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By Paulo Cesar Pavan

T&T or Traceability, is a concept of generating, storing and on demand providing information about all traceable items in the supply chain

Jan 1, 2019

By Alan B. Richards, Aleks Todoroski

The undesirable effects of blasting fumes can be controlled by minimising the amount of fume created, and by avoiding the movement of the fume plume to sensitive locations. Substantial progress has been made by the blasting industry to reduce the amount of fume typically created by blasting, but at this time no specific blast can be guaranteed to be ‘fume free’.

Jan 1, 2017

By Tacio Ferreira

A surface copper mine in the Western United States faced challenges in recovering rock and ore from final walls because of geotechnical constraints that require restrictions on methods for loading blastholes adjacent to the pit boundaries to preserve wall conditions. The operation had been using the same drill and blast designs for years. With changing geology, such as harder rock, as mining progressed, material was being left unmined in final walls because of poor breakage. The amount of unrecovered, unprocessed ore was estimated at approximately 380,000 tons a year generated from an average of 60 final wall blasts performed annually. The mine engineering team and Dyno Nobel engaged to minimize the amount of material left on the final pit walls. In this paper we present how we collected data, reviewed design standards, and found opportunities to improve ore recovery from pit final walls without increasing drilling and blasting costs. The results collected from implementing the new design on two benches showed the potential for extra revenue of approximately $3.6 million generated annually from reducing final wall unrecoverable underbreak by nearly 71% on the mine’s highwalls.

Jan 21, 2025

By Frank Hirthammer

Since the introduction of the Explosives Track & Trace in Europe in 2014 for manufacturers and 2015 for end-users, a lot has changed in all areas of the supply chain and the use of explosives. The regional associations, manufacturers' organizations, and trade associations have proven that it is possible to overcome a hurdle, that looks almost impossible in the beginning, through consistent cooperation. The paper gives an insight into the problems involved in introducing such a requirement, identifies ways and solutions, and concludes them. When looking at the current situation, the paper describes the process by which a prescribed change in business processes are transforming into a solution that increases productivity, security, and handling.

Feb 1, 2020

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

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

Feb 1, 2020

By Frank Hirthammer

Since the introduction of the Explosives Track & Trace in Europe in 2014 for manufacturers and 2015 for end-users, a lot has changed in all areas of the supply chain and the use of explosives. The regional associations, manufacturers' organizations, and trade associations have proven that it is possible to overcome a hurdle, that looks almost impossible in the beginning, through consistent cooperation. The paper gives an insight into the problems involved in introducing such a requirement, identifies ways and solutions, and concludes them. When looking at the current situation, the paper describes the process by which a prescribed change in business processes are transforming into a solution that increases productivity, security, and handling. It shows examples from daily work, in which possibilities for optimization, improved quality assurance, and work facilitation are explained. It presents the resulting potential by comparing process flows, before and after the introduction of Track & Trace solutions. What challenges will we face in the future concerning the use of T&T solutions? Will the tracking of explosives become the norm worldwide? What are future hardware and software developments to be expected? What impact will this have on the global supply chain?

By Benjamín Cebrián, David Flores, María Rocha Gil

This document shows the evolution of drilling and blast digitization process, savings and trends in a mine, using new technologies that creates business opportunities and general improvement of D&B process.

Feb 1, 2020

By J P. Tidman, I J. Kirby, G H. Harries

The SABREX computer model is based on the fact that both shock waves and gas pressure are important in describing a blast. The treatment of explosive-rock interactions includes the influence of non-ideal detonation to make use of recent advances in that field. Details of the blast layout are defined from a comprehensive list of conditions the blaster can control (drill pattern, charging and hook-up). The program gives practical and graphic information about fragmentation, muckpile, damage and costs.

