ACKNOWLEDGMENT

First of all we would like to say thanks to Aksum University Shire Campus school of
Mines for sponsoring and arranging this internship program. Especially to Ato Mearg
Belay (College Dean) for playing a good role to do our internship report by making a
smooth relationship with Saba Dimensional Stone PLC,Ato Kahsay Nuguse (Mining
Engineering Department Head) for arranging and mobilizing the internship program,
N.Rao Cheepurupalli (Ph.D.) for advising and giving direction how to do internship
report , Ato Elias Kasahun (Advisor) for his giving advice for preparing internship report
and in case of transportation thanks to Ato Tesfay (Car Driver). And thanks to Saba
Dimensional Stone PLC staff management members accepted and give us this chance to
do this internship program in the Dichinama marble quarry site; Especially to Ato Araya
Meried (General Manager) for giving us the chance to practice in Dichinama marble
quarry , Ato Muftah (Vice Manager and chief Geologist) for his giving and guiding
geological data , Ato Araya Gebrehiwot (Petroleum Engineer) for helping as in all
operation of the quarry, and thanks to Dichinama marble quarry site staff management
members to Ato Binyam Babile (Administrative and quarry master) guiding and
supervising as all the quarry process, Ato Kinfe (Camp Administrative) for helping as in
case of dormitory and food, Ato Hayelom(Geologist) guiding as about the geological
conditions of the quarry. Lastly, thanks to Maintenance group, Electricians, machine
operators, Drivers and to all accommodation and Cafeteria workers.
Table of Contents
1. Introduction ............................................................................................. Error! Bookmark not defined.
1.1 Background of the company...……………………………………………………………………...1
1.2 Location and access of the company………………………………………………………………..1
1.3 Company organization and manpower……………………………………………………………..2
1.3.1 Manpower…………………………………………………………………………………….2
1.4 Safety and first aid…………………………………………………………………….……………3
2. Geology…………………………………………………………………………………………………..5
2.2 Local geology……………………………………………………………………………………....5
2.3 Geological structural ……………………………….……………………………………………...6
2.4 Grade control……………………………………………………………………………………….6
3. Quarry machines and equipment’s…………………………………………………………...…………..7
3.1 Electrical machines…………………………………………………………………………………..7
3.2 Pneumatic machines………………………………………………………………………………….9
3.3 Diesel machines………………………………………………………………………………….…10
3.4 Quarry equipments………………………………………………………………………………….13
4. Mining…………………………………………………………………………………………………..14
4.1 The steps of mining in quarry………………………………………………...……………………15
4.1.1 Land clearance………………………………………………………………………………..15
4.1.2 Identifying quarry front……………………………………………………………………….15
4.1.3 Vertical drilling……………………………………………………………………………….15
4.1.4 Horizontal drilling…………………………………………………………………………….15
4.1.5 Horizontal cutting…………………………………………………………………………….15
4.1.6 Vertical cutting………………………………………………………………………………..16
4.1.7 Primary slicing………………………………………………………………………………..16
4.1.8 Block squaring………………………………………………………………………………..16
4.1.9 Hauling………………………………………………………………………………………..16
4.1.10 Loading……………………………………………………………………………………...17
4.2 Cycles of operation in quarry……………………………………………………………………….18
4.3 Magazine……………………………………………………………………………………………18
4.4 Processing plant…………………………………………………………………………………….19
 4.5 Waste water treatment………………………………………………………………………………19
5. Planning………………………………………………………………………………………………...21
5.1 Budget……………………………………………………………………………………………...22
6. Infrastructures……………………………………………………………………………………..……23
6.1 Housing in the camp……………………………………………………………………………….23
6.2 Transportation……………………………………………………………………………………..23
6.3 Communication…………………………………………………………………………………….23
6.4 power supply………………………………………………………………………………………23
6.5 Water supply……………………………………………………………………………………….23
7. Conclusion……………………………………………………………………………………………...24
8. Recommendation……………………………………………………………………………………….25
9. References……………………………………………………………………………………..……….26
Figures
Fig 1……………………………………………….……………………………………………………….2
Fig 2………………………………………………………………………………………………………..3
Fig 3………………………………………………………………………………………………………..7
Fig 4 &5………………………………………………………….………………………………………..8
Fig 6& 7……………………………………………………………………………………………………9
Fig 8& 9…………………………………………………………………………………………………..10
Fig 10&11………………………………………………………………………………………………...11
Fig 12& 13………………………………………………………………………………………………..12
Fig 14& 15………………………………………………………………………………………………...14
Fig 16……………………………………………………………………………………………………...18
Fig 17……………………………………………………………………………………………………...18
Fig 18……………………………………………………………………………………………………...19
Tables
Table 1……………………………………………………………………………………………………..3
Table 2 & 3……………….………………………………………………………………………………17
Table 4……………………………………………………………………………………………………21
Table 5……………………………………………………………………………………………………25
 1. INTRODUCTION
Marble is a metamorphic or metasedimentary rock resulting from regional metamorphism
at time contact metamorphism of sedimentary carbonate rocks either limestone or
dolostone. In Ethiopia the marble deposits are found with in Precambrian metamorphic
terrains. Some of the most interesting deposit is found in Tigray (Mai Daro, Filafil, Nokal
Emni, Adi Hatsiro, Enda Tikurir, Newi, Akmara, and Dichinama), Gojam (Bulen, Mora,
Mankush, and Baruda), Harar (Hula Kuni, Chercher mountain area); Wellega (Dalleti,
Koncho).
One of the biggest company which produces marble is Saba Dimensional Stone PLC.
This company has one marble quarry site. Adiabo marble (Dichinama marble) is one of
the biggest sites with two separate sites Lidge Mariam and Elawedizeray.
1.1Back Ground of the Company

