ABSTRACT
The processes of stress relieve observed at some dimensions stones quarry are discussed. The phenomenon is very important since the widespread of the elastic energy dissipation may produce cracks or fractures in this type of deposit, sometimes high quality blocks are fragmented resulting in low block recoveries. In this work the case study of the “Desenhado” mine located in the Medeiros Neto area in the southern Bahia State, in Brazil is presented, where monzogranite gnaisses are extracted for ornamental purposes. It was explained a characterization of the rock mass using the concept of geological and geomechanical models. This allows to establish preferential orientations of the exploitation faces which results in improved block recoveries.
