Magíster en Ciencias de la Ingeniería, Mención Matemáticas Aplicadas. Ingeniero Civil Matemático / Un problema presente en la planificación minera es el de identificar cuál es el volumen y ubicación de material que maximice la operación de extracción dando forma a una mina a cielo abierto. El estudio matemático de este problema ha sido analizado desde los años 60 s y lo usual es discretizar el terreno en forma de bloques, conociendo en cada bloque distintas características de él, como por ejemplo, sus coordenadas y su beneficio asociado. El problema anterior haciendo uso de la discretización por bloques, puede ser formulado como uno de optimización entera denominado Final Open Pit y cuando al problema anterior se le agrega una restricción de capacidad, se le denomina Capacitated Final Open Pit. Otro problema importante, es el de planificar la operación en periodos de extracción, buscando siempre maximizar el beneficio de esta. Su formulación como problema de optimización entera utilizando el modelo de bloques se le denomina Capacitated Dynamic Open Pit. Se piensa que los bloques que son solución de este problema están contenidos en la solución del Final Open Pit. Probar esta conjetura es uno de los principales enfoques de este trabajo, y la forma para lograrlo es a través de la demostración de ciertas propiedades que cumplen los pits. Además se analizan posibles extensiones de esta conjetura al problema capacitado. Varios han sido los esfuerzos por resolver numéricamente y de forma eficiente esta familia de problemas lo que ha llevado a buscar otras formulaciones de estos mismos. Es así como surge el trabajo de Alvarez et al de 2011, en el cual se plantean los problemas usando optimización en espacio de funciones. En esta tesis, bajo hipótesis de diferenciablidad, se hace un estudio del problema en $\mathbb{R}^2$ enfocándose en caracterizar a la densidad de ganancia en el borde del pit y se formulan dos duales para este problema. Trabajando siempre con la hipótesis de diferenciabilidad se discretiza el problema en dos y tres dimensiones obteniendo algunas pruebas numéricas en casos pequeños. Finalmente, se adapta esta nueva discretización al caso del modelo de bloques y se presentan algunos resultados numéricos de éste. / Este trabajo ha sido parcialmente financiado por FONDECYT 1130816

Corrosion is the destructive result of chemical reaction between a metal or metal alloy and its environment. Airplanes, power generating plants, chemical process and manufacturing plants, concrete structure, and many others which widely uses aluminum alloy and stainless steel alloys are subjected to corrosion. The estimated cost of corrosion damage is in order of 3 to 5 percent of gross national product (GNP). Out of all forms of corrosion, pitting corrosion is most commonly observed in aluminum alloy 2024 and stainless steel type 316. There is a need to study the stress environment around the pits in order to predict the nucleation of the crack. The objective of this thesis is to investigate the correlation between pits and stresses in AA2024 and SS316 alloys under different types of loading. Corrosion experiments were carried out on both alloys samples for a fixed time interval and were imaged on optical and AFM. The optical microscope provided the information on forms of corrosion expected on the surface while the AFM provided the pit profile on the surface. An analysis procedure was developed using CAD and finite element analysis to predict stresses resulting from corrosion pits under different types of loadings. The average corrosion rate of AA2024 is six times higher than that of SS316 in 2 Molar NaCl corrosive environment. Based on the results from the optical microscope, AA2024 usually initiated with localized corrosion along with pitting and localized regions grows in size and soon uniform corrosion is observed. However, the stainless steel SS316 usually initiated with pitting corrosion and soon followed by film forming corrosion. Based on the analysis, it was observed that the stress distribution and levels on the corroded surface varied due to irregularities in the corrosion process. From the stress analysis result of AA2024 under bending, it was observed that there was 80% stress increase during first 30 min of corrosion and then the increase was about 6% from 30min to 60 min and then soon reaches a plateau. Similar results were obtained for both AA2024 and SS316 materials under different type of loadings. Initially, the stress increases sharply as time increases but the amount of stress increase demises as time progress and soon reaches a plateau. There was a sharp increase of Bending and shear loading are induces higher level of stresses compared to tension loading. From these stresses it is possible to estimate the initiation of crack, from which the life can be estimated for failure in the material.

