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By Ronald Ticona, Anaani Huaman, Andrea Lucero

Mine-to-mill optimization begins with a clear understanding and ongoing assessment of blasting, crushing, and grinding operations. Modification of blasting practices to optimize feed size can increase a mine’s throughput. However, this is only an initial step. To optimize the entire process and fully utilize downstream equipment, fragmentation must be measured at critical points along the size reduction circuit

Jan 1, 2019

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 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 Saeed Karimifard, Saman Nouranian, Shahram Tafazoli, Bahram Sameti, Frank Chu, Caitlin McKinnon, Tetiana Konstantynivska, Glen Turner

Continuing blast optimization is the cornerstone of any mine-to-mill approach, and particle size analysis is a key metric for meeting blast targets to reduce overall energy consumption and operating costs. To ensure the statistical validity of particle size data, it is important to sample material frequently. In most mines and quarries, the blasted material is loaded onto haul trucks and then transferred to the crusher; measuring the particle size of each haul truck load therefore provides an adequate sampling rate. We propose a particle size analysis solution for haul trucks that does not impact current operational workflows. Using artificial intelligence (AI) and 3D imaging technology, our solution reliably localizes and identifies haul trucks as they drive by, then accurately calculates the particle size distribution of the visible material in each truck load. In this paper, we identify the challenges of designing and implementing the proposed solution and explain the strategies we employ to overcome these. We also discuss a method for boulder detection that leverages the existing deep learning architecture to significantly reduce crusher downtime caused by oversized rocks. Finally, we present field data from a trial installation. To evaluate each change made to the blast design, it is necessary to measure the effect on particle size. An accurate particle size analysis solution is therefore the first step towards optimizing blasting practices and reducing energy consumption throughout the comminution circuit.

By Matthew Hirsch, Jason Connot, Nathan Rouse, Srivatsan Jayaraman, Akash Adhikari, Brent Meins, Purushotham Tukkaraja

The Deep Underground Neutrino Experiment (DUNE) is a world-class particle physics research project currently being constructed 4,850 ft, 1,478 m underground at the Sanford Underground Research Facility (SURF), former site of the historic Homestake Gold Mine in Lead, SD. Construction for the project involves drill and blast excavation of 800,000 tons of rock to house neutrino detecting cryostats adjacent to on-going particle research and sensitive lab areas. To protect nearby labs during the planned 4 years of blasting operations, project specs required installation of six steel, heavily reinforced blast doors designed to withstand 20 psi blast loads. This research aimed to quantify the pressure reduction across the blast doors and more accurately model underground blast wave propagation. 827 blasts to date have been monitored at eight locations on the 4850 level of SURF with some locations behind blast doors and some in front. Additionally, pressure measurements directly in front of and behind one blast door were taken during 94 blasts.

Feb 6, 2023

By Douglas A. Bartley, Davey Bickford, Raphael Trousselle

The long awaited arrival of a high accuracy detonator to reach the explosives end user will provide new opportunities the blasting community to become better equipped and able to improve upon the current approaches and methodologies used in blast design as they apply to the mitigation of adverse effects from blasting. This paper will detail the approach and findings throughout a several month research project to quantify the high accuracy detonator benefits and to mitigate a long standing vibration problem at a hard rock stone quarry in the state of New York. The tests conducted in this study were designed to provide important information as to the relationship between the use of high accuracy detonators and overall blast performance in terms of ground vibration prediction, control and improved rock fragmentation.

