Modern Blast Engineering to Improve Mine Profitability

Modern blast engineering involves the use of modern technology to provide more efficient blasts. Through the use of improved measurement techniques more information can be obtained on many of the physical variables of a quarry rock face. By employing this information, a more efficient production shot can be designed and loaded. Along with improvements in production, greater safety and improved environmental impact can be achieved. This paper concerns the employment of modern blast engineering at a granite quarry in the Southeastern United States. The test period extended over a period of approximately six months, and this paper will show the results achieved in that time span.