Search Documents

By Adam Stremcha, John MacGregor

Initial planning called for 3 separate drop shafts and 3 separate vent shafts to be pulled back from the excavated tunnel with a large diameter raise bore machine. With time constraints and the raise bore machine already in high demand on other shafts, a more “traditional” drill and blast approach was taken on a few of the larger drop shafts. This decision proved to be not only cost effective, but also reduced schedule impact as the shafts were excavated simultaneously with the other raise bores.

Jan 1, 2010

By D. S. Scovira, T. Gustavsson

Exiting WW2 (mid-1940s), the potential of nitrates (ammonium nitrate, calcium nitrate, sodium nitrate) and hydrogen peroxide for application as a commercial explosives for mining, construction, and other industrial purposes both became known. The technology stream advanced the development and uptake of nitrate based explosives to the point that they are the current global standard for blasting. Today, environmental issues are shaping the strategic agenda across various industries. Most global mineral resource, construction houses, and explosive manufacturers have publicly announced ESG carbon reduction commitments in support of COP26 Net Zero 2050. The mid-2010s saw a renewed interest in hydrogen peroxide explosives to eliminate NOx fume. Carbon reduction initiatives in the early 2020s provided additional impetus to investigate hydrogen peroxide based explosives for industrial use. Hypex Bio has recently pioneered the formulation, manufacture, and end-use delivery of a Hydrogen Peroxide Emulsion (HPE) on an industrial scale. The HPE is composed primarily of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) plus a lesser amount of fuel and emulsifier phase. The base HPE is produced in a low energy intensity modular plant using industry proven mixing techniques. The base HPE is a white, highly viscous emulsion that is similar in consistency to base nitrate emulsions. To enable end blasting use, a mobile charging unit gases the base HPE to a detonable density. The HPE is compatible with current priming and initiation systems. Hydrogen peroxide explosives offer a significant reduction in total carbon emission as compared to nitrate based explosives. The production of ammonium nitrate (AN) emulsion is energy-intensive and not carbon neutral. Based on the EU Average and for the oxidizer phase only, 1 kg [2.2 lb] of AN emulsion emits 2.3 kg [5.1 lb] of CO2 as compared to the production of hydrogen peroxide emulsion that results in 0.23 kg [0.5 lb] of CO2. This is a difference of 90%. HPE contains no nitrates and does not generate post blast nitrous oxides (NOx). HPE generates no aqueous nitrate or ammonia pollution and is a solution to meeting increasingly regulated mine site water discharge limits. Hypex Bio recently conducted a successful underground HPE evaluation with a major mining company in Sweden. HPE blast designs were the same as those done with nitrate based emulsions. Rock breakage, advance, muck displacement, and excavator performance were equivalent. Ventilation and re-entry times were reduced. The mining company has expressed further interest in assessing HPE and is demonstrating industrial leadership by exploring this transformative explosive technology

Jan 1, 2024

By Ali Kahriman, Abdulkadir Karadogan, Alper Celtikci, Ahmet Varol, Ertugrul Kaya, Turgay Ozat

This paper presents analysis of environmental effects induced by cautious blasting during the construction of the Istanbul Subway 4 Levent - Ayazaga Darulsafaka Metro Tunnel Project carried out by the contractor, located at Northern Istanbul in Turkey. Within the scope of the study, for the prediction of the peak particle velocity and to determine the slope of the attenuation curves together with the maximum charge per delay for the S6-7-8 shafts of this tunnel route, ground vibration components were measured carefully by using five vibration monitors during the construction of the tunnels which required blasting. The particle velocities and frequency values of all blast events are evaluated according to the United States Bureau of Mines (USBM) and German DIN 4150 Norms in order to predict, and compare the influence grades to the neighboring buildings, and structures. Also, data pairs of scaled distance and peak particle velocity obtained from 107 records belong to 51 shots were analyzed statistically. Empirical relationships with correlation at the 95 % confidence interval were established for these tunnel excavations and suggested for the test sites in order to estimate particle velocity of the ground vibrations. As a result of the studies, some practical charts are created in order to minimize the psychological effects of the shots, and simplify the authorities of shots’ job. And last but not least, make sure that the shots will be done in a controlled way.

Jan 1, 2011

By Joshua Hoffman, Braden Lusk, David McLane, John Rathbun

The dynamics of explosive detonations are understood; however recreating a real-world, to-scale scenario is costly. The use of a shock-tunnel allows testing to be done on a smaller scale, with the simulated effect of a large explosion. Analyzing explosive waveforms using this method can greatly reduce cost in testing blast-resistant products, such as anti-terrorism devices, mine safety products, and military equipment. The purpose of this project is to better the understanding of how the waveform dynamics of an explosive detonated within a shock-tunnel differ from those in an open-air arena test.