Saba Dimensional Stones PLC was established in 1986 E.C. After the down fall of Derg
regime. It was opened by the EFFORT (Endowment fund for the rehabilitation of Tigray)
members of Tigray solder. The main objective of Saba Dimensional Stone PLC is to
conduct geological study throughout the region of Tigray and determine the occurrence
of marble, granite, limestone, slate and other dimensional stones used for construction
purpose; carry out detail geological study and feasibility study on the economic attractive
areas and implement quarry operation activities according to their priorities. Produce
blocks of international standard, introduce new technology for the extraction and
processing of dimensional stones, penetrate in the world market and take a significant
share from the international dimensional stones market and generate revenue for the
progress of dimensional stone industry and in general sense the sector contribute to the
economic and social development of the region. Based on the detailed geological report
quarry operation activities are under progress in Adiabo marble(Dichinama), Togogo
limestone, Adigolagul black marble, Adi-Eleni grey granite and Granite blocks have been
extracted from Embamadre to run the operation effectively and efficiently a system has to
be developed.

1.2 Location and Access of the Company

Dichinama quarry (Marble mining) is located in northern Ethiopia Tigray region western
zone 35 km gravel road far from Sheraro Town to the residence camp and 38 km to the
active site Lidge Mariam,36 km to the second site Elawedizeray and also 200km from the
processing plant Adwa Town. The Dichinama marble belt trends N400E and dip ranging
from 600 NW to vertical.

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1.3 Company organization and man power

Saba Dimensional Stone PLC organizational structure is organized as General Company

organization and quarry organization. The General company organization is the
following.

General Manager

Secretary DGM

service
haeds

Production Engineering Finance Dept. HR Dept.

