Fragmentation is a critical aspect of surface mining operations, affecting excavation and loading efficiency, as well as the recovery of valuable minerals. However, mine operators continue to struggle with boulders and their impact on operations, including secondary blasting and potential ore losses from fines generation.

Tips and tricks to help you master your Vulcan GeologyCore experience.

The flexibility in programming electronic detonators, the accuracy of modern electronic detonators and their ability to fire at exceptionally long delays compared to pyrotechnic detonators has provided some dilemma to users concerning their choice of delays when designing the timing for a blast. Coupled to this complexity are advanced software tools for designing and analysing blast timing designs, which are often not used to their full capability.

Drill and blast activities are an essential part of mining operations, but they can also have a negative impact on mine personnel, the community, and equipment. However, there are a number of steps that operators can take to reduce these impacts.