Jan 1, 1998

By F. Schott, M. James, G. May, E. Baker, C. Johnson, R. Bauer

Explosive demolition typically utilizes cutting charges to sever columns, detonating cord to time charges and provide an initiation path, and dynamite as a kicker charge. The kicker charges of dynamite are used to “move” columns out of alignment, causing collapse. Demolition projects involving dynamite can pose significant health and safety risks to workers and the public. Nitroglycerin in dynamite can cause dizziness, fainting, and other health problems. Moreover, dynamite placed directly on columns can result in fragmentation and cutoffs, preventing other charges from being initiated and resulting in incomplete demolition. Fragmentation can occur from columns and travel significant distances from the initiation point, sometimes reaching hundreds of meters away. This fragmentation can pose serious dangers to anyone in the vicinity, including workers and members of the public, as the debris can cause severe injuries and property damage. The force and velocity of the fragmented material can be unpredictable and difficult to control, making it important to take proper safety precautions and consider alternative demolition methods that minimize the risk of fragmentation. Previous work concluded that casing charges in water showed that a reduced dynamite charge mass could still successfully kick the charge out of alignment. This study aims to investigate the use of Pentolite boosters in water-cased charges as a safer alternative to dynamite-based demolition. The research involved testing various amounts of dynamite and pentolite boosters in water to compare their effectiveness in moving a hanging W-beam, which swung freely like a ballistic pendulum. Water-cased charges consistently move the column at a higher velocity than the traditional dynamite charge placed directly on the column. The method of water-casing increased the area of impact and impulse felt by the column, improving demolition efficiency when compared to traditional demolition methods as found in previous studies. Pentolite water-cased charges moved the column at 7.8 meters/second (m/s) while the dynamite water charge moved the column at 5.9 m/s. The increased strength and explosive properties of the pentolite contributed to this increase in velocity. This study showed that it is feasible to remove dynamite from demolition projects by utilizing pentolite boosters and that when considering safety, explosive properties, and effectiveness, pentolite boosters can be cost effective as well.

Jan 1, 2024

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 Aaron Nickoli, Brad Clark, Thomas Horan E. I. T.

The Canal Road Dip Slide is an active landslide located on South Pender Island, British Columbia. The effects of the fall 2021 atmospheric river prompted the British Columbia Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure to initiate an emergency response project to realign Canal Road out of the active landslide zone for safe traffic passage. The work was tendered in a bidding process and included blasting and rock excavation work at the project site. Tetra Tech Canada Inc. was retained by the contractor to be their Blast and Vibration Specialist. The close proximities of an active landslide, a Canadian National Park, and other segments of construction posed stringent constraints to blasting. The governing constraints to blast design included a Peak Particle Velocity (PPV) limit of 3 mm/s (0.12 in/s) along the adjacent landslide centerline and a slide movement constraint. Sixteen blasts were executed throughout the scope of work to remove 2595 m3 (3394 yd3) of meta-sedimentary rock. Blast designs adhered to the constraints by utilizing up to quadruple decking in 50+ blast holes which lead to complex timing schemes. Several blasts were over 4 seconds in duration, with one at nearly 8 seconds. The landslide area was monitored with Shape Accel Arrays (SAA) throughout the scope of work that tracked geohazard slide movement during construction. The SAA data is presented, and the effect of blasting is discussed. Site specific parameters for PPV estimation were calculated and are presented. Collaboration and communication between the stakeholders allowed the project team to successfully overcome the technical challenges posed by the Canal Road Dip Slide.

Jan 26, 2026

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 Martin Langenderfer, Catherine Johnson, Phillip Mulligan, Kelly Williams

The physical geometry of a charge has a direct correlation to the geometry of the shock wave. This relationship appears strongest within the boundaries of the visible fireball. As the shock wave propagates outward past the limits of the fireball, the theory states that the geometry of the shock wave should even out and become more spherical. This paper investigates pressure vs. time at two distances, one ‘Near Field’ at the extent of the fireball and one ‘Far Field.' The two Fields were instrumented with three free-Field pressure probes from PCB oriented at 0, 45, and 90 degrees to the front face of the charge, in the same horizontal plane as the charge. This orientation allows for the comparison of the shock wave from the face and vertices of the charge. All the pressure sensors were connected to a Data Acquisition System (DAS) recording at 2 million samples per second (2MS/s). Two high-speed cameras, a Phantom and an MREL Ranger II, recorded the detonations for qualitative examination of the fireball, and the shock wave. Three charge geometries were used and compared to the shock propagation of a sphere. The other geometries tested are cylinders, cubes, and tetrahedrons. Charges were made from a PETN based sheet explosive. In the Near Field, a lower pressure is observed along charge vertices with highest pressures from each face. In the Far Field, vertices record a higher pressure, possibly due to the shock waves from the adjacent faces intersecting, indicating that shock pressures do not always even out in the Far Field. This paper will describe the methodology and findings of this experiment and attempt to determine causality for trends in the data gathered.