Procurement Marketing Quarry Head
Department and Head Department
Meintenance and Supply Operation
Head Dept. Head Head
Dept. Head Dedpt.
Division Head`
Heads
Division
Division heads
Heads

Fig.1. General Company organization

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The Quarry organization is also organized

Quarry Operation
Manager

Secretary

Quarry opeartion
Head Quarry logistics and
transport Head

Quarry Master

Fig.2. Quarry organization

1.3.1 Man power

In Dichinama Camp there are 61 man powers. From these 31are employed in the Camp
activities and 30 labors are employed in the quarry operational activities by dividing in to
two shifts with 8 labors per shift in Lidge Mariam quarry site and 7 labors per shift for
Elawedizeray quarry site. The quarry operation starts at 6:30am and terminates at 12am
in the morning and starts at 12am and terminated at 6pm in the afternoon. The total
working hours are 12:30hrs, 6:30hrs before noon and 6hrs afternoon.

Table 1 Dichinama quarry working hours

No Working hours Total Grand total
Morning Total Afternoon
1 6:30am – 12am 6:30hrs 12pm – 6pm 6hrs 12:30hrs

1.4 Safety and First Aid

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 1.4.1 Safety: is the conservation of human life and the maintenance of its
effectiveness and the prevention of damage to items/systems as per specified
requirement.
1.4.2 First Aid: refers to giving a quick treatment to the injured person before going to
medical center. We have seen different safety equipment. Different safety materials and
first aid medical safety in the site of Dichinama. We have gotten enough information
about accidents and injuries practically. The main principle of safety is avoiding any type
of risk before happen. Safety is important issue in mine areas because, it protects from
accidents which happen by heavy machinery, high electric power use for production
operation and from dusts, noise, gases which rises from the quarry activities.
Carelessness causes of series of accident in human life and machinery. They minimize
risk injuries in working area by properly used safety material or personal protective
equipment (PPE).
In Lidge Mariam and Elawedizeray quarry sites, all Operators use the same Safety
materials as they listed as follows:

 Ear muffler (Earplug)

 Hand glove
 Eye protection( Eye glass)
 Musk (protects dust, gases and others)
 Safety Shoes (Foot wear)
 Rain coat
 Over all cloth

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 2. Geology
2.1 Local Geology
The marble belts of Lidge Mariam and Elawedizeray marble deposits are covered with
Meta sediments. That is marble bounded by chloritic and phyllitic schists. The lidge
deposit consists folded and ridge topography oriented with foliation and lithological
contact in the surrounding rocks dipping to the NW at 600.
Elawedizeray deposit consists more quartz vein and it has a mountain topography dipping
to wards north direction. Metamorphism is a mineralogical and textural change that
occurs in the rock in the solid state as a response to changes in environmental variables
especially temperature and pressure.
Metamorphic rocks are rock that developed their mineralogical and structural
characteristics by metamorphic processes (Metamorphism).

Therefore, the study area found in Dichinama is covered by different degree of

weathering and alterations each Metamorphic units have its own color, Metamorphic
structure and degree of weathering and alterations.

Generally the lithology’s found in the study area are listed below from oldest to youngest.
These are:

-Meta volcanic and Meta volcanic clast

-Slate rock unit

- Phillyte rock unit

-Schist rock unit

- Marble rock unit

- Quartzite rock unit

The Lidge Mariam and Elawedizeray deposit have different types of colors. These are
 Multicolor marble.
 Rose green marble.
 White color marble.
 Purple marble.

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2.2 Geological Structures
We can see the geological structures of the Dichinama marble quarry in terms of

 Structural
 Lithological

We can see the structural of the Dichinama marble quarry

 Major structures –fold
 Minor structures—some of them are cavity, fracture, joint, foliation line, schist,
calcites, quartz vein, patched materials.

We can see also the lithological as:

 Main rock – the marble deposit
 Host rock—slate and schist

2.3 Grade Control

In every morning, geologist check block loading activities and remark the loading
boundaries, if necessary collect the data required for daily gang saw feed grade
estimation as per the product set by the geologist.
The geology department makes sure that the area delineated for daily grade estimation is
not over lapping with the previous days block loading area. The grade of marble is
affected by the following different geological discontinuities. These are:
 Fold
 Cavity
 Fracture (micro and macro)
 Joints
 Foliation line
 Schist’s
 Calcite veins
 Quartz veins
 Patches
 Impurities with in the deposit etc.

