Selection of Powder Factor in Large Diameter Blastholes (fd85c28b-31b4-4c7a-b833-27f2a5d736a0)

This paper documents the relationship between material handling and processing costs compared to blasting cost. The old adage, "The cheapest crushing is done in the pit", appears accurate in this case study. Comparison of the accumulated cost of: powder, selected wear materials and electricity; indicate a strong, inverse correlation with powder factor (lbs powder/long ton of rock). In this case, the increased powder cost is more than offset by electrical savings alone.