Jan 1, 2018

By Ximing Yuan, Yongsheng Xu, Hongjie Li

A study of a static demolition agent that can be used underwater has been carried out. A new type of granulated static demolition agent with rapid reaction has been tested in several hundred experiments. It can be used conveniently and simply in the field. It demonstrates a fast reaction rate with high expansion pressures. The important characteristic of the new type of granulated static demolition agent is the ability to function underwater. It will destroy rock and the other brittle material without flyrock, vibration, shock wave, toxic gas or noise. The reaction rate can be controlled within 30-60 minutes. It is difficult to use these products when the reaction rate is less than 30 minutes and it is less efficient when the reaction rate is longer than 60 minutes. The reaction rate is slightly increased after the material is kept in storage for two years. A new type of the hydraulic device that is used to measure the expansion pressure of solid materials has been designed. The expansion pressure of the granulated static demolition agent has been tested with the device. It is shows that the expansion pressure of the granulated static demolition agent can get to 80~120MPa in 60 minutes. Also included is a discussion of the thermodynamics of the static demolition agent.

Jan 1, 2003

By B Mohanty

Currently there exist several explosive quantity-distance (Q-D) rules variously exercised by most countries to protect personnel and property against the effects of accidental explosions. These regulations apply to manufacture, transport and storage of explosive products. This paper reviews the technical basis behind these regulations, as they apply to commercial and military explosives. The characteristics of a blast wave and missiles issuing out of an explosion site and their role in determining the level of damage to a target are discussed. The need for further research on the effect of detonation of charges of non-standard geometry, and under confined conditions such as tunnels is discussed. The challenge in estimating the net quantity of explosives involved and calculation of its TNT-equivalency is also highlighted.

Jan 1, 2014

By Jihan Farhan Lubis, Putu Chandra Darmansyah

Ground vibration caused by blasting has become a common concern, especially when blasting is conducted near buildings or structures. Uncontrolled vibrations can potentially damage nearby infrastructure if appropriate control measures are not implemented. PT Tambang Semen SUKABUMI, a limestone mining company, is planning to carry out blasting activities near a crusher building located approximately 80 meters away. This building is classified as a Class 5 structure, with a maximum allowable Peak Particle Velocity (PPV) of 40 mm/s, in accordance with the Indonesian national standard SNI 7571:2023. To ensure compliance with this limit, a Signature Holes Analysis (SHA) was conducted using the Hanwha HEBS II electronic detonator initiation system. This analysis measured ground vibration from single-hole blasts, with the average vibration from three SHA holes recorded at 49 mm/s. A site constant analysis using the scaled distance formula yielded a multiple R value of 0.87. However, the ANOVA table showed a significance-F value of 0.24, which is greater than 0.05 indicating that the regression model used for prediction was not statistically significant. Using the SHA data and assuming a maximum of 30 blast holes, a recommended delay timing of 22 × 15 milliseconds was selected. This produced a predicted PPV of 17.25 mm/s. The comparison between predicted and actual PPV values demonstrates that the delay configuration derived from Signature Hole Analysis provides reliable results. The observed deviations range from -16% to +29%, with an average deviation of only 8%, indicating a high level of accuracy and consistency. Using the actual blast data, three model prediction were applied for predicting the most accurate prediction that close to the actual value. The SHA method, utilizing actual single-hole vibration measurements and optimized delay timing, provided the lowest average deviation of ±8% and the smallest absolute error (2.45 mm/s) from actual measurements, demonstrating high reliability for sites with sufficient signature data. Meanwhile, the log-log regression model yielded the highest coefficient of determination (R² = 0.751) and the smallest prediction deviation (3%) when standard deviation margins were considered, making it highly effective for predictive modeling.