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 3. Quarry machines and Equipment
3.1 Quarry Machines: these machines are pneumatic, diesel and electrically
operated devices to perform the quarry activity. These quarry Machines are explained as
follows:

3.1.1 Electrical Machines.

3.1.2 Pneumatic Machines.
3.1.3 Diesel Machines.

3.1.1. Electrical Machines: These machines operate their work using electrical power. The
main source of power is generator. There are three generators in Dichinama. The two
generators use for the two quarry sites and the third is in the resident camp.
The main electrical machines are the following.

1. Hydro bag: is a metallic bag with a squared shape used for the splitting of the primary
cut block. In both sites, there are three hydro bag machines.

Fig.3. Hydro bag

2. Pellegrini Machine: is a quarry machine having a diamond wire used for primary
cutting (vertical and horizontal cutting), slicing and block squaring. In both sites, there
are three Pellegrini machines.

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Fig.4. Pellegrini Machine

3. Benetti Machine: is a quarry machine having a diamond wire used for primary cutting
(vertical and horizontal cutting), slicing and block squaring. It has the same application
with Pellegrini machine. In both sites, there are four Benetti machines.

Fig.5. Benetti Machine

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4. Block cutter: it is an electrical operated machine used to squared sliced blocks. When
we compare with Benetti and Pellegrini it is small in size. It cannot cut vertical and
horizontal. In both sites, there are two block cutter machines.

Fig.6. Block cutter

3.1.2. Pneumatic machines: These machines operate their work using pressurized air
force or pneumatic force. Their source of power is compressor. The basic machines
operated by pneumatic force are:

1. Driller: This machine drills both vertical and horizontal directions. It has a diamond bit
and 1.5 meter length rods. It can drill up to the length you want to drill. The diameter of
the bit is 0.9 meter. It is very heavy to lift by labors rather it moves from place to place
using loader. In both sites, there are three driller machines.

Fig.7. Driller Machine

2. Jack hammer: It is a smaller machine operates by pressure using hand. And also drills
a smaller hole for fixing both vertical and horizontal drilling with ground. It vibrates
more and can cause nerve attack. In both sites, there are two jack hammers.

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Fig.8. Jack hammer
3. Bull machine: It is a small machine having two wheels and pulls by human to move
from place to place. It gives a force to the spacer.

Fig.9. Bull machine

3.1.3 Diesel machines: These machines do their work using gas oil. These machines
include:

1. Loader: is a four tyre wheel machine used for loading activities of the quarry. It can
load up to 20 tones and done 70% activities of the quarry. The Dichinama quarry loader
is flexible.
It uses bucket to excavate the waste material, two finger fork for loading the squared
block from the working bench to the stock yard and to the trucks, rake for falling down

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the primary sliced block and one finger for preparing the sliced block for cutting by
Benetti or block cutter machine. In both sites, there are three loaders.

Fig.10. Loader

2. Compressor: it is two wheel machine used to give a pressurized air force for the
different pneumatic machines of the quarry. It moves from place to place by the loader. It
operates by diesel oil. In both sites, there are four compressors.

Fig.11. Compressor

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3. Generator: it is a non-wheel machine operated by diesel oil. Its main function is giving
electrical power for the whole activities of the quarry. It moves from place to place by
loader. In each quarry site, there are independent generators. In both sites there are, two
generators

Fig.12. Generator

4. Water truck: it is a four wheel vehicle with 10,000 liters capacity. It supplies water for
each quarry site and the resident camp. For both sites there is one water truck.

