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By Owen Collins

In surface mining, designing patterns to reduce the probability of flyrock and optimizing fragmentation through powder factor calculations are important for safe, efficient blasts. The designed powder factor is established for the blast once parameters such as burden, spacing, stemming, and powder column height are determined. In practice, these parameters are usually constant throughout a production blast with row-to-row burden and spacing. However, challenges can arise with the introduction of an open face. Many variables could necessitate the adjustment of the face row to optimize blast results. Variables include drill accessibility, challenges with toes, overhangs, and geology. The approach is often, but not exclusively, determining how to keep a consistent powder factor from the open face through the body of the blast. However, the solutions used vary case-by-case and rarely are two blasts the same. Technology has improved the ability to deal with challenging face conditions. 3D modeling with the aid of drones allows the application of angled holes to be more effective and simpler. This is just one instance where technology has improved blast results. This paper will present solutions to challenging face conditions. Thoroughly analyzing instances where challenging open-face variables were met with an effective blast solution could help provide insight as to what yields consistent blast results.

Jan 26, 2026

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

In open-pit mining operations, the presence of remnants from past underground labors represents a significant operational challenge, especially if they are in the surroundings of high-grade zones. The existence of uncrushable elements, such as metallic support fragments of abandoned equipment, can trigger critical operational issues if they reach conveyor belts systems or primary crushers, jeopardizing the mine to plant operational continuity. These kinds of incidents lead to expensive unplanned shutdowns, the increasing of corrective maintenance events costs, and risk to meeting expected production results. This work demonstrates the application of a three-dimensional numerical modeling tool for simulating rock displacement post-blasting (by integrating key design parameters, such as blast pattern design, detonating times, charge distribution and pre and post blast surveying). The study was conducted at Andina Mine, operated by Codelco, Chile, and enabled the identification and zoning of areas with potential presence of underground hazards in displaced rock mass, using historical data from previous workings and geotechnical mapping. The displacement results were compared to the actual post-blast surveying, ensuring an acceptability level above 80%, considering both fully confined (bank opening) and free-face blasts. Additionally, this approach allows the determination of an optimal safety offset, initially set at 10 meters and currently under validation for potential reduction. The results supported the determination of safe extraction zones and the design of excavation, loading, and haulage strategies from mine to plant or stockpile, ensuring 100% reliability in the segregation of high risk materials. Implementing displacement simulations underscores their relevance in operational risk prevention and mitigation, adding value to short-term mine planning and strengthening the safety, efficiency and profitability of the open-pit mining production process.

Jan 26, 2026

By Sebastián Seria, Jorge Álvarez, Diego Cáceres

The capacity to break the rock into adequate size fragments and in a cost-effective way is one of the main challenges in large open pit copper mines in Chile. That capacity is often compromised by the accuracy of geological estimations and the resources allocated by the mine site to update those models, making the blasting design highly dependent on that input and in consequence, blasting results. Given these opportunities, having an alternative method to input estimated key geological parameters allows blast designers to modify their designs and apply the appropriate energy to achieve the desired results. By using measurement-while-drilling data from boreholes and a few samples of actual, widespread, hardness measurements on site, we can deliver an updated cost-effective hardness estimation that is used as an input to improve the blasting design and its results on fragmentation. This estimation is delivered as a hardness interval – often in MPa units- related to the position of actual drilling measurements. In addition, having a sufficiently large drilling dataset allows us to predict hardness in new, undrilled areas near already measured boreholes, serving as a prior estimation available before pattern design. The use of these estimations, applied to several copper mines in Chile, allow us to more accurately determine explosive amounts and borehole drilling, which directly contributes to more productivity and efficiency in mine site operations. The results are often related to narrowing the gap for fragmentation results, even so, in some cases that will be related to direct savings in Drilling & Blasting process in a range 5-10% of the budget, due to powder factor changes.

Jan 26, 2026

By Alastair Torrance, Gary Cavanough

Approximately 1.5 million tonnes of ammonium nitrate are transported annually across Queensland, Australia—equivalent to nearly 100 truckloads per day. This is in the form of both AN prill and ammonium nitrate based emulsions (ANE). In a recent incident, a collision involving an ANE tanker resulted in a detonation that caused extensive blast-related damage and led to the closure of a major highway. Had this event occurred within a populated area, the consequences would have been catastrophic. For over a century, investigations into the causes of such spontaneous detonations have been inconclusive. A recently completed industry supported research project has made a pivotal discovery: a surface reaction mechanism leading to hydrogen generation has been identified as a precursor to detonation. If sufficient hydrogen accumulates and subsequently ignites, it can release enough energy to initiate the detonation of bulk ammonium nitrate and ANE. Controlled experiments conducted during the project successfully demonstrated hydrogen-driven detonation events. Previous work by Proulx and Scovira, presented at the 2000 ISEE Conference, described spontaneous detonations in hot, reactive ground and the mitigating effects of buffered emulsions and ANFO. Building upon their observations, this study reproduces similar incidents under laboratory conditions, confirming that hydrogen generation also results from reactive ground interactions. Importantly, the findings challenge traditional assumptions, demonstrating that ammonium nitrate and ANE detonation in reactive environments does not require an ignition temperature threshold, confinement, or a classical chemical decomposition pathway.