Jan 26, 2026

By N. Skopak, C. Aimone-Martin, J. Redyke, B. O. Meins

PipeBlast is a spreadsheet-based calculator based on research conducted by Southwest Research Institute (SwRI), used by the pipeline industry to determine if proposed blasting planned near existing pipelines can be safely executed. The two factors determining “safe” are blast-induced pipe wall hoop stresses and predicted peak particle velocity (PPV) at the pipeline. Although methodology used to predict hoop stresses is somewhat sound, predicted PPV amplitudes are highly exaggerated based on inappropriate attenuation models developed using spherical explosive charges of limited charge weights, placed in soil adjacent to model pipelines that do not represent rock blasting. Hence, pipeline companies readily reject well-design blasts and limit scaled distances far beyond what is reasonable and cost-effective to pipeline owners. Full-scale trench blasting in rock was conducted near a 24in (711mm) diameter operating API 5L X70 grade steel pipeline in Texas to compare PipeBlast model predictions with a Ground Strain Model (GSM) based on field measurements of ground motions on the surface and at the pipeline springline. Results of the GSM were compared with pipeline strains measured using wire gauges mounted on the Springline. The comparative results showed that a site-specific velocity propagation model provided good estimates of ground strains that are replicated on the pipeline walls in terms of hoop and longitudinal strains. Trench blasting 28ft (8.5m) from the pipeline produced ground motions of 7.6in/s (193mm/s). At this ground motion amplitude, the factor of safety defined as the allowable stress divided by the combined operating and blasting hoop stresses was reduce from 3.04 in the absence of blasting to 2.98. This paper explains the research and findings on which PipeBlast is based and presents an alternative approach to predicting blast-induced pipe wall stresses based on site-specific velocity propagation measurements and a ground strain model.

Jan 1, 2024

By Baohua Guo, Xuelin Yang, Tingkan Lu, Hailin Sun

The work presented in this paper mainly involves two parts. Firstly, the fundamental characteristics of the high pressure carbon dioxide gas fracturing technique (CO2 technique), including, a proposed method of TNT equivalence calculation, which is used to calculate the TNT equivalence of discharge of CO2 technique, and the comparison of the explosion volume generated by dynamite and expansion volume of liquid carbon dioxide is conducted to show the differences of fragmentation capacity between the two of them. Secondly, the coal seam fragmentation mechanisms of CO2 technique are proposed, including, 1) Gas jet cutting and penetration by shaped charge, 2) Gas volume expansion by changing phases of carbon dioxide, 3) Coal seam softening by destress blasting and 4) Coal seam fragmentation by discharge vibration, associating with the mechanisms, the equations for calculating fragmentation radius are developed and verified.

Jan 1, 2017

By Jeff Dean

As the Society celebrates its 35th year as an explosives industry association, it is clear that we are part of an industry that covers many sectors of economic activity. We are the voice of those who use, transport, store, manufacture, and dispose of commercial explosives products and others that serve the end user of explosives products. Along with other associations in this industry, we have a combined membership of hundreds of companies and tens of thousands of individuals in the U.S. and around the globe.

Jan 1, 2010

By Soseol Kim

A high-performance Emulsion-based booster explosives has been developed that can be used as a booster for bulk explosives. Currently, Pentolite booster, which is mainly used as a booster for bulk explosives, has a high risk of accidents due to the sensitivity of its raw materials PETN and TNT, and has a low melting point, making it impossible to use it in high-temperature ground. The Emulsion-based booster was developed to maximize the Velocity of Detonation (VOD) while elimination the shortcomings of the Pentolite booster. The VOD of the Emulsion-based booster is about 6,500m/s, so it can maximize the performance of the bulk explosive. In addition, it can be used in high-temperature ground and does not cause accidental detonation due to the external environment. In this article, the performance of the Emulsion booster was verifies through comparative test blasting of the developed Emulsion-based booster and Pentolite booster.

