The Mabou Group in the Picadilly region of New Brunswick consists predominantly of red siltstones with interbeds of sandstone and conglomerate. The Mabou is of importance in this region as it overlies evaporite deposits of economic value. Given that the Mabou is several hundred meters thick, yet possesses no significant marker beds, it has remained stratigraphically undifferentiated in the Picadilly region over the course of previous regional mapping efforts in the area. Given the lack of a stratigraphic framework, coupled with insufficient hydrogeological sampling and test data to delineate any laterally extensive flow zones, the hydro-stratigraphy of this sedimentary package has not been established. Based on experience gained at other operations, Potash Corporation of Saskatchewan Inc. (PCS) recognized the need to take a proactive approach towards understanding the hydrogeology of the Picadilly mine development site. PCS has used a specialized technique in characterizing boreholes to measure depth-profiles of hydrophysical properties by logging the electrical conductivity of the borehole fluids over a period of time. Through the interpretation of these logging results, with the context provided by conventional geophysical logging data and nearby exploration drill core, this research seeks to identify zones of flow and assess whether or not any major units with lateral connectivity can be identified. The results highlight four zones of interest within the Mabou: the Upper Mabou; vuggy porosity directly above gypsum-infilled fractures; vugs and fractures within the Medium Sandstone subdivision; and the lower Mabou Siltstone at the base of the Mabou Group (within ~15m of base). Three of these zones are of interest as they tend to have relatively high permeabilities, with permeabilities over 10 000 md measured within the Upper Mabou, as high as 1800 md in the vuggy porosity zone directly above gypsum-filled fractures and as high as 1900 md within the Medium Sandstone subdivision . The fourth zone, found at the base of the Mabou Group, is of interest because the modest to low permeability recorded (as high as 38 md) is higher than the surrounding rocks and is in close proximity to the caprock of future mining activity. The permeabilities of the rocks studied in this research are believed to be dominantly controlled by secondary porosity. In the case of the permeable zone identified above the zone of gypsum-infilled fractures, relatively high porosities (9 to 15%) were interpreted from geophysical logs. These elevated porosities are due to the presence of vuggy porosity in this zone. However, no clear correlation between log-derived porosity and permeability was observed for the other permeable zones. This is believed to be due to the fact that fractures were the dominant control on porosity in these zones, and that the incremental contribution of fracture porosity to total porosity was too small to be readily identified.

Texte remanié de: Diss. Ph. D.--Near Eastern studies--Berkeley (Calif.)--University of California, 2000. / Bibliogr. p. 213-230. Index.

No description available.

This study reports the results of an investigation of the potential pollution hazard of a potash brine disposal pond located near Esterhazy, Saskatchewan. The most serious problems associated with the brine pond are the potential pollution of groundwater resources and the possible contamination of a nearby stream by groundwater discharge. The primary geologic feature is a glacial buried valley aquifer consisting of highly-permeable sands and gravels. A three dimensional electric analog model was constructed to simulate the steady state and transient groundwater flow systems in the buried valley aquifer. The steady state analysis enabled the author to calculate the convective travel times of the brine from the brine pond to the nearby creek. The transient analysis was used to assess the feasibility of reversing the hydraulic gradient in the buried valley aquifer. Steady state results indicate that the most serious potential pollution hazard is brine seepage onto the surface immediately east of the brine pond. At a distance of 5600 feet from the brine pond, this seepage will occur within 30 years; nearer to the brine pond, it will occur sooner. This type of brine seepage could enter the nearby stream as a result of surface drainage. Brine pollution by groundwater discharge directly into the creek will take between 640 to 1260 years, so this mechanism does not pose an immediate pollution hazard. Transient results indicate that low-rate injection wells (up to 50 IGPM) would not reverse the hydraulic gradient in the buried valley aquifer. Injection rates between 370 to 575 IGPM would be required, but fresh water supplies of this magnitude are not available. The design of future brine ponds should include seepage calculations in the initial phases of design instead of after the fact. / Science, Faculty of / Earth, Ocean and Atmospheric Sciences, Department of / Graduate

No description available.

From the data presented, the probable fertility level of the various soils were estimated upon the basis of the crop yield. / Master of Science

Este trabalho apresenta a metodologia TAIMISEP, acrônimo para Tecnologia de Automação e Informação para Melhoria dos Indicadores de Sustentabilidade na Extração de Potássio que, cuja implementação objetiva aumento da produtividade, incremento de produção de potássio, permitir a redução da demanda de energia elétrica e mitigação de impactos ambientais. A metodologia TAIMISEP incorpora e adapta as metodologias: MAPEAS de Züge (2014) e MPCTAI de Silva (2013), além de pesquisa de dados disponíveis na literatura técnica. A verificação da viabilidade da metodologia TAIMISEP foi realizada a partir de sua aplicação, como estudo de caso, na única fábrica produtora de potássio localizada no Brasil, a Unidade Operacional de Taquari-Vassouras da empresa VALE S.A. Os resultados e análises da aplicação da metodologia TAIMISEP também são apresentados nesta dissertação. Este trabalho também apresenta a importância do potássio para a humanidade devido seu impacto quando utilizado como fertilizante na produção de alimentos de origem agrícola, bem como detalhamento dos métodos para sua extração. Adicionalmente, foram analisados e apresentados os principais indicadores de sustentabilidade e os modelos internacionais de relatórios de sustentabilidade utilizados por empresas produtoras de potássio. / This research presents TAIMISEP methodology, acronym for Automation and Information technologies methodology for improving sustainability indicators on potash extraction. TAIMISEP implementation aims to increase productivity and potash production, as synergic result from reducing electrical energy demand and environmental impacts mitigation. TAIMISEP methodology incorporates and adapts premises from methodologies: MAPEAS, Züge (2014) and MPCTAI, Silva (2013), integrated with research and available data on technical literature. Results verification and feasibility of TAIMISEP methodology were accomplished by its application as case study on the unique site that produces potash named Taquari- Vassouras Operational Unit of VALE S.A Company, UOTV, located at Sergipe State - Brazil. The site conditions, processes results and analysis of this application were also presented. This research intends to emphasize potash significance to humanity due to its impacts when applied as fertilizer on crops for producing food and also detailing of process methods for its obtainment. Furthermore, main sustainability indicators and international models of reports considered by major potash producers were presented and analyzed.