Jan 26, 2026

By Ruilin Yang

Explosive blasting is a widely used method for rock breaking, recognized for its energy efficiency and cost-effectiveness. Despite its advantages, the efficiency of blast energy can vary significantly between different blasts. This paper introduces a new blast efficiency index to assess the energy efficiency of rock blasting, incorporating factors such as explosive consumption, the energy required for fragment surface generation (based on fragment size distribution), and the strength reduction of rock fragments due to blasting. Several examples presented in this paper demonstrate the calculation of the blast efficiency index using data from the literature. The findings indicate that blasting may be the most efficient method for rock breaking compared with direct mechanical techniques of rock breaking used for excavation. On the other hand, blasting is much less efficient compared with the controlled fracturing, such as the cleavage and fracture toughness testing, which highlights the significant potential to further enhance the efficiency of explosive energy usage for rock fragmentation during blasting. The proposed blast efficiency index can be integrated with advanced blast modeling techniques to optimize blast designs, thereby increasing the effective utilization of explosive energy for rock fragmentation and fragment strength reduction.

Jan 26, 2026

By Jaime Herrero, Santiago Gómez, Pablo Segarra, José Ángel Sanchidrián

This paper presents a mathematical model for the study of the 2D movement of blast bench faces based on the high-speed video analysis of three blasts at El Aljibe quarry (Spain) recorded at 2,000 frames per second. In these blasts, a set of bags of 0.75 × 0.75 m were placed in front of a selected blasthole defining a reference plane in which to study the kinematics of the movement. The burdens range from 3.86 m to 5.54 m, with a bench height of 12–13 m. An affine transformation system was calculated to convert coordinates from the video images into actual spatial coordinates. The problem is established from a multi-objective minimization approach in order to simultaneously optimize two defined objectives: trajectory fitting using Total Least Squares regression, and time–displacement regression using Ordinary Least Squares. Muti-objective minimization formulation produces Pareto plots of non-dominated solutions, i.e., optimal combinations of initial velocities and response times, (i.e. time between detonation and the onset of bench face motion). From the Pareto frontier, the most balanced solution is selected. Blast response time lasts only a few milliseconds and appears so brief at the frame rate used that it is difficult to detect visually. In this context, the bi-objective optimization-based approach proves to be a more robust tool than frame-by frame survey for quantifying such a rapid event while also maintaining a strong performance in the trajectory fitting task. Root Mean Square Error (RMSE) for the two minimizations average 0.22 m and 0.13 m, respectively. The initial velocities obtained range from 4 to 17 m/s, and the response times 0.7 ms to 21.7 ms. An analytical model is also presented for predicting fragments initial velocity and response time as functions of blast geometry and rock mass properties, explaining approximately 87% of the total variability.

Jan 26, 2026

By Jorge Cardenas, David Martinez

Blasting-induced vibrations can be predicted with high precision, allowing for the optimization of sequence design, delay timing, and charge configurations to minimize their indirect impact on rock masses. This optimization leads to a reduction in peak particle velocity (PPV) and dominant frequency at monitoring points. However, a crucial aspect of slope safety is estimating the degree to which vibrations influence stability through numerical modeling of the dynamic response. Slope stability is closely linked to rock mass strength, the predominant failure mechanism based on discontinuity orientation relative to the slope face, and the pre-existing stability conditions before dynamic alterations occur. Blocks, wedges, and planar failures tend to slide under lower vibration levels and are more susceptible to resonance, particularly in fractured and low-strength rock masses. To evaluate the interaction between rock mass and vibrations, photogrammetry and artificial intelligence were employed to identify discontinuity families at vibration monitoring sites. This data facilitated the development of artificial discontinuity networks (DFN), which replicated a discontinuous medium within a numerical finite element model. The input signal was recorded at the slope base using triaxial geophones and incorporated into a discontinuous numerical model. The output signal was estimated through finite element analysis and subsequently compared with geophone measurements taken at the same location. Based on real-world output signals, damping parameters and the model’s natural frequency were adjusted to align both frequency spectra. Using the calibrated parameters, vibration records from various blasting projects at different distances were applied as input signals until slope failure was induced, thereby defining maximum allowable vibration limits in terms of PPV and frequency at the monitoring point. This approach provided a framework for optimizing sequence designs, charge configurations, and delay timings to enhance slope safety and prevent failure due to blasting-induced vibrations.