Feb 6, 2023

By Chanhwi Shin, Hyeongmin Kang

Mine optimization is a key strategy in the mining industry that focuses on improving the efficiency, productivity, and sustainability of mining operations. To achieve mine optimization, digitalization is essential for modernizing mining operations and attaining optimal performance. Due to the importance of mine digitalization, various software and platforms have been released to support this effort. Furthermore, by integrating these advanced technologies, mines can enhance processes, leading to significant economic and operational benefits. However, integrating data from various sources and collaborating across different platforms remains a significant challenge in the mining industry. Generally, data for mine optimization, such as mapping, smart drilling, FMS (Fleet Management Systems), fragmentation analysis, or vibration analysis, are collected and analyzed separately on different platforms. This separation makes it difficult to aggregate and utilize data comprehensively for overall mining process optimization. During the digitalization process, obstacles arise due to these complexity, variability, and sharing issues of data across different maker, sources, and methods. These challenges highlight the need for seamless integration to achieve optimal mining operations. Thus, this study applied a total solution that can cover the entire Drilling and Blasting (D&B) processes. The blast design was performed using actual terrain mapping data, and drilling and charging were conducted following a guide based on the blast design plan. After blasting, loading and hauling distances and fuel consumption were measured, and fragmentation for each blast was evaluated. All measurement tasks were automated to minimize human error. By collecting all data in one server, it became possible to perform an overall evaluation for each blast, allowing the identification of optimal values. In conclusion, to evaluate the optimization effects for each mining process, one month of integrated data collected on a single server was used. Compared to the period before the Total solution was implemented, there were notable improvements: a 25% enhancement in hole spacing, a 60% improvement in floor flatness, a 23% reduction in average fragment size, and a 19% improvement in fragment uniformity. Regarding cost savings per blasting volume, the improvements were 11.7% in drilling, 9.3% in explosives, 7.6% in loading, and 17.5% in hauling.

Jan 21, 2025

By Hector O. Romero, Paulo C. Fernández A, Christian Rees Prado, Claudio C. Gajardo

In open-pit mining, estimating post blasting displacement and spillage accurately is essential to guarantee operational efficiency, ensure alignment with production plans and their associated key performance indicators. The absence of predictive modeling tools on blasting operations results in several critical challenges, including operational reworks due to deviations in material displacement, significant discrepancies between mine and plant (ore grade dilution included), misalignment with the reported production plan, and increased operational costs due to inefficient use of resources. This study, conducted at Los Bronces Mine operated by Angloamerican, Chile, addresses the application of a three-dimensional simulation tool that, through numerical modeling, is capable of predicting post blast rock displacement. The implementation was carried out in a pit phase characterized by blasts near the pit boundaries, with a high risk of material spillage and potential blockage of the only access ramp to the extraction levels. By the integration of key design parameters, such as blast pattern geometry, detonating time, explosive charge distribution and pre and post blast survey, an optimal calibration was achieved and validated in seven blasting events to date, reaching an accuracy greater than 80% in estimating post-blast rock displacement and spillage volumes. Furthermore, this study allowed the evaluation of different pattern alternatives with and without spillage mitigation measures (use of air decks near the free face), obtaining a high correlation and accuracy exceeding 95% in predicting the selected design outcome, supporting optimal design selections. The result highlights the usefulness of the model as a decision-support tool for blasting engineers and short-term planning, by reducing the need for unnecessary operational reworks, improving geological and operational reconciliation, and ensuring the alignment of the extracting plan with production targets. The current average deviation is 15%, with higher deviations observed in blasts with smaller volumes of spill or where the simulated sequence was changed before blasting. The use of this type of three-dimensional numerical modeling represents a significant advancement for blast engineering and the optimization of key performance indicators in open-pit mining operations.

Jan 26, 2026