.
Fig.13. Water truck

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3.2 Quarry Equipment’s:

These play a great role in the quarry activities. The number of quarry equipment’s is
fixed based on the intensity of work to be performed. The issued materials have to be
over handed or delivered to the team leader and has to take all the responsibility on safe
keeping and proper use of the material and equipment’s. Any damage on the equipment’s
has to be automatically reported to the maintenance group.
The main quarry equipment’s are listed as follows:

1. Spacer 15. Chain

2. Rod (for driller and jack hammer) 16. Wire rope
3. Plug 17. Flywheel
4. Feather 18. Cutter
5. Diamond wire 19. Drill bit
6. Jointer (copper, steel) 20. Water hose
7. Track 21. Air hose
8. Tri square 22. Control panel
9. Sprit level 23. Rake
10. Wrench (both close and open) 24. Bucket
11. Presser 25. Forks (1 & 2 finger)
12. Feeder tank 26. Gears
13. Hammer 27. Tensioning rope
14. Electrical cable 28. Ladder

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 4. Mining

Fig.14. Lidge Mariam Quarry Mining

Fig.15. Elawedizeray Quarry Mining

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The Dichinama marble quarry is a type of surface mining. Surface mining is the
predominant exploitation method worldwide. The products of all dimension stone
quarries are nonmetallic. Common dimension stones are Granite, Marble, Limestone,
Sandstone and slate in approximate decreasing order of difficult to cut because of
difficult and cost associated with cutting stone, quarrying is the most expensive surface
mining method and, square set stopping, the most costly mining method. Because of the
highly specialized nature of dimension stone quarrying a customized cycle of unit
operation is employed. Rock breakage is almost always accomplished without blasting,
which tend to shatter and spoil the blocks of stone. Dimensional stone quarrying produces
from deposit prismatic blocks of mineral which are both roughly sized and shaped.
Quarries resemble open pit, but the benches are lower and nearly vertical. Both Lidge
Mariam and Elawedzeray have four benches. But the bench height varies from 4 to 6
meters. The mineable reserves of Lidge Mariam marble quarry have 30 meter depth, 30
meter width and 200 meter length.
4.1 The steps of mining in quarry:

4.1.1 Land clearance or overburden removal:

This is the first step in quarry mining which includes the removal of unwanted materials
like plants, soil, weathered rocks, and other materials from the deposit (mineralized area).
Any overburden is stripped and transported to a disposal area to uncover the mining
deposit. All those activities are done by loader.
4.1.2 Identifying the quarry front:
Opening the first face accomplishing by forming a cut across the quarry width orienting
the cut with due regard to the bedding plane, joint and other geological variables. The
quarry front should be in opposite direction to the dip line of the deposit. After
understanding the strike and dip direction of the marble deposit the next step making a
box cut to open the quarry front. Then to progress the first bench, the quarry machines
should be put to the box cut to start drilling.
4.1.3 Vertical drilling:
In this step, in Dichinama marble quarry the labors wash the deposit to identify the spot
line to be visible for drilling. Then after finding spot line they drill vertical according to
the height of the bench. To accomplish the work in a successful manner they drill wisely
by the air driller machine.
4.1.4 Horizontal drilling:
After drilling vertically, they drill two horizontal holes in different time by measuring the
dimensions and following the tensioning by using the rope to connect the vertical drill
hole and the horizontal they want to drill are in line. When tensioning meets the target,
they start horizontal drilling by using the horizontal driller machine.
4.1.5 Horizontal cutting:
After connecting the two horizontal drill holes, they closed the vertical drill hole by
cloth and chips to pass the diamond wire using pneumatic action. Then, they connect the
diamond wire using steel jointer by presser and the next step is horizontal cutting by
using Benetti or Pelegrini machines.
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 4.1.6 Vertical cutting:
In the vertical cutting, there are two the same cutting processes. To do the first cutting
process, they close the one horizontal drill hole by cloth and they pass the diamond wire
from the vertical drill hole to the open horizontal drill hole by using pneumatic action.
After that they connect the diamond wire by steel or copper jointer using presser. They
repeat the same principle for the second vertical cutting process. Here we use Benetti or
Pelegrini machines.
4.1.7 Primary slicing:
After cutting the primary block, they were doing slicing by measuring 1.10 meters
interval which meets the standard block sizes. After that they splitting to their block size
must be suitable for the capacity of the loader to push and pull the block by using the rake
and also the hydro bag which were used to split the sliced block from the primary block.
After the sliced block is detached from the primary cut, the loader operator supplies soil
to support the failing down block from breakage and prepares the loader for falling down
the block using the rake.
4.1.8 Block squaring:
After falling down the sliced block, the geologist washes the block to fined the spot line
direction of the marble and measures the dimension of the block for cutting that satisfies
the standardization of the block, keep on cutting along the spot line by adjusting a
diamond wire either loosening or tensioning which is controlled by the control panel of
the squaring machines. The loader operator prepares the block in a good position for
squaring by the block cutter, Benetti or Pelegrini machines.
4.1.9 Hauling:
After finishing the squaring process, the loader operator hauls (brings) the standard
squared block from the working bench of the quarry front to the stockyard were by the
squared block is kept. In the stockyard the quality control person gives grade and
dimensions to the squared blocks according to their geological nature.