Jan 1, 2011

By Mark Fritzen

Drilling and blasting near residential or business inhabited areas may expose people to blast induced vibration. Many of these people have never been exposed to blast vibration and airblast which can cause a variety of reactions ranging from indifference to anger. Blasting contractors seeking to minimize the impact of blasting to neighbors of the project will plan for a public relation plan which begins at bid time. The public relations plan cost will be included in their proposal and a variety of methods may be included including, door to door contact, letters, pamphlets, telephone calls, and the use of an independent consultant to conduct a pre-blast survey. By raising the awareness of neighbors to a blasting project the blasting contractor may reduce the anxiety and stress of unannounced blasting vibration and airblast. This helps everyone associated with the project from the project owner(s) to the blasting contractor.

Jan 1, 2000

By H. Wallin, I. G. Wallace, J. Akhavan, E. Nilsson

Over the past three years the UK together with Sweden, Norway, Finland, Italy have been taking part in a EU funded Leonardo da Vinci programme. More recently EFEE have participated in the project known as the EU15/10/200715/10/2007Excert project which is aimed at addressing the perceived loss of explosives expertise in several EU nations. This could have implications for explosives safety and industrial competitiveness. The paper outlines the work that has so far been done in phase 1 and describes the work planned for the second phase of the project. The paper will describe work in the UK to develop competencies for all explosives workers in both the civil and defence sectors. These competencies in the form of National Occupational Standards have now been approved in the UK and are accompanied by a range of 24 new National Vocational Qualifications launched in May 2006. The paper will show how the standards define knowledge and skills and how these form the basis for vocational qualifications as well as higher education awards and professional qualifications. This UK initiative is now being considered in other EU countries and the project has now been extended to also include Germany, France, Portugal, Czech Republic, Lithuania and Estonia. To support the occupational standards and qualifications work is also being carried out to improve learning provision in the explosives area. In addition to formal educational and conventional training courses a series of workplace learning initiatives are being pursued as well as internet learning packages. Examples of these initiatives will be given.

Jan 1, 2008

By Robert Hopler

Testing Stations Abroad At the Seventh International Congress of Applied Chemistry, Drs. Mente and Will communicated a paper on the above subject. All large coal-getting countries employ testing stations of some kind, in order to safeguard, to the highest possible extent, the lives of the men employed in this industry. Most countries employ galleries of considerable diameter, and fairly short length; but within recent times, long galleries, with drives and other accessories approaching as closely as possible the actual conditions of mining have been installed. The following are the details of the testing stations employed in the countries mentioned.

Jan 1, 2010

By Chris Vagasky

On July 10, 1926, lightning struck at Picatinny Arsenal, New Jersey, and caused the explosion of at least 600,000 pounds (272,000 kilograms) of ammunition, resulting in more than $600 million (2015 dollars) in damage, the destruction of 200 buildings, and 22 deaths. Fortunately, there has not been a major incident involving lightning and explosives in the US in some time, though lightning has destroyed fuel storage tanks in recent years, including in North Dakota, Texas, and Ohio. Lightning poses a significant hazard to the explosives industry. Carrying high currents and temperature, lightning can cause explosives to detonate, start fires near storage facilities, and injure or kill operators.

Jan 1, 2017

By Jason Baird, Joshua Hoffman, Phillip Mulligan

The purpose of this report is to address the method of reducing the overall explosive weight of Explosively Formed Projectiles (EFPs) while still achieving satisfactory performance. This reduction is crucial in order to comply with outdoor explosives testing standards for Missouri University of Science and Technology’s (Missouri S&T’s) Experimental Mine. Initial EFP design testing exceeded given limitations, making reliable data difficult to ascertain. EFPs must be tested outdoors to allow for specific information recordings which aid in defending against them.

Jan 1, 2010

By David Leidel

A revolution in hydrocarbon well completions within the last thirty years has enabled drillers to tap the resources of known gas plays in an economically viable manner and deliver to market natural gas supplies for industrial, transportation and domestic use without the importation of liquefied natural gas from verseas. An added benefit has been the convenient location of one of these gas plays, the Marcellus Shale, in the Northeastern states strategically close to a major natural gas market, namely the cities and towns of the New England and Mid-Atlantic states. As a sidelight, the development of the tight gas reservoirs and their subsequent production has created thousands of jobs in an otherwise lackluster economy.