Simulations assuming open-pit mines and different cessation landscapes of open-pit mines with urbanization were performed with a non-hydrostatic meteorological model. The possible enhancement or counteracting of the atmospheric responses to these simultaneously occurring (= accumulated) land-use changes are examined applying a formula drived from the principle of superposition. Although accumulated land-use changes substantially affect the local water and energy fluxes and significantly influence cloud and precipitation microphysics, they do not necessarily provide more significant changes in these quantities than the change of different land-use types to only one land-use type (=single land-use changes). Where the atmospheric responses to accumulated land-use changes are enhanced or inhibited, depends on the thermal, dynamical and hydrologic characteristics of the undergoing accumulated land-use changes as well as on the land-use adjacent to the land-use conversion. In regions dominated by drier surfaces (e.g., agriculture), no enhancement or counteraction according to the principle of superposition could be detected in this study. / Simulationen mit einer Tagebaulandschaft sowie verschiedenen Tagebaufolgelandschaften inklusive Urbanisierung wurden mit einem nicht-hydrostatischen meteorologischen Modell durchgeführt. Eine mögliche Verstärkung oder Abschwächung der atmosphärischen Reaktion auf gleichzeitig auftretende (akkumulierte) Landnutzungsänderungen wird mittels einer auf dem Prinzip der Superposition erstellten Formel untersucht. Obgleich die akkumulierten Landnutzungsänderungen die lokalen Energie- und Wasserflüsse merklich sowie die Wolken und Niederschlagsmikrophysik signifikant beeinflussen, führen sie nicht notwendigerweise zu stärkeren Änderungen dieser Größen als einfache Landnutzungsänderungen. Wo sich akkumulierte Landnutzungsänderungen in ihrer Wirkung auf die Atmosphäre verstärken oder abschwächen, hängt davon ab, wie stark sich die dynamischen, hydrologischen und energetischen Eigenschaften der veränderten Landnutzung von der vorherigen und denen der Umgebung unterscheiden. In Regionen, die durch trockene Flächen charakterisiert sind (z.B. Ackerland), konnte in dieser Studie kein Verstärken oder Abschwächen im Sinne einer Abweichung vom Prinzip der Superposition festgestellt werden.

Rock blasting is one of the most dominating operations in open pit mining efficiency. As many downstream processes depend on the blast-induced fragmentation, an optimized blasting strategy can influence the total revenue of a mine to a large extent.Boliden Aitik mine in northern Sweden is one of the largest copper mines in Europe. The annual production of the mine is expected to reach 36 million tonnes of ore in 2014; so continuous efforts are being made to boost the production. Highly automated equipment and new processing plant, in addition to new crushers, have sufficient capacity to reach the production goals; the current obstacle in the process of production increase is a bottleneck in crushers caused by oversize boulders. Boulders require extra efforts for secondary blasting or hammer breakage and if entered the crushers, they cause downtimes. Therefore a more evenly distributed fragmentation with less oversize material can be advantageous. Furthermore, a better fragmentation can cause a reduction in energy costs by demanding less amounts of crushing energy.In order to achieve a more favorable fragmentation, two alternative blast designs in addition to a reference design were tested and the results were evaluated and compared to the current design in Aitik. A comparatively large bench was divided to three sections with three different drill plans, which led to different specific charges in each section. The sections were drilled in patterns of 6x9 m, 7x9 m and 7x10 m of burden and spacing; planned specific charges of the sections were 1.17 kg/m3, 1.02 kg/m3, and 0.91 kg/m3 respectively. Similar to the current drill plan in Aitik, the section with 7x9 m (1.02 kg/m3 specific charge) was used as the reference for results comparison. The drilling and charging processes were monitored carefully and the post-blast parameters were measured accordingly. Laser scanning was used to measure the swelling of the sections and two different methods of image analysis were utilized to evaluate the fragmentation of the rock for each section. Drilling log data (MWD) were analyzed to evaluate the hardness of the rock; energy consumption log of the crusher was also analyzed and all the data was collected in a single database. VBA (Visual Basic for Applications) programming language was embedded within data spreadsheets to correlate the mentioned data to the coordinates of the rock by means of Minestar logs, which include both timestamps and coordinates of all machinery e.g. shovels and trucks.The results of the test show significant improvements in fragmentation and oversize material percentage in the section with 6x9 m drill plan (1.17 kg/m3). The advantage of 6x9 m plan was confirmed by 52% higher swelling, 66% lower oversize material and 26% lower crushing