Jan 1, 1987

By Francisco Sena Leite, Raquel Sobral, Vinicius Gouveia de Miranda, Céu Jesus

"This document investigates a newly developed technique with the objective of improving terrain triangulation models (horizontal/sub-horizontal and vertical/sub-vertical terrains), mainly blast free faces. The algorithm uses multi-linear regressions to generate the best point cloud projection plane by applying the residues modulus minimization so as to create the finest 3D triangulation model. A change of base is required to create a new set of coordinate axis and generate completely new projection planes. The projection plane residue analysis is inferred in order to avoid or reduce the outlier points. The dataset is composed of 12 terrain models obtained from photogrammetry and a 3D Laser equipment thatgenerates georeferenced cloud points. This new technique is validated by the analysis of the obtainedcritical burden by the improvement of the general aspect view of the terrains and the capacity of outlier’s detection. The result and the quality of the algorithm demonstrates the improvement in the triangulation mesh, reducing errors in the calculation of over/under burden, free face volumes, cavities and, therefore, in the estimations of clearance/safety distances."

Jan 1, 2017

By Benjamin Cebrián, María Gil, David Flores

In many occasions during the Mining operation life, blasting engineers find different and controversial results of fragmentation, dilution or wall control for the same geotechnical domain and blast design (pattern and explosive charge). Most of the times, the difference between same blast designs is not measured, not controlled. Once a blast designed is defined, the most important part of the process after that is the implementation of every step of the blast on site. Almost nobody is measuring it, controlling it, but just controlling implementation is possible to relate blast design with results in a consistent way, to optimize the full process of D&B. Controlling implementation not only per event but also to check and change trends and decision-making is paramount for optimization and saving millions of extra costs every year. The lack of resources and the hardness to manage all the info created every day in a blast make this process very tough and difficult to maintain in long term. The use of new technologies on site and software that allows a best, more consistent and continuous control of blast implementation have been proved to be the key for optimizations and cost saving. This document shows the evolution of drilling and blast digitization process, savings and trends in a mine, using new technologies that creates business opportunities and general improvement of D&B process.

By Winfried Rosenstock, Carlos Orlandi

Along the Pacific West coast of Latin America there are several large operations of metal mining activities. To mention only a few: Chuquicamata in Northern Chile moving daily approximately one million t of copper ore and waste, Cerro Verde near Arequipa in Peru, or lanaccocia. Apart from the coal deposits in north-east Columbia it is mainly to deal with metal-mining, which has due to geographical reasons relatively high cash-cost. This sector of mining is traditionally severely depending on the world-market.There are reasons to believe that the world-market will remain on a low price level and some analysts predict that in general the price-level will continue on low basis for the next decade. The cash-cost factor becomes therefore even more important as it already is. The goldprice development during the year 1999 illuminates that market changes can quickly lead to a severe crisis which forces the shutdown of mines with cash-costs close to or above the present market price per ounce. The breakdown of the cash-cost shows, however, that there are ways to overcome even the crisis like it struck the low-grade open pit goldmines around the world. Especially hitherto the “Electronic Option” is the only solution as the possible reduction using advanced technology based on the application of electronic detonating systems and newly developed special ignition procedures. The electronic option will lead to tremendous cost reductions similar to the results of research operations Thiess Contractors, Brisbane, Australia have carried out in Australia in 1998 and 1999. The electronic option allows a comprehensive integration of side effects of the blasting process which in the past could not have been achieved so far. Electronic initiation can achieve secondary effects which have an additional and positive impact on the level of costs. Appropriate application can enhance the production of material which will reduce the primary crusher costs or even make a primary crusher operation obsolete.

