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By Kinross Paracatu, Victor Morais, Luis Marinho, Rolando Fuentes, Lucas Steffen, Leopoldo Muñoz, Washington Vilas

Nowadays, mining operations close to communities face increasingly challenges, especially in their drilling and blasting operations. One of the critical effects are the ground vibrations produced in its surroundings. The impact on the community must be minimized to guarantee the license to operate and, on the other hand, costs must be optimized, and an adequate fragmentation must be achieved to ensure the efficiency of subsequent processes and, consequently, to give sustainability to the business. In this regard, it is necessary that some controlled blasting technique to be performed and the utilization of advanced vibrations models. Currently, it is common in the industry either use of the double decking technique, where very low explosive charges are applied, making it necessary to use smaller drill patterns in order to keep powder factor as per design, which strongly increases the demand for drilling and a consequent impact negative on costs.

Feb 6, 2023

By T Weaver, R Dick, R Sivakumar, C T. Aimone

A series of small-scale crater tests were performed in concrete and sand in an effort to understand the cratering process in large-scale field blasts. The surface orientation of these tests varied from flat to a 30° slope. In comparison to previous crater experiments in competent oil shale, the crater tests in concrete produced craters similar to those in oil shale after scaling the measurements for differences in the mass of explosives among the experiments. Material strengths and the degree of brittleness had a significant effect on the size and shape of the crater. The small-scale sand tests resulted in some crater features that were similar to large explosive tests in alluvium and soil.

Jan 1, 1986

By J. P. Proulx, Richard O’Meara, Ruilin Yang

A blast optimization project was carried out at an Open Pit Metal Mine using the Multiple Blasthole Fragmentation (MBF) Model and the Multiple Seed Waveform (MSW) blast vibration model. The aim of the project was to optimize rock fragmentation of the ore blasts to significantly increase metal recoveries while keeping the blast vibration levels at the highwall under control. The project also examined the blasts in the waste rock using the Fragmentation model to expand the blast pattern and select economical explosives for drill and blast cost savings while minimizing any adverse effect on the dig rates. Two sets of near field signature blasthole tests were conducted in both hard ore and relatively soft waste rock. The information from the near-field signature blasthole vibration was used as input to both the MBF and MSW models, as site specific geological information interacting with blasting. The implementation of the full blast design is also input to the MBF and MSW models. A production blast for each rock type was monitored for blast vibration and rock fragmentation. The full blast information and the blast results are used to calibrate and validate the models. The Fragmentation and Vibration model were established for the two rock types at the mine. At each site the Fragmentation modeling was conducted in parallel to the Vibration modeling to ensure blast vibrations were under control while the rock fragmentation was improved. The Fragmentation MBF and MSW are each an integral part of the blast optimization tool. Various scenarios using different explosives, hole delays and blast patterns were modeled for rock fragmentation and blast vibration. The recommendations from the modeling project were to be field trialed at the mine. The implementation of the recommendations was expected to help the mine significantly in terms of the mining economics, and high wall stability and safety.

By Joshua Micah Hoffman

While it is easy to state that meaningful involvement of the community can play a critical role for a successful blasting operation, following through with this involvement is not an easy task. Structured Public Involvement (SPI) is a developed protocol for involving communities in project planning decisions and could be readily applied to the blasting industry. SPI was developed for the purpose of collecting quality public input about public transportation projects. The purpose of SPI is to bring about stakeholder satisfaction with potential projects by allowing controlled input from the stakeholders. It was designed and intended for democratic societies that have come to expect a voice in public projects. While blasting operations are not always in the domain of public projects, the fundamental process outlined by SPI can be useful for collecting feedback from the immediate public around blasting operations.

