No abstract

Geological mapping of the Dschang‐Santchou‐escarpment rocks in the Western Cameroon region was done using a combination of Landsat 8 OLI/TIRS, SRTM images acquired by satellites on January 21, 2021, and field observations. Lineaments were pre‐processing and processing, performed with Envi 5.1. The different methods of digital processing applied, such as the principal component analysis, the coloured compositions and the combination of bands, show a lithological differentiation of the geological formations of the study area. Lineament maps were obtained by applying Sobel directional filters where 496 lineaments were manually extracted. These lineaments display two main trending directions: the NW–SE trend corresponding to the S2 metamorphic foliation direction and the NE–SW trend corresponding to the S3 magmatic foliation direction. The set of these lineaments represents the fracture network in the area. The field observations as well as the lineaments mapping obtained, allowed us to confirm with the help of the fracture network that we are indeed in an escarped environment. Remote sensing data constitute thus a useful tool for geological mapping and structural reconstitutions in the escarped environment.

Blasting is the most cost effective methodology to break rock for mining engineering applications. A good production blast will break only the rock that is needed to be removed, leaving the host rock with minimal damage. Accurate measurement of blast, fragmentation is important in mining and quarrying operations, in monitoring and optimizing their design. Currently, there are several methods available to predict damage due to blasting. The accuracy of many of these methods is questionable, and in most cases, the methodologies over predict the results. This paper presents a practical method (i.e. Langefors’s method) that we shall use in Bamesso-Latet rock quarry to do a comparison between the existing and calculated blast design parameters. The proposed method allows to assess the rock damage from blasting. It shows great potential as a practical aid to control and get a good quality of the fragmented material in Bamesso-Latet rock quarry.