Jan 1, 2000

By W. Boas, R. Silva, D. Yumi, L. Steffen

The continuity of the flow and stages within the mining process is essential to achieve success in its operation and results, especially when it comes to a gold mine. During the first seven months of 2022, crushing at the Morro do Ouro Mine had 19 stops in the primary crusher due to equipment blockage/obstruction, this could be due to the size of the material that was blasted with explosives and fed. The feeding of coarse material to the crushing plant impacts the operation in several ways, for example, premature wear of the equipment, reduction in the supply of the remainder of the beneficiation, reduction of the buffer pile and damage to the conveyed belt. In a mine located far from the community, the fragmentation improvement is mainly related to load increments or some other relatively simple change. However, when it comes to a mine located close to communities, alterations of this type must be analyzed in detail, as it can have an impact mainly in relation to vibration and flyrock. Aiming to improve the efficiency of the blasting, mainly in relation to the result of fragmentation, a project was created to improve the efficiency of the blasting with a focus on reducing the crushing stoppage and reducing the amount of material discarded due to inadequate granulometry. During the evolution of the project, several improvement solutions were proposed, for example adjustment of the power factor in relation to the geological characteristics of the rock mass, drainage, blasting geometry, vibration reduction techniques and several operational improvements. By using the techniques and methods identified as improvements during the project, it was possible to observe and quantify improvements in relation to the fragmentation of the blast. During the months of January to July 2022 there were 19 events. It was estimated that at this rate there would be 14 more blockage events, but there were only 3 events and that meant a 79% reduction in blockage. In addition to the reduction in crushing shutdown events, there was also a 53% reduction in the amount of ore that is discarded due to inadequate granulometry and, with that, the feed rate of the grinding system was able to reach the maximum feed limit due to the material being fed to the mill well fragmented, contributing to increase the production and productivity of the beneficiation process at the Morro do Ouro Mine in Paracatu-Minas Gerais-Brazil.

Jan 1, 2024

By Alan R. Gadberry

To resolve drilling and blasting problems, rather than treating symptoms and allowing problems to grow, the mine operator needs to change the way he operates. When a mine operator discovers a drilling and blasting result that he doesn't like, it is easy for him to think of that disappointing result as a problem. More often than not, however, that result is only a symptom of a problem, and the real, underlying problem cause can be seen when the operator looks in the mirror. Symptoms and problems relating to drilling and blasting are resolved when the mine operator makes appropriate changes in the way he manages his operations.

Jan 1, 1985

By Bilegt Batbold, Bayu Saputra, Chris Batten

The ability to fire multiple blasts simultaneously can provide significant benefits to any open pit mining operation. Reduced blast-related downtime by reducing blast events can increase equipment utilization and maximize material movement. Significant sequencing benefits can also be delivered, associated with reduced equipment relocation. This paper describes the work completed in partnership between Orica and Oyu Tolgoi to successfully demonstrate that combined production-trim and midsplit blasting could be implemented successfully while successfully managing the risk of increased damage to the final walls. The paper details the methodology used to assess key performance measures linked to final wall damage and compares the performance between the following blasting methods. • Free face trim blasting vs. combined production-trim blasting • Presplit blasting vs. midsplit blasting. The results of the initial trial blasts are presented, along with the method agreed by the key site stakeholders for ongoing application. The method used to keep the risk of final wall damage to an acceptable level is explained, along with the benefits delivered to Oyu Tolgoi operations associated with the initial 12 months of application.

Jan 21, 2025

By Dale S. Preece, Ruilin Yang

"Air-decking has been used frequently in blasting for many decades. It has been asserted that an air-deckcan alleviate excessive shock pressure from the detonation of a charge thereby producing better energy distribution in a blast overburden, for example. Research on air-decking has been active and various theories have been postulated that mostly support the effectiveness of air-decking for improved blast efficiency."

Jan 1, 2017

By Tom BoBo, Seth Gering, Jeff Loeb

Presenting a D&B feedback loop built on a well-designed blast, proven fragmentation analysis and blast monitoring solutions, underpinned by technology that not only increases profit from every blast, but also increases a mine’s purchasing power over one of the most expensive part of the process – explosives.

Feb 1, 2020

By L. Chaves

In rock blasting, due to numerous factors, both controllable and uncontrollable, the execution rarely meets the planning. The powder factor is an important KPI for blasting since it represents the amount of explosive used to fragment the rock, therefore it depends on the rock mass characteristics and may be influenced by factors such as weathering and drilling quality. The blasts at the Serra Sul mine, S11D project, are usually big blasts and the high productivity is a challenge for maintaining the quality of the whole drill and blast process. It is important to know the contributions of each of the most common influencing factors of the powder factor to direct the efforts to the improvement of the process. A buildup model is presented to evaluate the contributions of five influencing factors to evaluate the planed x executed powder factor. The factors considered in the model are the average hole depth, the amount of hole/blasted volume, the stemming and decking length, the linear charge weight, and the density of the explosive used. The build-up may be applied for both individual blasts and for overall view of the blasts in a period. A case study is presented with the application of the model for the monthly powder factor analysis at Serra Sul mine has contributed to direct efforts to enhance drilling quality and preservation of the drilled holes.