energy compared to the reference section. The section with 7x10 m drill plan (0.91 kg/m3) also showed theoretically acceptable results; however, the deviations from reference were not as large as formerly mentioned section. The swelling had a decrease of 8% compared to the reference section and the percentage of oversize material and crushing energy were increased by 16% and 2% respectively.Presented results are based only on technical aspects and do not include the costs of drilling and charging. Thus, in order to evaluate the drill plans in practice an economical evaluation of the sections should be conducted. Also a confirmation test with more accurate geology explorations is recommended.Finally, upon the request of Boliden Mines, a short report on the usage of Air-decking technique in Aitik is enclosed as an appendix. The report includes a brief introduction to air-decking and discusses practical solutions to apply this technique in Aitik. / Validerat; 20121001 (anonymous)

Faculty of Engineering and Built Enviroment School of Mining Engineering 0315711f musakale@egoli.min.wits.ac.za / Rockfalls are a significant risk in open pit mines. Once movement of a rock perched on the top of a slope (bench) has been initiated, the most important factor controlling its fall trajectory is the geometry of the slope (bench). The best possible knowledge of rockfall trajectories and energies is important in order to determine accurate risk zoning and for the design and construction of adequate defence systems near the threatened areas. This study attempts to determine the influence of bench geometries, and the coefficient of restitution of rock, on rockfall behaviour. A study of literature was carried out to review previous studies and other relevant information on rockfalls and their analysis. The literature may be divided into two categories: experimental methods involving physical modelling, and computer models involving rockfall analyses using computers analysis methods. Rockfall computer simulation is considered to be applicable, quick to carry out and reproducible. The accuracy of the results depends on the knowledge of site conditions and slope geometry. The use of the Modified Ritchie criterion for the design of catch benches in open pit mines was also investigated. The assessment of bounce height, maximum run-out distance and kinetic energy achieved during the fall of rocks on the catch bench were the bases of the evaluation of the results obtained in this project. The computer program, Rocfall Version 4, was used for the purposes of the research. The following parameter variables were considered in the analyses: three types of rock; slopes with three stack configurations; four bench heights; and four bench face angles. The results show that, for all stack configurations and rock types, the maximum runout distance and maximum bounce height increase as functions of bench height at a specific bench face angle. A single bench configuration provides a maximum run-out distance of falling rocks larger than the value determined using the Modified Ritchie criterion for all rock types and bench face angles. Multiple bench stack configurations provide maximum run-out distances less than the value determined using the Modified Ritchie criterion only for the 90o bench face angle in all rock types; those with 60o, 70o and 80o bench face angle provide a larger maximum run-out distance. Therefore, the validity of the Modified Ritchie criterion for the design of catch bench widths in open pit mines with inclined benches must be questioned. According to Ritchie’s study (1963), rocks that fall in trajectory (free fall) seldom give high bounces after impact on a catch bench. This project shows that this finding is valid for rocks with low coefficients of normal restitution. Rocks with lower coefficients of normal restitution provide larger run-out distances with flatter bench face angles compared with rocks with higher coefficients. In contrast, rocks with higher coefficients provide larger run-out distances than those with lower coefficients for steeper angles. The consideration of the influence of geometry (shape) of falling rocks on rockfall behaviour showed that, for a flatter slope, as could logically be expected, the maximum run-out distance is greatest for rounder rocks and smallest for flatter slabby iv rocks. This is due to the fact that on a flatter slope, the mode of falling of rounder rocks is rolling down the slope. This mode provides essentially no resistance to motion, resulting in largest maximum run-out distance. In contrast, for long flat slabs, the mode of movement will be sliding, which results in a smaller maximum run-out distance. The maximum run-out distance as function of rock shape reduces as the normal coefficient of restitution increases. For all rock types, the maximum bounce height reduces as a function of the friction angle for flatter slopes. This is due to the fact that rocks are in contact with the slope during the rockfall. As the coefficient of normal restitution increases, an increase in the maximum bounce height results.