Fig.16. Stock yard

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There are three grades of blocks according to the following criteria’s:
Table 2: Classification of block grades

Block Grades Classifying Criteria’s

Grade A  Good presence of spot line, almost
parallel line (1800).
 Not presence of any fracture.
 Not presence of any schist.
 Not presence of any impurities.
 A good squared type of block.
 It should be uniform in color.
 The recovery of the block must be
>65%.
Grade B  Less presence of fracture.
 Uniform spot line almost 1800.
 Not presence of schist.
 Recovery of the block is 25-65%.
Grade C  Fracture is present less in diagonal
of the block.
 Less presence of schist.
 Not uniform in color.
 Not well squared.

Rejected block this block consists of a number of fractures across and diagonal of the
block and high number of schist with wrongly squared block. The dimension of the block
is given by grade controller personal or the quality person and the number that he wrote
must be by an ink which is not erasable until it delivered to the processing plant.
The standard block that they delivered must be suitable for the gang saw and block
cutters.

Table 3. The standard blocks size and block cutter

Parameters Gang saw Block cutter
Length 2.61m-3m 0.8m-2.1m
Width 1.3m-1.8m 2.5m
Height 1.16m-2m 1.16m

4.1.10 Loading:
Loading means lifting the squared block to the trucks by loader. This is the last step in
the processing of mining quarry. The trucks take the squared block to the processing
plant found in Adwa town 200 kms far from the Dichinama marble quarry.

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The transportation trucks are two types. The first type of truck has < 12 tone loading
capacity and it is called Single truck. And the second type of truck has >12 tone loading
capacity and it is called Double truck.
4.2 Cycle of operation in quarry
Marble quarry consists the following cycle of operations:

 Cutting: it includes driller, diamond wire machines (Benetti, Pelegrini and Block
cutter).
 Wedging: it includes loader with rake, one finger fork and two finger fork, feather
and plug.
 Excavation: taking out the waste material using loader.
 Haulage: this is the last cycle taking place using loader.
As we know in dimensional stone blasting is not allowed. But as exception when more
amount of weathered marble is found, to avoid it as a waste in a short period of time
blasting is important. The quarry blasting system is very different from other surface
mining blast systems. When we want to blast in quarry first drill the area vertical and
horizontal, secondly cut vertically and horizontally. Then drill small diameter holes (25
mm) using jack hammer driller for blasting appropriately. Lastly, we blast it using the
explosive ANFO (Ammonium Nitrate Fuel Oil) and excavate the blasted material using
loader.

4.3 Magazine
As we know the Ethiopian federal Ministry of Mines (EFMOM) and security for safety in
mining area forced to have a safe and well-designed storage of explosive which is
magazine. In Dichinama marble quarry in Lidge Mariam site, there are three magazines
of explosives. The magazines are containers and have 100 meter distance from the quarry
site. Each magazine has 20 meter distance between them. But there is no wall which
separates the containers (magazines). A proper access road is provided from the main
road of the quarry to the magazine. Lighting arrestor is installed to protect from the
occurrence thunder storm during summer time.