Jan 1, 2014

By Laurence Neufville

Proper risk assessment and blast design are very desirable to the execution of a blast. Not only will this ensure that it achieves its desired outcome, but the probability of complaints and litigation will be reduced. Blasting engineers rely heavily on site-specific data for analysis and input to the blast design equations, and therefore data collection is critical to this process. The traditional approach to data collection is to carry out site-specific reconnaissance by visiting the site, but the time spent doing so can be reduced if a remote sensing approached is adopted.

Jan 1, 2009

By Lance McAnnuff

Whatever system is devised to control noise and ground vibration from blasting operations must present an effective compromise between the rights of the individual to be undisturbed by the actions of others, and the necessity for society, the whole of the population individually and collectively, to have the services and the products of commerce, industry and transportation along with the relaxation of recreational and cultural pursuits, all at a price within the means of the same society. One of the first jurisdictions in North America to attempt to quantify acceptable environmental limits for specific blasting operations was Ontario, Canada’s largest and most populous province. A process for development of guidelines applicable only to quarries and strip-mining operations was begun in 1974 and culminated with their inclusion in a “Model By-Law” published by the Ontario Ministry of the Environment in August 1978. This paper examines the process of development of the final guideline document and its application over the last 25 years. While acknowledging that the published guidelines for air blast and ground vibration control have provided a useful and generally workable framework for the purposes of land use planning and complaint or damage claim reduction, a number of flaws, weaknesses and misinterpretations connected with their application are identified. Recommendations for amendment of the controversial items are submitted with a view to making these and potentially similar guidelines in other jurisdictions, more acceptable to both government and industry.

Jan 1, 2004

By Ron Ketterling

We will discuss electronic and paper record keeping, what works and what doesn’t. We’ll review record keeping in light of those five sub-committees: Audit, Awards, Constitution, Ethics and Planning. You’ll come away with concrete steps you can use to improve your record keeping processes

Feb 1, 2020

By Ron Ketterling

Donna Summer wrote and recorded a song in 1983 with Michael Omartian called, “She Works Hard for the Money.” The song was inspired by her encounter with an exhausted rest room attendant, Onetta Johnson, who is mentioned in the song by name, and featured on the album’s back cover. ISEE President James Daley, in the May/June 2019 in The Journal of Explosives Engineering discussed the Six Pillars related to the ISEE. We will use the Internal Processes pillar to frame this discussion. The Internal Process Pillar includes five separate sub-committees – we will see how this concept applies to both ATF Explosives record-keeping compliance and business process compliance in general. We will discuss electronic and paper record keeping, what works and what doesn’t. We’ll review record keeping in light of those five sub-committees: Audit, Awards, Constitution, Ethics and Planning. You’ll come away with concrete steps you can use to improve your record keeping processes. This paper will show you how to make the hard work of inventory management and ATF record keeping work hard for you.

By Angelina Anani, Seffit Aderuyi, Sylvester Avane, Joseph Wilson-Sey, Amatus Niminye

The Edikan mine in Ayamfuri, Ghana, faces economic challenges and community resistance due to its proximity to residential areas, particularly concerning blasting operations. Controlled blasting trials using air deck applications were conducted to address community concerns by minimizing environmental impacts and explosive costs. This method involves utilizing an air gap within blast holes to prolong the action of shock waves on the rock mass, enhancing crack formation and reducing rock movement. The trial project at the Edikan open pit gold mine aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of air deck blasting in reducing ground vibrations and overpressures, and to assess its impact on blast performance and economics in the prevailing geological conditions of meta-sediment and hard granite rocks. Results indicated lower Peak Particle Velocity (PPV) and Peak Sound Pressure Levels (PSPL) values in the air-decked blasts. Additionally, more uniform rock fragmentation and enhanced blast economics were achieved. Explosive costs were reduced by 20–24%, saving $0.97 to $2.24 per hole depending on the rock type. Overall blasting costs per volume decreased to $0.54 in granite and $0.48 in meta-sediment compared to conventional methods.

Jan 21, 2025

By Steve Dillingham

PHYSICAL BLAST DATA Pattern Description All measurements related to the description of the physical blast pattern must be made with the mind-set that it has to tell a powerful factual story enabling a future accurate reconstruction of the event. A case has never been lost because too much factual information was available to assist investigators. An accurate physical description of the pattern must be provided based on the blaster’s observations of the pattern actually loaded. The blaster must measure the pattern size, depth, face heights, etc., recording only accurate results. All too often, a blaster records simple pattern sizes and information relayed to him or her from the driller, or from a phone call into the office the night before for powder pre-load inventory purposes. If a pattern was actually measured on the job site by the blaster to be 8.5 x 9.5’, it may, in fact, originally have been ordered at 9’x9’, 8’x9’, or 9’x l0’. In a claim situation, particularly flyrock, recording a “generalization” of what was loaded could result in an interpretation of a blaster’s negligence due to “not knowing or caring” what the actual pattern was, and not loading appropriately for conditions. It is important to remember that other documentation exists such as a drill log from a contract driller or mine records that may provide a different interpretation of the loaded pattern.

