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By Frank Hirthammer

"Nowadays, security in the lifecycle of explosives is more important than ever. Terror attacks all over theworld pushed the EU to decree a Commission Directive for the identification and traceability of explosives that set a series of requirements for involved manufacturers, distributors and end-users. The challenge was to find and implement a track and trace system for all concerned European companies byApril 5, 2015. Since then, countries worldwide have followed this example and implemented similarregulations."

Jan 1, 2017

By Adam T. Young

This paper will describe the process of using low density bulk emulsion as a means to maximize the production of an oversize or “rip rap” aggregate size range (8 inch to 72 inch) that the quarry customer has a market demand for. It will also discuss the pre-blast and post-blast metrics used during the product trials and evaluation.

Jan 1, 2017

By Braden Schmidt

The following full paper will go into the products, techniques and people who work in the avalanche control industry giving insight to the other members of the ISEE an overview of the niche blasting that is Avalanche Control.

Feb 1, 2020

By Florian Bauer

The Fording River mine in British Columbia produces hard coking coal in an open pit operation. Coal seams are exposed by blasting overburden and digging blasted muck with rope shovels. The drilling and blasting process presents a considerable cost factor to the operation. Reducing the amount of explosives needed therefore contributes considerably to costs saving initiatives. However, reducing the powder factor only makes sense if the subsequent loading processes by the shovels are not compromised in terms of productivity.

Jan 1, 2014

By M. Szumny, P. Mertuszka, K. Fuławka

Multi-face destress blasting is the basic method of reducing rock bursts hazard in Polish copper mines. Blasting operations of this type are carried out regularly, twice a day in order to minimize the geomechanical threat while maintaining high extraction efficiency. Unfortunately, the assessment of the effectiveness of this type of work until recently was based solely on determining whether a given destress blasting triggered a seismic tremor or not. Information on the characteristics of seismic waves generated by blasting has so far been omitted in analyzes of this type. The lack of reliable knowledge about the generated seismic effect makes the introduction of constructive corrective actions impossible, which in turn significantly reduces the triggering potential of conducted destress blasting. This study presents the results of comprehensive work aimed at increasing the effectiveness of active rock burst prevention in Lubin underground copper mine. For this purpose, an innovative system for continuous monitoring of seismic waves induced by multi-face blasting was developed, and a new method for seismic assessment of the effectiveness of the destress activities was developed. Based on the monitoring data and the comprehensive analysis of waveforms, the effectiveness of individual blasting operations was determined, and on this basis, modifications to the drilling and blasting patterns aimed at increasing the generated seismic effect were proposed. The use of innovative methods of monitoring and data analysis made it possible to increase the effectiveness of the conducted activities, in terms of the magnitude of seismic vibrations, up to 250%. It should be emphasized that the introduced modifications were aimed at increasing the effectiveness of blasting operations while maintaining the current level of costs. As a result, the proposed solution turned out to be highly effective, significantly affecting the safety of the work carried out in Polish copper mines. Thus the proposed approach is planned to be implemented in other Polish copper mines belonging to KGHM in the near future

Jan 1, 2024

By Amanda Verno, Danilo Coppe, Andrea Reggiani, Adolfo Bacci

The methodological example that comes from the demolition of the Genoa grain silos, should not been considered as an auto-celebration of a difficult project successfully executed, but should serve as an example of a new generation of demolitions where different technologies, often in competition, come together to obtain the optimal solution of a problem. Dynamite, diamond wire and hydraulic excavators overcame the most impressive building in town, working in very little spaces and on a geotechnically difficult site; moreover, a study on the dynamics and the effects of the impact of the structure, an analysis of the presence of potentially explosive dusts and an extensive vibrometric monitoring supported the design and the development of the operations.

Jan 1, 2005

By Roger Holmberg, William Hustrulid

Swedish cautious blasting techniques were used to excavate a room at the CSM Experimental Mine in Idaho Springs, Colorado,as part of a ONWI/DOE sponsored nuclear waste disposal research program.