Fig.17. Explosive Magazines

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4.4 processing plant of marble
The raw material delivered from the quarries can be processed (Cut and polished) using
different types of art of modern technology. Cutting and polishing of big size slabs up to
2 meters width and 3 meters length can be done using the latest art technology of multi-
wire cutting machines and Polishing machine with more than 20 polishing heads.
Resizing can be carried out using bridge cutting machines and simple cross cutting
machines. For resizing and finishing the material as per customer order Cross – cutting
and trimming machines are used.
The schematic diagram to process slab from marble raw blocks till the finished product is
shown as follows:
Raw Block Primary Calibrating and Resizing or
Packaging
Cutting Polishing Finishing

Fig.18. Schematic diagram of slab process

For cutting purpose Diamond wire cutting machines are the latest technology recently
developed with high productivity and precession (cutting performance up to 35cm/hour)
but due to its high technical requirement (skilled man power to operate) and high tear and
wear and expensive use of diamond wire, the cost of production is relatively higher than
the traditional Gang saw machine.
Diamond wire technology is leading the way for sawing/cutting/to slab of granite blocks.
The multi wire can cut the granite blocks more efficiently and economically having more
advantages than marble frame saw (Gang saw). It can also replace the gang saw (marble)
because of its easiness, increase in production while processing of marble. It will improve
the production rate and decrease in the energy and also it will improve the productivity.
4.3 Waste water treatment
The technological steps involved in the production of marble products are Quarrying
Sawing or Primary block Cutting, Calibrating and Polishing of slabs, Resizing and
Finishing to tiles and strips.
The sludge (Mud +Water) of marble coming out after the cutting, calibrating and
polishing process is collected on a pond and further transferred to water purification and
filtration plant. The mud will be separated and disposed while the clean water is recycled
for further use.
The main purpose of the water treatment plant is:
 In order to comply with environment regulations.
 To lower the sludge handling and disposal costs.
 To efficiently utilize and optimize spaces.

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  To improve the water consumption rates of the process, i.e. 90% less water
consumption.
 To reduce the amount of sludge produced from the operation, i.e. 80% less
sludge’s volume to treat and dispose of.

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 5. Planning
Planning is the process to get the right grade and tonnage at the right time to obtain the
lowest possible cost per unit of final marble product in order to full fill the company
yearly production plan.
Planning is very important for mining activities. The failure to maintain adequate blocked
out reserves of marble will result in a slow insidious reduction in the mines ability to
maintain production.
The Dichinama marble quarries have three types of planning. These are:
1. Short term planning (STP): is the detailed control of day to day production
of the quarry site. It can never be static and must operate flexible with in the
frame work. The geological discontinuities and meteorological conditions can
change the production requirement of the quarry.
2. Medium term planning (MTP): programs which are in detailed and are
related to the annual production requirement.
3. Long term planning (LTP): exploiting a deposit profitable to obtain
extraction of the whole reserve or up to cut off point. The total reserve of Lidge
Mariam marble quarry is (30 meter depth x 30 meter width x 200 meter length)
gives 180,000m3.
Generally, the annual production plan of block for both Dichinama quarry sites in the
year 2016/17 is planned in four quarters in the following table:

Table 4 the production plan of block in the first two quarters

1st Quarter 2nd Quarter

Site Name Uom July Aug Sep Total Oct Nov Dec Total
Lidge M3 100 100 100 300 140 140 140 420
Mariam
(Multicolor
& Rose
Green)
Elawedizeray M3 100 100 100 300 130 130 130 390
(Purplish
white)

Table 5 The production plan of block in the second two quarters

3rd Quarter 4th Quarter

Site Name Uom Jan Feb Mar Total Apr May June Total
Lidge M3 140 140 140 420 130 130 130 390
Mariam

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(Multicolor
& Rose
Green)
Elawedizeray M3 130 130 130 390 130 130 130 390
(Purplish
white)

Therefore, the annual production blocks of Lidge Mariam site for multicolor and rose
green marble is 1560 m3 and the annual production of purplish white for Elawedizeray is
1470 m3. Then the total annual production of the Dichinama sites production is 3030 m3.