Este estudo procurou verificar o efeito de dois selantes no tratamento de lesões cariosas não cavitadas em dentina, no que diz respeito à progressão da cárie na superfície oclusal de molares permanentes, em adolescentes com idades entre 11 e 15 anos. A amostra do estudo constituiu-se de 28 dentes: 14 selados com selante resinoso (Fluroshield®, Denstply), no grupo Gres, e 14 selados com selante ionomérico (RIVA Protect®, SDI), no grupo Gciv. A avaliação dos desfechos se deu por meio da análise dos exames radiográficos inicial e após 12 meses de acompanhamento; através de dois métodos: avaliação radiográfica qualitativa e quantitativa. A análise qualitativa foi realizada por um único examinador devidamente calibrado (Kappa = 0,837) com o uso de negatoscópio em sala escura e lupa de aumento 10x, e considerou como sucesso do tratamento a regressão ou paralisação da lesão; e insucesso, a evolução da lesão cariosa. A análise quantitativa se deu por meio da comparação entre os coeficientes de densidade radiográfica obtidos através do software DIGORA®, observando aumento (sucesso) ou diminuição (insucesso) dos coeficientes de densidade. Após a avaliação qualitativa, observou-se sucesso do tratamento em 64,3% dos casos (n=9) do grupo Gciv e 85,7% (n=12) do grupo Gres, sem diferença estatística entre os grupos (p=0,39). A avaliação quantitativa mostrou que no Gres foi observado um aumento significante dos coeficientes de densidade (p=0,003) e no Gciv se observou uma estabilidade dos coeficientes após 12 meses (p=0,49). Desta forma, pode-se concluir que, nas condições deste estudo, o uso de selantes de sulcos e fóssulas mostrou-se eficaz no tratamento de lesões cariosas. / This study examined the effect of two sealants in the treatment of non-cavitated occlusal carious lesions, regarding to the progression or arresting of the lesions in permanent molars in adolescents 11 to 15 years age. The sample consisted of 28 teeth: 14 sealed with resin-based sealant (Fluroshield®, Denstply), Gres group, and 14 sealed with glass ionomer sealant (RIVA Protect®, SDI), Gciv group. Caries progression was monitored by radiographic examination, using two methods: qualitative and quantitative trough radiographic evaluation. Qualitative analysis was performed by a single calibrated examiner (Kappa = 0.837) using light box in a darkened room and 10x magnifying glass, and considered as success treatment the regression or interruption of the injury caries, and failure treatment, the evolution of the lesion carious. Quantitative analysis occurred by comparing the radiographic density coefficient obtained through software DIGORA®, observing increased (success) or decreased (failure) of the coefficients. After the qualitative evaluation, it was observed success of treatment in 64.3% (n = 9) of Gciv group and 85.7% (n = 12) on Gres group, with no statistical difference between the them (p=0,39). The quantitative analysis showed in Gres group a significant increase in the density coefficient (p = 0.003) and in the Gciv group the stability of coefficients after 12 months (p = 0.49). It can be concluded that under the conditions of this study, the use of sealants proved to be effective in the treatment of occlusal carious lesions.