Jan 1, 2014

By G Mendoza, L Taddei, C Robertson

It is a well-known industry fact that many mine sites around the globe experience blast holes that have elevated temperatures due to reactive ground, geochemical reactions, geomorphic reactions, sub level open fires, etc. It has been reported in many previous industry publications (White, Saputra et al) that elevated blast hole temperatures are a norm at many mine sites and are dealt with on an ongoing basis while the drill and blast process continues under elevated states of alert. The choice of explosives products including the type of detonator, primer, accessory, and bulk product all must be taken into consideration when loading blast holes where there is a known potential for elevated temperature conditions. It should also be noted that these elevated temperatures inside blast holes can be consistent throughout the blast hole length or vary in position within the blast hole depending on the mine conditions mentioned in the opening statement above. The risks associated with the loading of primers and bulk explosives in holes where elevated temperatures are present include: the ejection of the bulk explosives product, deflagration of the explosives during initiation of the blast or premature and uncontrolled initiation of a blast hole(s). This paper describes a unique and novel approach to the active monitoring of the temperature within blast holes with the application of electronic detonators with integrated temperature measuring (ITM) capabilities, deployed and demonstrated at a mine site in Mexico during January 2023 to March 2023. The deployment of ITM capable electronic detonators allows a user to monitor and record the real time temperature at multiple locations (e.g., toe, middle and collar) at each electronic detonator’s position within the blast hole, with the ability to react instantaneously to elevations in temperature reported. The measurement of the temperature can be for a single ITM electronic detonator, or simultaneous for an array of ITM electronic detonators, allowing for the potential for the data to be represented by a time/temperature/hole depth three-dimensional heat map. Changes in temperature at different borehole positions can vary, however, often the collar position is expected to be the most reactive due the combination of bulk explosive product and oxygen exposure, which can be confirmed with the application of the ITM electronic detonators. A mine site’s reaction to a measured elevated temperature within a blast hole can vary depending on the temperature measured and the change in temperature from the last measurement made. The study was found to produce real-time in-hole temperature information which was previously unobtainable without the introduction of another device. New and adaptive elevated temperature hole policies can be created and adapted proactively as real time information is received, leading to a safer mining operation.

Jan 21, 2025

Blastserve, ISEE’s Listserve is being replaced by our new Blasters Forum-online, an exclusive member benefit. Our goal is to provide an ISEE forum for you to network with your peers and exchange technical information and get answers to your technical questions. This forum is unique in the fact that only ISEE members are permitted to review or post on the site. Over time you will be able review the discussion history and use the archived discussion as a valuable resource for trends in the industry. The following are a sample of the discussions that too place recently on Blastserve

Jan 1, 2013

By Ran Tamir

"This document introduces the use of drone generated aerial photography to collect and analyze fragmentation data for both muck piles and post crusher stockpiles in order to support the continuousimprovement process. In tandem with photo analyses software, drone imaging gives mines and aggregate sites a fast, accurate and economical method of benchmarking and optimizing the process of size reduction to spec."

Jan 1, 2017

By Harley Cheema, Brandon Fryman, John Tatom

A new magazine propagation model has been proposed by the IMESAFR Science Panel for eventual implementation into the IMESAFR QRA program. Initial results from this QRA propagation model are now available.

Feb 1, 2020

By TTE-Europe GmbH

A few years ago, the term Track & Trace for explosives was only known in Europe and Brazil at most; the introduction of this technology is experiencing an undreamt-of boom worldwide. More and more countries are enacting legislation to introduce Track & Trace of explosives and follow Europe and Brazil on this path. At present, the world's leading manufacturers are already using such solutions, are in the process of implementing them, or are in the planning process. However, based on the experience gained in Europe, there are outstanding challenges for all manufacturers. These are questions of compliance, logistics, distribution, and, of course, especially, the necessary adaptation of the production environment. However, this development involves considerable effort on the part of the manufacturers. New devices for marking the explosives and digitally recording the data are integrated into the production process. This should be done as cost-effectively as possible, without restricting production capacity and speed, and with as few process changes as possible. This paper uses real-life customer experiences examples to explain paths from project design to real implementation. Lessons learned from the experience of European explosives manufacturers are presented, missteps are described, and solutions are identified. Individual steps along this path are explained, and solutions are told to avoid pitfalls and bottlenecks. Finally, it refers to the risk analysis and concrete examples in implementing the planning into production. Methods of marking various explosives are shown, and the use of Track & Trace to solve logistics tasks in picking and shipping explosives, including the data exchange with ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning) systems.

Jan 26, 2026

By Kahmmelly Mathildes Pimenta Coelho, Felipe Dantas, Jaine Ribeiro de Souza, Augusto Ferraz, Carlos Roberto Campos Junior, Davi Bastos Martins de Oliveira

The Carajás Iron Mine, recognized as the largest iron ore province in the world, is notable for its continuous efforts to improve operational efficiency and safety. In response to these objectives, a QA/QC (Quality Assurance and Quality Control) Program was implemented and integrated with Blastscout Probe technology to optimize drilling and blasting processes. The program supports the standardization of operational parameters, the execution of regular audits, and real-time data analysis, facilitating precise and timely adjustments. The implementation led to significant improvements, including an 80% increase in operational compliance, a 49% reduction in drilling depth deviations, and a 30% enhancement in Jaspelite fragmentation. This study presents the methodology employed, the outcomes obtained, and the positive impacts observed in both operational performance and environmental management.

Jan 26, 2026

By Andre Pienaar, Larry Wilson

Destruction of waste emulsion by blasting has been proven to be risky and disastrous incidents have been seen when using this practice. Our R&D department in conjunction with Lake International has developed an emulsion breaker system where underground waste can be destroyed safely. The methodology and logistics around the system will be demonstrated during the presentation. This process offers a safe alternative for the removal of sensitized and un-sensitized waste products from these mining environments.