Este trabalho apresenta a metodologia TAIMISEP, acrônimo para Tecnologia de Automação e Informação para Melhoria dos Indicadores de Sustentabilidade na Extração de Potássio que, cuja implementação objetiva aumento da produtividade, incremento de produção de potássio, permitir a redução da demanda de energia elétrica e mitigação de impactos ambientais. A metodologia TAIMISEP incorpora e adapta as metodologias: MAPEAS de Züge (2014) e MPCTAI de Silva (2013), além de pesquisa de dados disponíveis na literatura técnica. A verificação da viabilidade da metodologia TAIMISEP foi realizada a partir de sua aplicação, como estudo de caso, na única fábrica produtora de potássio localizada no Brasil, a Unidade Operacional de Taquari-Vassouras da empresa VALE S.A. Os resultados e análises da aplicação da metodologia TAIMISEP também são apresentados nesta dissertação. Este trabalho também apresenta a importância do potássio para a humanidade devido seu impacto quando utilizado como fertilizante na produção de alimentos de origem agrícola, bem como detalhamento dos métodos para sua extração. Adicionalmente, foram analisados e apresentados os principais indicadores de sustentabilidade e os modelos internacionais de relatórios de sustentabilidade utilizados por empresas produtoras de potássio. / This research presents TAIMISEP methodology, acronym for Automation and Information technologies methodology for improving sustainability indicators on potash extraction. TAIMISEP implementation aims to increase productivity and potash production, as synergic result from reducing electrical energy demand and environmental impacts mitigation. TAIMISEP methodology incorporates and adapts premises from methodologies: MAPEAS, Züge (2014) and MPCTAI, Silva (2013), integrated with research and available data on technical literature. Results verification and feasibility of TAIMISEP methodology were accomplished by its application as case study on the unique site that produces potash named Taquari- Vassouras Operational Unit of VALE S.A Company, UOTV, located at Sergipe State - Brazil. The site conditions, processes results and analysis of this application were also presented. This research intends to emphasize potash significance to humanity due to its impacts when applied as fertilizer on crops for producing food and also detailing of process methods for its obtainment. Furthermore, main sustainability indicators and international models of reports considered by major potash producers were presented and analyzed.

Exploitation of difficult potash deposits requires the adaption of mining procedures to the specific local situation. Based on geomechanical models describing the expected rock mechanic behavior the mining procedure is planned and realized. Both mining surveying results and validation of geomechanical models are essential for a safe mining process. The text gives an overview about the current state of mining survey techniques and the procedure to ensure a successful Sylvinite mining process. The interaction of geomechanical prognosis, adapted mining techniques and proactive mining survey support the safe exploitation of difficult potash deposits. / Für die Gewinnung von Kalisalzen in anspruchsvollen Lagerstättenbereichen müssen vorhandene Abbauverfahren an die lokalen Verhältnisse angepasst werden. Auf der Grundlage standortspezifisch entwickelter, geomechanischer Modellvorstellungen zur Vorhersage des Gebirgsverhaltens wird der Abbau geplant und durchgeführt. Vorbereitende und begleitende messtechnische Beobachtungen ermöglichen die Validierung und ggf. erforderliche Anpassung der Modelle und schaffen so die Voraussetzung für einen sicheren Abbau. Der Beitrag soll einen Überblick über den aktuellen Stand der im Werk Werra eingesetzten Messtechnik geben sowie das gesamte Vorgehen am Beispiel eines erfolgreich durchgeführten Sylvinitabbaus in drei Phasen vorstellen. Das dargestellte Zusammenwirken von geomechanischer Prognose, Abbauanpassung und messtechnischer Beobachtung erlaubt die Durchführung eines sicheren Abbaus bei der Gewinnung anspruchsvoller Lagerstättenbereiche.

Die Rückstandshalden des Kalibergbaus bestehen überwiegend aus Steinsalz. In Abhängigkeit der Stabilität des Untergrundes sowie der Haldenhöhe neigen diese Halden dazu sich plastisch zu verformen. Diese Deformationen gilt es frühzeitig zu erkennen und zu bewerten. Das neue gestaffelte Monitoringkonzept beruht auf langjährigen Erfahrungen, die ebenso kurz vorgestellt werden. / Tailing heaps of potash mining consist predominantly of rock salt. Depending on the stability of the underground, as well as the heights of the heaps, these heaps tend to deform plastically. These deformations must be recognized and assessed at an early stage. The new graduated monitoring concept is based on many years of experience, which are also briefly presented.