Esta dissertação apresenta uma revisão bibliográfica dos principais aspectos envolvidos nas operações de escavação de rochas com furos de grande diâmetro na mineração a céu aberto. O trabalho expõe o método de perfuração rotativa por ser o mais utilizado na execução desta operação unitária de lavra. Faz-se também um estudo dos principais agentes de desmonte que contribuem no emprego de furos de grande diâmetro na indústria da mineração, especialmente na explotação de minérios metálicos. São analisadas as propriedades do maciço rochoso, na determinação da carga específica e sua influência nos resultados da escavação de rochas por explosivos. É realizada ainda uma análise da metodologia utilizada para o dimensionamento do plano de fogo, baseando-se na inter-relação existente entre seus diversos elementos geométricos. Apresenta-se também a teoria de crateras como uma metodologia alternativa para dimensionamento de plano de fogo. Finalmente mostram-se os principais impactos ambientais decorrentes da detonação de explosivos na escavação de rochas. / This dissertation presents a bibliographical review of the main aspects involved in the open pit blasting operation using large diameter blastholes. The work displays the method of rotary drilling, being the most frequent used in the execution of this mining unitary operation. Here is presented a study of the main blasting agents that contribute to the increasing application of large diameter blastholes in the mining industry, especially in the field of metallic ores. The properties of the rock mass are analysed, in the determination of the powder factor and its influence on the results of rock excavation by explosives. An analysis of the methodology used for the determination a shot plan is carried out based on the existing interrelation between diverse geometric elements involved. The crater theory is also presented as an alternative methodology for the same purpose. Finally, the main environmental impacts caused by blasting in the rock excavation are discussed.

Os objetivos deste trabalho foram avaliar e comparar por 24 meses, a retencao e as caracteristicas superficiais de dois diferentes materiais seladores, Helioseal Clear e Helioseal F ambos da Ivoclar Vivadente, AG - Schaan, Liechtenstein. Participaram desse estudo, 50 criancas de 6 a 8 anos de idade, com no minimo dois primeiros molares permanentes higidos e historia de carie, num total de 153 dentes divididos em dois grupos: GHC(Helioseal Clear) e GHF (Helioseal F). O selamento foi realizado sob isolamento relativo para todos os grupos, após profilaxia previa com jato de bicarbonato (Profident Dabi-Atlante) e agua e, condicionamento com gel de acido fosforico a 34% por 15 segundos. Apos 6, 12, 18 e 24 meses, a avaliacao clinica foi realizada por dois examinadores calibrados. Avaliou-se a retencao e a incidencia de carie nas 5 areas oclusais: OM, OC, OD, OV e OL (DEERY et al.) e; as caracterisiticas superficiais e a retencao considerando a superficie oclusal com o um todo (criterio modificado de RYGE &SNYDER).Nao houve diferenca estatisticamente significante atraves do teste exato de Fisher na taxa de sucesso (p=0,496 a 1,0) ou para a incidencia de carie (p=0,472 a 1,0) entre as areas avaliadas quando comparado o GHC com GHF durante todo o período estudado. Considerando todas as areas juntas e os grupos separados ou, os dois grupos juntos mas as areas separadas, nao houve diferenca estatisticamente significante, respectivamente, pelo teste de Fisher (p=0,170 a 0,534) e do Qui- Quadrado (p=0,058 a p=0,909), quanto ao sucesso na retencao em nenhum periodo. Quanto a analise da superficie oclusal toda quanto a retencao, esta foi maior e estatisticamente significante para o GHC aos 12m (p=0,0345) e 24m (0,0076). Em relacao as caracteristicas superficiais, o GHC so nao apresentou superioridade quanto a descoloracao superficial, durante o periodo estudado. Para as demais caracteristicas, os resultados do teste de Mann-Whitney foram altamente significantes em diferentes periodos (p= 00000 a 0,0421). A frequencia de bolhas nas superficies seladas, determinada pelo teste do Qui-quadrado, foi maior e significante (p=0,000:12 e 18 meses a p=0,002: 6 e 24 meses) no GHF. Portanto, pode-se concluir que quanto a retencao e caracteristicas superficiais, na superfície oclusal toda, o selante Helioseal Clear apresentou melhor desempenho. / The objectives of this study were evaluated and compared for 24 months, the retention and surface characteristic of two different sealing materials, and Helioseal F Clear Helioseal both of Ivoclar Vivadent, AG - Schaan, Liechtenstein. 