of the Babouri-Figuil and Mayo Oulo-Lere basins (Central Africa)677410607910.22059/ijmge.2026.402941.595307ENSaidouBoubaDepartment of Physics, Faculty of Science, University of Maroua, Maroua, Cameroon.Nlen Wounle BarnabasYayaDepartment of Physics, Faculty of Science, University of Maroua, Maroua, Cameroon.SalomonNguilayeDepartment of Physics, Faculty of Science, University of Maroua, Maroua, Cameroon.BoubaApollinaireDepartment of Physics, Faculty of Science, University of Garoua, Garoua, Cameroon.OyoaValentinDepartment of Physics, Faculty of Science, University of Bertoua, Bertoua, Cameroon.MohamadouAlidouDepartment of Physics, Faculty of Science, University of Maroua, Maroua, Cameroon.Journal Article20250925This study aimed to extract the lineaments in the crust of the sedimentary basins of Babouri-Figuil and Mayo Oulo-Lere, (Central Africa) from combined terrestrial and EGM2008 model gravity data. For this, data processing and edge detections were completed using filters. The MGTHG (Modified Gudermannian function) filter was applied because of its accuracy in detecting lateral boundaries of the causative structures. This approach has allowed establishing a new structural map of the study area. This map shows several lineaments detected in the region oriented in the WSW-ENE, NE-SW, E-W and NNW-SSE directions. A comparison of this map with those established in previous studies using other filters shows that in addition to the already existing lineaments, new ones have been detected. This proves that the MGTHG filter produces good results in the region. The results of this study provide new insights in the region’s tectonic framework.https://ijmge.ut.ac.ir/article_106079_ef3c02a14b1d6b82d0c0ab0689845158.pdfUniversity of TehranInternational Journal of Mining and Geo-Engineering2345-693060120260301Pressure settlement behaviour of ring footing resting on geotextile encased stone column758210623610.22059/ijmge.2026.372830.595150ENJitendra SinghYadavDepartment of Civil Engineering, National Institute of Technology, Kurukshetra, Haryana, India.VaibhavSharmaDepartment of Civil Engineering, Lovely Professional University Jalandhar, Punjab, India.Rakesh KumarDuttaDepartment of Civil Engineering, National Institute of Technology, Hamirpur, Himachal Pradesh, India.Vishal SKumarDepartment of Civil Engineering, National Institute of Technology, Kurukshetra, Haryana, India.Journal Article20240218The present paper discusses the performance of clay bed reinforced with ordinary stone columns and geotextile encase stone columns using PLAXIS-3D. A surface ring footing having external diameter 200 mm and internal diameter 80 mm was used in the numerical modelling. In addition, vertical concentric loading was applied in the surface ring footing to produce its pressure-settlement behaviour. Moreover, a parametric study was carried out by varying the number (0, 4, 5 and 9), length (200 mm, 300 mm and 400 mm), diameter (32 mm and 50 mm) and geotextile encasement length (150 mm and 300 mm) of stone columns. From the numerical modelling it was observed that the inclusion of ordinary stone column in clay bed improved its load-carrying capacity significantly, i.e., up to 3 times, and to increase it even further, geotextile encasement is very useful.https://ijmge.ut.ac.ir/article_106236_41c07b2d79c3131debaecfcd67c675a0.pdfUniversity of TehranInternational Journal of Mining and Geo-Engineering2345-693060120260301Permeability of carbonate rocks of the Chandragiri limestone using discontinuity analysis and rock mass classification system, central Nepal839010623710.22059/ijmge.2026.380823.595187ENNaresh KaziTamrakarCentral Department of Geology, Tribhuvan University, Nepal.KritikaThapaCentral Department of Geology, Tribhuvan University, Nepal.Journal Article20240813The purpose of this study was to understand rock mass characteristics of carbonate rocks using parameters of RMR and GSI and their bearing on effective porosity or permeability of rocks, which is the crucial entity in the flow and storage of water within a rock mass, which is an important consideration in groundwater investigations. Discontinuity analysis is a technique that describes the geometry and characteristics of joints and fractures in a mass of rock. The carbonate rocks of the Chandragiri Limestone of the Phulchauki Group were assessed for strength, joint volume, spacing, joint conditions, and groundwater. Many researchers use the combined condition value of the Lugeon and the RQD value to develop the empirical relation to estimating them. The maximum RMR (77.50%) and the lowest RMR (51.75%) indicate good to fair rock mass. GSI computed based on structural rating and surface