Jan 1, 2010

By Sandra K. Penttinen

A difficult blasting project can go very smoothly when every precaution is taken prior to and during the blasting procedures. These precautions include conducting careful preblast condition surveys of nearby structures, initiating a good public relations program prior to the beginning of the blasting, and following a good safety program during the blasting procedure.

Jan 1, 1994

By Dave I. McGregor

The Multiple Raise Round Blasting Technique (MRRBT) is a safe, efficient, cost effective method of blasting thee will use existing mine personnel. The MRRBT, developed from the conventional 'drop raise method' style of blasting, can be used for most raise mining applications. Current results using MRRBT indicate no upper limit for the maximum length that a raise can be blasted.

Jan 1, 1994

By Paul Ross, Harry Burchett, Lou Case, Calvin J. Konya

"The Cumberland River in Harlan, Kentucky has flooded the town for numerous years. TheU.S. Army Corps of Engineers funded a project to divert the river. The project consisted oftunneling through a mountain to divert the river. The approaches to the tunnels requiredcontrolled blasting to create noses to help channel the water and debris into the tunnels.The geologic structure was such that conventional presplitting techniques were notproducing the desired results and were causing severe backbreak. Replacement of the rocknoses with concrete would cost about a million dollars; and therefore it was important tosave them if at all possible. Blasting techniques were developed which allowed the projectto be successfully completed. This paper will discuss the case history of the controlledblasting procedures."

Jan 1, 1993

By Michael S. Wieland

Delay detonators that are damaged by cross-hole wave interactions degrade blasting work and raise the risk of incidents. Damaged detonators impose risk, because they can retain sensitive explosives that respond to stray energy during recovery, inspection or disposal. Laboratory techniques were developed to rank the ruggedness of delay detonators under replicated field-shooting conditions. The hazards are tremendously magnified if trial detonators are installed directly in secondary explosives to rank initiation strength. Therefore indirect ranking techniques were sought that mitigate the risks without compromising the worthiness of the method. Four types of hardware fixtures, referred to as simulators, were developed to yield distinct forms of transient compression. The shock and rift versions generate compression pulses representative of in situ waveform components. The waiting time, until the trial detonator functions, duplicates typical delay periods. The trial detonator is mounted within water, which has a density and inertial resistance comparable to most blasting explosives. The work output from the trial detonator explosion is registered as fixture wall-expansion. This work output determines malfunction results, regardless of which type of simulator is used.

Jan 1, 1997

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 D K. Joyce, B Mohanty

In a previous paper, it was shown that a lack of clear understanding of the role of initiation mode on detonation characteristics often leads to under-utilization of the explosive system in blasting. This is of particular significance since the very large number of explosive initiation practices currently in use implicitly assumes that the blasting performance of an explosive is largely independent of the exact mode of initiation. This paper deals specifically with bulk-loaded and pneumatically-loaded ANFO under various initiation modes in small diameters. These include initiation by booster and detonating cords of various strengths, and combination of cords and boosters. The nature of energy release and energy partitioning between shock and gas energy have been studied in the underwater test as a function of charge diameter. The paper describes the relative merits of various initiation modes for specific charge geometries and confinement, under end- and side-initiated conditions. Guidelines have also been formulated for use in the field to match initiation practice with blasting requirements.

Jan 1, 1994

By Samir Garcia, Alain Mestanza

This technical work was carried out in an open pit copper mining unit, located in central Peru, which has a daily production of 440 thousand tons per day. Currently the pit consists of three mining phases, however, in phase 05 north, there is the construction of a shaft with a height of 375 meters, the function of this structure is to collect and drain the water coming from the pit, there is the importance of preserving its stability and keeping it operational, guaranteeing the sustainability of the operation. For this, a controlled blasting plan was developed that goes from level 4530 to level 4455 to place the central well on a bench, reactivating the pools.

Jan 21, 2025

By Douglas Bartley

As the economy continues to slowly recover, our industry continues to finds ways to increase productivity while being forced to cut costs. The drilling and blasting process is the starting point of any aggregate or mining process. Many people refer to it as the “Primary Crusher” as it will always be more efficient to crush rock with explosives energy than it will be mechanical energy. It is the more efficient use of this energy that is addressed in this paper.

Jan 1, 2012

By Benjamin Cebrian

Metallurgical testing at Cobre Las Cruces prior to production at the mill was done with overburden gossan. Some of that test gossan was a very fine material, wet by the water conditions at the bottom of the pit. When processed and stored wet at the fines material 3000 tonne (3307 tons) silo, this material cemented in a very unusual manner.

Jan 1, 2010