50 children from 6 to 8 years of age with at least with two sound first permanent molars and caries of history, total of 153 teeth, were divided into 2 groups: GHC (Helioseal Clear) and GHF (Helioseal F). The sealing was done with ruber dam for all groups, after prophylaxis with air-polishing jet (Profident --Dabi Atlante) and water, and acidetching with 34 % phosphoric acid 34% for 15 seconds. After 6, 12, 18 and 24 months, clinical evaluation was evaluated by two calibrated examiners. To evaluate the retention and the incidence of occlusal caries in 5 areas: OM, OC, OD, and OV OL (DEERY et al.). And, the surface characteristics and retention considering the all occlusal surface (modified criterion RYGE & SNYDER ). There was no statistically significant by Fisher\'s exact test in the rate of success (p = 0,496 to 1.0) or the incidence of caries (p = 0,472 to 1.0) between the areas assessed when compared with the GHC GHF throughout the study period. Considering all areas and groups together or separated, the two groups together but separate areas, there was no statistically significant difference, respectively, by Fisher\'s test (p = 0170 to 0534) and Chi-Square (p = 0,058 to 0,909), about the success in holding in any period. The analysis of the entire occlusal surface on retention, it was higher and statistically significant for the GHC to 12m (p = 0.0345) and 24m (0.0076). In relation to surface characteristics, the GHC showed superiority not only on the superficial discoloration over the period studied. For other characteristics, the results of the Mann-Whitney test were highly significant in different periods (p = 00000 to 0.0421). The frequency of bubbles in the sealed surfaces, as determined by Chi-Square was higher e statistically significant difference (p = 0,000:12 and 18 months p = 0,002: 6 and 24 months) in GHF. Therefore,the retention and surface characteristic in the all occlusal surface, the Helioseal Clear sealant showed better performance

Este trabalho propõe uma metodologia inovadora de seqüenciamento de lavra em minério de ferro a qual, além de considerar os parâmetros operacionais e econômicos das técnicas tradicionais, permite uma abordagem ambiental proativa para sequenciar a lavra de forma a antecipar a exaustão de parte da cava para disposição do estéril dentro da cava final. A metodologia proposta de seqüenciamento ordenado de lavra permite reduzir a área degradada a ser reabilitada na mina, com significativos benefícios associados à reducão do impacto ambiental, sem comprometer as metas de produtividade e competitividade econômica da lavra. A metodologia de seqüenciamento ordenado de lavra foi aplicada em um estudo de caso de projeto de lavra de minério de ferro, e os resultados alcançados comprovaram os benefícios esperados com a aplicação da metodologia proposta. / This paper presents a innovative approach for an environmentally pro-active mine scheduling process. The proposed methodology has been developed for identifying a mine sequence that meets all operational and economical constraints in iron-ore mining, and takes into account a pro-active approach for scheduling the mine according to environmental criteria. The proposed methodology allows a significant reduction of the environmental impact related to the mining operation without compromising productivity and the economical feasibility of the mine. The methodology has been applied to a case study of iron ore mining in Brazil, where the expected benefits have been proven.