condition rating falls between 33 and 55, indicating a blocky, disturbed structure with a fair to very good surface. GSI* computed using the joint condition and RQD (using empirical equation) falls between 42.53 and 73.85, showing somewhat different results. The rock mass permeability (from RQD) varies from 2 to 8.78, indicating a range from slightly permeable to permeable. The RMR-GSI charts were used to evaluate the permeability of the rock mass, which also indicates slightly permeable to permeable rock mass. The permeability (Lugeon) is more than 100 for all locations classified as very high, indicating the rock is permeable.https://ijmge.ut.ac.ir/article_106237_ae0857c5b381adff3fb0241cc65632cd.pdfUniversity of TehranInternational Journal of Mining and Geo-Engineering2345-693060120260301Climate-smart mining through block matrix analysis: a conceptual modeling approach for sustainable resource governance9110410418010.22059/ijmge.2025.400407.595290ENHamidSarkheilSchool of Mining Engineering, College of Engineering, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran.AliSadeghy NejadSchool of Mining Engineering, College of Engineering, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran.EmadRostamianSchool of Mining Engineering, College of Engineering, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran.Journal Article20250809As climate change intensifies the environmental and operational risks of extractive industries, Climate-Smart Mining (CSM) has emerged as a strategic response to align mining practices with sustainability goals. This study applies a novel block matrix analysis (BMA) framework to conceptualize and evaluate CSM governance structures. Fifteen key sustainability indicators were classified into five strategic domains—legal frameworks, supply chains, resource efficiency, carbon-energy management, and stakeholder engagement—and structured into a 5×5 interaction matrix (M<sub>55</sub>). Expert scoring from 12 professionals populated the matrix with interaction values ranging from 17.7 to 67.8. Color-coded mapping and determinant-based analysis identified structurally fragile blocks, particularly EOP–EOP (17.7), SII–CE (20.9), and SII–FIM (21.1). Determinants calculated using Barysh and Gaussian methods confirmed structural coherence, yielding values of 218,691.3 and 219,074 respectively, which reflect a highly stable and internally consistent governance matrix rather than fragility. These findings suggest that integrating expert input with matrix determinants offers a robust diagnostic approach for identifying governance weak points and prioritizing reform. The proposed model serves as a scalable decision-support tool for policy planning in mining and environmental sectors facing climate-related uncertainty.https://ijmge.ut.ac.ir/article_104180_badd62f80c962de4d7c25fdbbdb9fe2c.pdfUniversity of TehranInternational Journal of Mining and Geo-Engineering2345-693060120260301Modification of the Kuz-Ram model using response surface methodology to optimise blast fragmentation10511210641210.22059/ijmge.2026.400194.595289ENOnalethataSaubiDepartment of Mining Engineering, Botswana International University of Science and Technology, Palapye, Botswana.Raymond S.SugloDepartment of Mining Engineering, Botswana International University of Science and Technology, Palapye, Botswana.Journal Article20250806Predicting and optimising blast-induced rock fragmentation is essential for improving downstream mining operations such as loading, hauling, and comminution. The widely used Kuz-Ram model often requires heuristic calibration of the rock factor, which limits its predictive accuracy in heterogeneous rock masses. This study introduces a modified Kuz-Ram model that integrates response surface methodology (RSM) to refine the rock factor estimation based on the blastability index (BI). A dataset of 80 production blasts from Orapa Diamond Mine, Botswana, incorporating four input parameters, powder factor, charge, rock factor, and blastability index was analysed. The RSM-modified model demonstrated a 12.2% improvement in prediction accuracy compared to the traditional Kuz-Ram model, achieving an R<sup>2</sup> of 0.579, with RMSE and MAE reduced to 5.71 and 3.07 respectively. The approach preserves the empirical simplicity of Kuz-Ram while explicitly modelling nonlinear parameter interactions, offering a transparent yet robust tool for blast design. This method is practical for mines requiring rapid calibration to site-specific geological conditions and can be extended to include additional parameters, such as delay timing, in future work.https://ijmge.ut.ac.ir/article_106412_e528c1f5f568bd6945745741228c5657.pdf