Jan 1, 2002

By Robert Hopler

True there is a certain proportion of nitro-glycerin in dynamite cartridges, but the dangerous explosive is scientifically compounded with wood pulp and some other ingredients in such a way that it can be absolutely depended upon not to explode accidentally if our simple and plain instructions for its use are complied with.

Jan 1, 2012

By Gordon Lovegrove, Jeffrey Leob, Dwayne Tannant

It has long been known that the combination of aluminum (AL) powder to ammonium nitrate (AN) / fuel oil (FO) can greatly enhance fragmentation or ultimately reduce the number of blast holes in a pattern. Decades of research have meticulously provided optimal AL:AN:FO ratios showing dramatic increases in energy output levels, yet widespread use of aluminized ANFO (ALANFO) has yet to replace the use of ANFO in the blasting world today. This may be due to the perception that the upfront, increased cost of materials deters the selection of this advantageously modified explosive. Researchers have explored this question and promote ALANFO by pledge of massive reductions in day-to-day operational costs. However, in these analyses there is a complete disregard for the external costs of the material; the environmental effects and sustainability considerations of the product. A holistic social cost-benefit analysis of ALANFO shows that an admittedly high-cost explosive does indeed provide an output which contains a wealth of operational savings in typical blast patterns. However, the immediate, on-site costs and savings do not define the limitations of this analysis. A complete comparison of the externalities including the environmental and sustainability considerations of the aluminum by-product life-cycle, and the environmental impacts of both the refinement of ammonium nitrate prills and the acquisition of sufficient fuel oil are also assessed. A savings of $216,000 / year through the use of ALANFO in one particular case study was recalculated to an increase in drilling and blasting costs of $188,000 when the external costs of aluminum, ammonium nitrate, and fuel oil are included analysis. The results of this analysis are intended to improve contractors? selection of explosives by providing additional societal and environmental factors into the equation, in preparation for an exponential global shift to greener business operations, while allowing them to remain competitive.

Jan 1, 2011

By Mattos J. L. C

Drilling and blasting with explosives in mining operations near communities require careful planning to mitigate socio-environmental impacts. Ground vibration, noise emission, flyrock, and dust dispersion are factors that may trigger conflicts with local populations. However, large-scale operations demand high productivity and intense material handling, making it essential to balance operational performance with impact control. The adoption of best practices, combined with advanced monitoring and mitigation technologies, enables sustainable mining even in proximity to inhabited areas. This study proposes the use of double and triple-deck blasting techniques with large-diameter boreholes (12 ¼” – 311 mm), addressing the sizing of charges and decks, as well as measures aimed at reducing noise perceived by nearby communities. The approach seeks to maintain the use of large drilling rigs already present in the operation, avoiding costs related to premature equipment replacement or expensive alternatives, while minimizing environmental and social impacts and promoting a more balanced and responsible mining model.

Jan 26, 2026

By Brian Warner, Siavash Mahvelati, Douglas Rudenko, Mohamad Sharif

Predicting and optimizing production shot vibrations using time-shifting and superposition of signature hole waveforms (seed waves) has been widely used for many years. In this method, a single borehole is detonated and recorded with seismographs at the locations of concern. Since a single hole waveform is a reproducible event, it is reasonable that the seismic signature from a multi-hole production shot can be predicted by summing a series of single hole waveforms that have been time‐lagged at intervals corresponding to delay times from the production shot. However, there are instances where seed waveforms are collected at locations other than the exact location of concern, which raises questions regarding the applicability of such recordings. The present study adopts the well-known concept of dispersion of surface waves to predict seed waves at a location of interest based on seismograms recorded at a closer offset. Surface waves, as their name suggests, are seismic waves that propagate along the Earth's surface. They are the dominant wave type within one wavelength from the ground surface. Surface waves are dispersive in nature meaning that in a layered medium, wave components with different frequencies travel at different velocities causing an input signal to disperse as it propagates. The proposed technique takes seed waves recorded at one location as the input and passes it through a frequency-dependent function developed using site dispersion characteristics. The site’s dispersion characteristics are either measured directly with surface wave methods or retrieved using shear wave velocity information. The output of the function is the seed wave prediction at the farther location of concern. The theoretical background, including the underlying assumptions and limitations, is discussed in detail, and the application of the technique is illustrated through field data from two sites.

Jan 26, 2026