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<p>Accurate characterization of the overburden is critical for reserve estimation and operational planning in open-pit phosphate mining, particularly in geologically complex settings such as those in southern and central Tunisia. Traditional exploration methods such as drilling and surface mapping are often limited by high costs, spatial constraints, and difficulties in interpreting subsurface variability. To address these challenges, this study investigates the effectiveness of integrated geophysical techniques as a more efficient and cost-effective alternative. Electrical Resistivity Tomography (ERT), seismic refraction, and gravity surveys were employed based on their sensitivity to contrasts in resistivity, density, and acoustic impedance between phosphate layers and surrounding rock. Two phosphate mine sites were studied: the Nefta-Tozeur Phosphate Mine (NTPM), with relatively simple flat-lying geology, and the Mehri-Zabbeus Syncline (MZS), characterized by structurally complex formations and a thick gypsum-dolomite overburden. In both sites, geophysical data inversion produced subsurface models that correlated well with existing borehole and surface geological data. ERT and seismic refraction were particularly effective in identifying the geometry and depth of phosphate layers, while gravity data enhanced structural interpretation in the more complex MZS site. This research demonstrates that integrating geophysical methods, such as ERT, seismic refraction, and gravity surveys, offers a reliable and cost-effective alternative to traditional exploration techniques in complex geological settings. By providing continuous and detailed subsurface data, these methods significantly improve the accuracy of phosphate layer mapping. Results from two distinct Tunisian sites highlight the importance of adapting geophysical methods to local conditions to improve subsurface imaging and reserve estimation. Overall, this combined approach reduces geological uncertainty and offers a valuable framework for phosphate exploration in similar regions globally. This advancement supports better-informed decisions in mine planning and resource management, ultimately enhancing the efficiency and sustainability of phosphate mining operations.</p>

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Integrated geophysical methods for phosphate overburden characterization in structurally complex terrain: two cases from Tunisia

  • 期刊论文

  • 发表日期：

    2025年11月26日

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  • Ramdhane Benassi,
  • Sofien Alyahyaoui

摘要

Accurate characterization of the overburden is critical for reserve estimation and operational planning in open-pit phosphate mining, particularly in geologically complex settings such as those in southern and central Tunisia. Traditional exploration methods such as drilling and surface mapping are often limited by high costs, spatial constraints, and difficulties in interpreting subsurface variability. To address these challenges, this study investigates the effectiveness of integrated geophysical techniques as a more efficient and cost-effective alternative. Electrical Resistivity Tomography (ERT), seismic refraction, and gravity surveys were employed based on their sensitivity to contrasts in resistivity, density, and acoustic impedance between phosphate layers and surrounding rock. Two phosphate mine sites were studied: the Nefta-Tozeur Phosphate Mine (NTPM), with relatively simple flat-lying geology, and the Mehri-Zabbeus Syncline (MZS), characterized by structurally complex formations and a thick gypsum-dolomite overburden. In both sites, geophysical data inversion produced subsurface models that correlated well with existing borehole and surface geological data. ERT and seismic refraction were particularly effective in identifying the geometry and depth of phosphate layers, while gravity data enhanced structural interpretation in the more complex MZS site. This research demonstrates that integrating geophysical methods, such as ERT, seismic refraction, and gravity surveys, offers a reliable and cost-effective alternative to traditional exploration techniques in complex geological settings. By providing continuous and detailed subsurface data, these methods significantly improve the accuracy of phosphate layer mapping. Results from two distinct Tunisian sites highlight the importance of adapting geophysical methods to local conditions to improve subsurface imaging and reserve estimation. Overall, this combined approach reduces geological uncertainty and offers a valuable framework for phosphate exploration in similar regions globally. This advancement supports better-informed decisions in mine planning and resource management, ultimately enhancing the efficiency and sustainability of phosphate mining operations.