Jan 1, 1981

By Robert B. Hopler

The hazards which naturally prevail in underground coal mines, always severe and unpredictable due to the loosely-consolidated strata in which coal is frequently found, are increased by the commonly-occurring combination of coal dust, methane, and explosives. It was recognized by the mid-nineteenth century that coal dust was the basic factor contributing to disastrous explosions killing hundreds of miners, and that the ignition of methane gas was often the source of the coal dust explosions. It was apparent that preventing the ignition of methane was a critical part of avoiding these disasters, and it was also apparent that one cause of such ignitions was the firing of explosives. In addition, it was found that dust explosions were often initiated by blown-out shots of explosives in the absence of methane.

Jan 1, 1996

The following situation was submitted as an ethics case study for inclusion in the Journal. To the best of our knowledge, they are based on actual circumstances encountered in the field. Blowing the Whistle Protecting Confidentiality or Doing the Right Thing? This case centers around a construction job and involves a contractor, subcontractor/blaster, and a farmer/homeowner who lives near the job site. It is essentially a study of professional ethics versus morality, our professional code of conduct versus what is right or wrong.

Jan 1, 2007

By Changa-Ha Ryu, Hae-Moon Choi, Sang-Don Lee

The rock mass to be excavated is classified using data obtained from the initial site investigation, and the design of excavation and support is then made based on the rock class. Rock classification provides an empirical design with guidelines for tunnel support compatible with rock mass quality and the method of excavation. Although most clients provide standard patterns corresponding to each rock class, the patterns of drilling and blasting have only been used in estimating the excavation cost and not used in the construction stage. The purpose of the study presented in this paper is to establish a standard blast pattern to yield optimum blasting performance along with an attempt to reduce a difference between design and construction. A series of test blasts were carried out at two tunneling sites of Central Inland Highway crossing the country. Long hole blasting was tested in rock mass whose RMR value is over 60. The blasting results were evaluated by measuring degree of fragmentation, advance rate, muckpile distribution, overbreak, etc. Based on the results of test blast, several patterns were proposed for a twolane highway tunnel.

Jan 1, 2005

By Andre Koekemoer, Gys Landman

At the moment, electronic initiation is migrating from a position of a specialist niche to that of a more widely applied technology. Ease of use and deployment rate are becoming aspects of greater concern for end users.

Jan 1, 2011

By Javier Illanes Pizarro, Gustavo Huerta Valer, Jorge Cárdenas Miranda

Bench stability is the basis of sustainability in an open pit mining operation. Taking care of the pit walls while maintaining fragmentation results can prove a challenge. In this study, technical proposals have been developed for extra hard rock mass (UCS>175MPa) with presence of unfavorable structural planes in high copper grade zones. The base case shows low compliance of fragmentation results and a significant loss in berm width, with over size boulders causing low primary crushing rates. Paradigms in current drill and blast design were overcome to improve fragmentation results and achieve objectives.

Feb 6, 2023

By Donald Hurd, James Rowland, Richard Mainiero

In previous conferences the authors have reported on toxic fumes generated by the detonation of ANFO. The research reported here extends the earlier work to include an emulsion blasting agent and ANFO/emulsion blends. Explosive mixtures were shot in 4-inch Schedule 80 steel pipe (outer diameter 4.50 in (11.43 cm), inner diameter 3.83 in (9.72 cm)) in a chamber in the experimental mine at the Pittsburgh Research Laboratory (PRL). Following each shot, the fumes in the chamber were analyzed using on-line instrumentation.

Jan 1, 2001

By David Yanez

The hydroelectric project "El Cajón" is currently under construction in the state of Nayarit, on the Santiago River, in western Mexico. This project is comprised of a Concrete Face Rockfill Dam (CFRD) with a rockfill necessity of 10,5 million cubic meters and it reaches a height of 188 m. The generation equipment includes two turbines with a total installed capacity of 750 MW.