5.1. Budget
Makes from the previous year budget experience and additional new plan, our actual cost
of materials and there are different types of budgets.
Expenditure budget: this type of budget spends for fuel, maintenance, spare parts and
external repairs.
Capital investment: used for more than two years’ service equipment, example:
computer, printer generally office and related purchased.
Project investment: builds office, processing plant road, water supply and other important
utilities. Quarry production plan for the year 2016/2017 is 3030 m3.
The annual budget plan for Lidge Mariam quarry site is 8,165,040 Birr and the annual
budget for Elawedizeray quarry site is7, 693,980 Birr. Generally, the annual budget of the
two quarry site in 2016/2017 is 15,859,020 Birr.

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 6. Infrastructures
6.1 Housing in the camp
There are enough houses to meet out the need of the labors. There is Cafeteria, Clinic,
Office, Dormitory, Maintenance workshop, Shower, pool house, and toilet. The houses
are constructed from cement, brick, metal and containers.
6.2 Transportation
The Dichinama marble quarries have three its own Toyotas and one rent bus for
transportation of all labors.
6.3 Communication
In the Dichinama camp there are two wireless telephones and there is some network
access for mobile phones. But in the quarry site there is no network access.
6.4 Power Supply
As we know, a centralized power supply is best over the individual generators of power
supply, but in the case of the Dichinama marble quarry site, the locations of the sites are
very far away from each other. So, individual generators are best due to their long
distance far.
The number of generators that the site requires depends on how much machineries are
deployed in the given site such as the diamond wire machines and other machineries.
This is due to the capacity of the generator it generates a kilowatt per hour (kw/hr.)
6.5 Water Supply
Water plays a vital role in the quarry site for washing the marbles of the primary sliced
and squared block to clean to be seen by naked eye to observe the spot line on which the
marble is cutting and also minimizes the breakage (damage) of the diamond wires by
decreasing the temperature that generated from friction while cutting.
The source of water for Dichinama quarry site is ground water which is transported from
the camp to each sites by water truck to meet out the need of water in the quarries, but the
quantity of the ground water is insufficient in the winter time, that means it decreases the
amount of the ground water due to high temperature of the Winter season.

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 7. Conclusion
The Dichinama quarries have two separate active working sites. Each active sites have
four benches with 4 up to 6 meter varying heights. The quarry mobilizes three loaders,
nine Diamond wire machines, four compressors and two generators. The quarries have 30
man powers and two shifts with 8 labors per shift for Lidge Mariam and 7 labors per shift
for Elawedizeray. But even it works with less man power, the company is still profitable.
Generally, the annual production for the Dichinama quarry sites is 3030 m3. The total birr
for one meter cubic is 5234 birr and the total birr annually to produce 3030 m3 is
15,859,020 Birr.

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 8. Recommendation
We recommended that, the Dichinama quarry Lidge Mariam site is not well opened when
it started the first bench at the early. To solve such quarry opening problems, Mining
Engineer expert is available to consult and supervise each mining activities of the quarry.
We also recommend that, to organize the quarry in a healthy way, the company have to
prepare a new plan for Safety Office and first aid with full materials and safety expert
person.
The company should construct a well-designed modern storage of explosive Magazine
which stores the explosives in a safe condition. And the companies have to purchase a
new and latest quarry machines to get high production.

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 9. References
1. Quarry operational manual
2. Plan for block production of 2016/17.

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 Group members

Name ID/NO
GEBREHIWOT GEBREWAHD AKUSC 26/05
GEBRESLASIE ZEMEN AKUSC 29/05
KIROS HAILE AKUSC 41/05
YEMANE KIDE AKUSC 60/05
YEWUHALASHET FISSHA AKUSC 61/05
ZEMICAEL GEBREHIWOT AKUSC 62/05

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