Production Optimisation and Environmental Protection in Ornamental Stone Quarries using Ground Penetrating Radar Techniques

In this study, three grids on the same quarry bench were analysed in the Botticino marble quarry in Northern Italy. This research seeks to enhance quarry productivity by employing the European Union Eco-label scoring based on ore extraction efficiency ratio and optimizing cutting directions and block dimensions to maximize usable volume and minimize waste. Using non-destructive Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) for fracture detection and SlabCutOpt software for optimal cutting and block analysis, this study recorded recovery ratios of up to 49.1%, 33.3%, and 47.5% for Grids 1, 2, and 3 based on the results of the SlabCutOpt algorithm. Comparisons of cutting tools indicated that diamond wire cutters offer a more sustainable option than chain saw cutters, with significantly reduced dust, water, and energy consumption. Economic analysis showed that marble blocks with larger volumes have a higher Relative Money Value (RMV), with the highest RMV at 21.8 for a 4.5 m³ block. In the case of Lombarda Marmi, all waste materials serve as raw materials for on-site cement production. Consequently, they are evaluated based on a recovery ratio of 100% or 1.0, rather than the computational results from the grid analyses performed in SlabCutOpt. Optimal block dimensions based on volume and waste reduction were identified for each grid. This research underscores the importance of integrating advanced tools, like GPR and optimization algorithms and friendly environmental practices before extracting dimensional stone blocks to improve resource extraction efficiency and sustainability in ornamental stone quarrying.