Jan 1, 2006

By Aris Tambunan, Nella Lubis, Nurafrianti Saala, Komang Widhiayanto, Herry Saputra, Rudolf Sitorus

Maximizing mining recovery rates and minimizing ore loss are pivotal objectives for economic efficiency and operational effectiveness. This study explores methods to address these imperatives by enhancing ore production and recovery through improved blasting techniques and spillage control in the Martabe Gold Mine Project in North Sumatra Province, Indonesia. Between 2018 and 2021, the average mining recovery rate stood at 93%, resulting in a potential annual ore loss of 7% and a potential quarterly financial impact of close to $2 million. Maintaining and enhancing mining recovery became crucial, with a planned 30% increase in total material movement for 2022. The mining recovery target for 2022 was set at 96% based on best achievement historical data from 2021 to increase ore tonnage by 203 KTon per annum. To achieve the primary objective of increasing ore production by improving mining recovery, the study focused on predicting and controlling the movement of blasted ore to reduce spillage and enhancing the grade control model to reflect actual conditions post-blasting. Several alternative solutions were explored, primarily emphasizing drilling and blasting activities. Essential methods included capturing the actual blasting movement to adjust the ore block based on blasting design data and post-blasting muckpile topography. This approach minimizes ore loss by providing output as ore block adjustment based on post-blast movement data. In addition, the tie-up design was adjusted to control ore spillage outside the pit ridge. The implementation of these methods yielded significant improvements. Adjusting the ore block based on actual blasting movement contributed $1,545,764 in benefits. Controlling ore spillage outside the pit ridge achieved a 10% reduction in spillage, contributing $79,184 in benefits. These enhancements successfully met the 2022 mining recovery target of 96%, marking a 3% increase from 2021. Consequently, ore loss was reduced by 178 KTon throughout 2022, resulting in a financial impact of $7.3 million. The study underscores the significance of precise blasting techniques and effective spillage control in enhancing mining recovery rates.

Jan 21, 2025

"Large scale open pit mining and quarrying operations dictate safe and reliable pit wall stability. The current approach of employing the particle velocity-scaled charge distance approach to estimate and minimize damage to residential structures is considered inadequate to protect rock slopes. This study utilizes close-in blasting vibration data as input to an advanced 2D numerical code to study its applicability to serve as a predictive tool in terms of blast-induced rock slope failure. Two tri-axial accelerometer stations, consisting of high-frequency and high-amplitude (20 kHz, 100g) sensors, located within ~100m of the blast, but at two different bench levels, were used to monitor a production blasting in a quarry. The production blast consisted of double-decked explosive loads in 155 mm (6 in) diameter holes, with an inter-deck delay of 42 ms, and each deck consisting of 130 kg (285 lb) of emulsionexplosive. The blasting vibration data obtained at the two bench levels were critically analyzed, and thevibration results served as input to the numerical model consisting of a single rock block with a 45 degree persistent joint plane but with specified strength properties, significantly different from that of the intact rock. The model was able to characterise progressive accumulation of damage in the form of micro-cracks along the joint surface as a function of the vibration load from successive explosive decks. The results showed that such a numerical model can serve as a very good diagnostic and predictive tool, when backed up by careful vibration monitoring and further supported by detailed slope monitoring."

Jan 1, 2017

By Jason Rock, Rob Thompson, Lee Julian

This paper presents an innovative shift in inhibited bulk products with specific reference to their manufacture and application.

Feb 1, 2020

By Ulrich Leiste

If the iron ore loss is 15% in the process of mining, the total iron ore loss in the world will be about 461 million tons, this is equal to the total production of 230 iron ore mines each of which produces 2 million-tons of iron ore per year. Based on a series of blast tests in the Malmberget mine, this paper shows that ore recovery can be markedly increased by improving blasting technology such as choosing a correct primer position and making use of shock wave collision. The paper further suggests that a high ore recovery can not only reduce natural resource loss and mining cost but also prolong the life of a mine. In addition, the paper shows an example of reducing blast-caused rock damage in the roofs and walls of underground drifts (tunnels) by using new blasting methods in the Malmberget mine. Finally, the paper shows how the Malmberget mine has successfully reduced the ground vibrations, without adversely affecting fragmentation and ore recovery in sublevel caving mining.

Jan 1, 2014

By Kim Henley, Chris Batten

This paper discusses the use of the Orica WildFireTM flyrock model to help mining operations in Australia and Asia minimise blast exclusion zones for equipment, increasing utilisation and productivity and delivering downstream value

Feb 1, 2020

By John Brennan

Necessity, they say, is the mother of invention. Certainly that sentiment held true during the early stages of explosive engineering. While seaside forts were concerned over static ignition of their black powder caches in the 14th century1, the mining industry in the 1800s were plagued by accidents surrounding the ignition methods for their black powder blasts.

Jan 1, 2011