Métodos de estudo de estabilidade de taludes são diversificados e estão bastante desenvolvidos e consolidados na Geologia de Engenharia. Paralelamente, a aplicação de ferramentas de geoprocessamento tem se intensificado bastante em todos os campos de conhecimento técnico científico, demonstrando ser uma ferramenta de grande importância e auxiliando a tomada de decisão, sendo inclusive utilizado no estudo de escorregamentos e processos correlatos a instabilização de taludes. Dentro deste contexto, este trabalho objetivou desenvolver uma abordagem de estudo para caracterizar a estabilidade de taludes de mineração combinando técnicas e métodos usuais de investigação e análise geológico-geotécnica. A pesquisa foi aplicada nas minas de ferro do complexo Fazendão, localizadas no município de Catas Altas (MG) e são de propriedade da companhia VALE S/A. O trabalho está dividido essencialmente em duas etapas de estudo: primeiramente um foco semi-regional, seguido de um estudo de detalhe em uma mina em particular. Para a análise semi-regional foi utilizando Sistema de Informação Geográfica - SIG para geração de mapas temáticos, abrangendo todas as minas do complexo. Já no estudo de detalhe, foram realizados levantamentos sistemáticos em campo na mina de São Luís, sendo posteriormente realizado um levantamento específico de seções dentro da mina. A partir dos mapas temáticos foram identificadas as principais drenagens e bacias hidrográficas da área de estudo. Estes mapas juntamente com os mapas de declividade, curvatura, direção de vertente e mapa geológico, forneceram informações importantes sobre a região onde as minas estão inseridas, o que possibilita um melhor planejamento das intervenções que vierem a serem feitas. As análises por estereogramas indicaram várias situações de instabilidade frente às direções de fraturas e bandamento, com relação à direção e ângulo de mergulho de alguns taludes, sendo várias destas feições identificadas em campo. Por outro lado, a análise por equilíbrio limite apontam fatores de segurança muito altos, desde que não ocorra a influência do nível de água. Por fim, a abordagem utilizada foi bastante útil na caracterização da região. O estudo semi-regional em conjunto com uma análise de detalhe permitiu identificar feições que comprometem a segurança dentro da mina. A partir do resultado deste estudo, espera-se auxiliar a programação do avanço da mina de forma otimizar sua exploração, sem comprometer a segurança. / Methods of study of slope stability are diverse and are well developed and consolidated in Engineering Geology. In addition, the application of GIS tools has intensified greatly in all fields of scientific expertise, proven to be an important tool aiding in the decision making, including being used in the study of landslides and processes related to slope instability. Within this context, this study aimed to develop a approach to characterize the stability of slopes mining combining geoprocessing techniques and the usual methods of investigation and analysis of geological-geotechnical. The research was applied to the iron mines of Fazendão complex, located in the municipality of Catas Altas (MG) and are the property of the company VALE S/A. The research is divided into two main stages of the study: first a semi-regional focus followed by a study in detail of a particular mine. For the semi-regional analysis has been using GIS for thematic maps, covering all the mines the complex. In the study of detail, systematic surveys were conducted in the field for geological and geotechnical parameters in the mine of São Luís, and later conducted a survey within specific sections of the mine. From the thematic maps were identified the major drainage and hydrographic basins of the study area. Those maps, analyzed together with the slope map, curvature, direction of slope and geologic map provided important information about the area which the mines are located, allowing better planning of interventions that were to be made. The stereograms analyzes indicated various situations of instability depending of the fractures and banding directions, according to direction and dip angle of some slopes, some of it identified in the field. Moreover, the limit equilibrium analysis safety factors showed very high, since there was no influence of the water levels. Finally, the used approach was useful in characterizing the region. The semi-regional study combined with a detail analysis allowed to identify features that compromise the safety inside the mine. From the results of this study is expected to help advance the schedule of the mine in order to optimize their operations, without compromising security.