Jan 1, 2024

By J. Rafael Otaíza, Francisco Mardones

This work has addressed the problem of creating a predictive model of the maximum particle velocities in the rock mass (PPV). The model designed specifically can model the subsequent vibrations of blasting based on geometric parameters, explosive loading, and the blasting process itself. Models based on artificial intelligence (AI) algorithms can find useful non-linear patterns to solve classification, regression, clustering, among other problems. They are flexible mathematical transformations adaptable to various objectives and types of data. With their different levels of abstraction, they can find a function that relates the input variables to the sought-after response. These models have been successfully used in similar contexts (Prashanth, (2018)) and have achieved state-of-the-art results in the field (Lawal, (2021)). The main challenge is to adapt them to the context of Chilean mines, in addition to including the geometric information of the blasting and the heuristic to obtain the set of optimal parameters, it is proposed to follow the work of (Simonyan, (2013)) and obtain "saliency maps" adapting it to tabular variables. We implemented an Artificial Neural Network (ANN) with a large number of neurons in the hidden layers. Models based on neural networks can find useful non-linear patterns to solve classification, regression, clustering, among other problems. They are flexible mathematical transformations adaptable to various objectives and types of data. With their different levels of abstraction, they can find a function that relates the input variables to the sought-after response. The literature shows that, for the problem of rock type identification, basic neural networks perform well (Simonyan, (2013)), but lack uncertainty estimates. This is a data-driven model, and in this sense, the model training was carried out using data from multiple operations in the large copper mining industry in Chile. In these databases, data consistency and the balance of the various independent variables that have the greatest impact on the model were ensured. With the above, the optimal hyperparameters of the model were determined, obtaining a predictive R-squared of 0.94.

Jan 21, 2025

By Carlos Campos Junior, Leonardo Soares Chaves, Raul Carretero Hoz, Renato Jacome Costa, Davi Bastos Martins de Oliveira

The Vale’s Serra Sul mine, also known as S11D project, is one of the world’s largest open pit iron ore mines, located in Brazil’s Amazon region. The mine produces around 90 Mt of high-quality iron ore annually. Its unique orebody enabled the S11D project to adopt a truckless mining system with In-Pit Crushing and Conveying (IPCCs) for ore exploitation and waste stripping. The IPCCs system requires crushing the waste, mainly composed by the jaspilite lithology, and is also conveyed to waste deposits several kilometers away from the mine. Due to Amazon’s environmental restrictions, the project was designed with preliminary geological knowledge, leading to the installation of primary crushers not designed for the hardest jaspilite, with uniaxial compressive strength (UCS) up to 500 MPa. This resulted in low waste crushing performance, affecting stripping ratio and threatening future production. A project was developed to improve the fragmentation of the jaspilite, allowing higher waste IPCC production, and reducing the risk to the production due to low performance of waste crushing and conveying. The first challenge was the independence of the geological and the geomechanical models, while only the geological model was considered in blast designs, the geomechanical model describes six waste groups of jaspilite classified according to their strength. A new geological model was then created to incorporate the geomechanical classification, allowing different blasting design according to the rock strength of the jaspilite. The blasting pattern on most compact jaspilite was reduced 27%, from 22m² to 16m² in 9 7/8” diameter holes, with a proposed theoretical reduction of 23% of the P80, from 326mm to 250mm. The second challenge was the implementation of the new design, as this pattern size and the high powder factor (2.9 kg/m3) were paradigms for such a large iron ore mine. The measured results have shown 25% reduction of the P80, the crushing rate was increased by 17% (230t/h), saving around $2.4 million annually in crushing and conveying system maintenance.

Jan 21, 2025