Jan 26, 2026

By Joe Atalla, Leojenen Etulle, Jesse Desrochers, Joseph Mukendi Kabuya, Remi Proulx, Ruilin Yang

The Mont-Wright mine is Canada's largest open-pit iron ore mine with multiple open pits in operation. It is operated by ArcelorMittal Mining Canada in the northeast of the province of Quebec, near the town of Fermont. Fragmentation of rocks with explosives generates vibrations and gas expansion that damage intact rocks, affect existing crack networks, reduce the shear strength of discontinuities and the quality of the rock mass of the highwalls. The efficiency of its blasting operations is challenged by the need to optimize production and manage the risk of mine slope instability caused by vibrations from successive blasts. This paper presents a Multiple Seed Waveform (MSW) vibration model that was established at the mine for this purpose. Near-field signature hole blast vibration monitoring was conducted in multiple areas to establish site characterization as input to the blast vibration modeling at the highwalls of the site. The vibration attenuation laws were established and the effects of different blasthole diameters, shifting frequencies and presplit design were evaluated. Based on the results obtained from the near-field blast vibration monitoring, the calibrated MSW vibration model was used to select blast design parameters to control blast vibration while maximizing productivity of blasts at Mont-Wright mine.

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 Juan Pablo Henríquez, Sebastian Lozano, Constanza Soto, Gonzalo Segura, Carlos Torres, Danko Morales

The Atacama Kozan underground mine, located in Tierra Amarilla, Atacama, Chile, was facing over-excavation and slow progress in drift construction, issues associated with the use of traditional explosive, ANFO. The presence of water in the blast holes required as well the use of cartridged emulsions, which extended loading times and increased operators’ effort. With loading times ranging around 76 minutes and lower advanced rate, Enaex Underground proposed the use of a pumpable emulsion-type explosive to optimize blasting, enhance safety, and streamline the operational process. This explosive is loading into the blasting holes using an UBT equipment (Unidad Bombeable para Túneles in spanish). This equipment allows mechanized loading, adaptation to small and medium diameter boreholes, ensuring compatibility with varying drilling profiles, integration with Atacama Kozan’s operational equipment and improvement in environmental and occupational conditions, with a measurable reduction in contaminant emissions and worker exposure risks. The implementation of this emulsion-based explosive allows an increase in productivity in drift development. A notable effective advance rate of 95% to 96% was achieved, alongside a reduction in overbreak in 7%, and a decrease in loading time to 40 minutes. Additionally, there was a 40% occurrence of drilling half cast, contributing to contour drift quality. The operation also benefited from a cleaner and safer working environment, enhancing operator ergonomics and reducing the need for jetanol and compressed air.

Jan 26, 2026

By Luis Huaroc, Jorge Cardenas, José Salvador

One of the current challenges in mining is managing increasingly competent rock conditions within the mine-to-plant value chain, particularly when working with marginal ore grades. This study presents a case from a Peruvian open-pit operation where the mine plan projected a significant increase in rock hardness, as measured by the Axb index (parameters derived from the JK drop weight test). In response, the Drill and Blast Technical Team made efforts to increase the powder factor by reducing drill spacing and increasing the explosive charge, employing high-energy explosives (3,090 kJ/kg). However, this adjustment presented a challenge in achieving the fragmentation required to meet the target throughput of 97,500 tons/day, resulting in a shortfall of approximately 8.7% under the base case scenario. To overcome this technical challenge, the use of locally engineered ultra high-energy explosives was proposed, offering adjustable energy levels ranging from 3,210 to 3,570 kJ/kg. This solution enhanced ore blending strategies, calibrated to specific Axb ranges. The results also suggest that microfractures generated by the energetic blasting designs contributed significantly to downstream improvements. These outcomes demonstrate the value of a fully integrated mine-to-plant strategy, aligning blasting parameters with downstream processing performance to maximize operational efficiency. This solution led to a 10% increase in process plant efficiency, a 16% reduction in specific energy consumption during primary crushing, and a 13% reduction in the SAG mill. Additionally, shovel productivity rose by 18%, and the dig rate improved by up to 35%. Keywords: fragmentation, blending, high-energy explosive, power factor, microfractures, specific energy consumption and Axb model.

Jan 26, 2026

By Iván Aguirre Palacios, Jean Guiroux Toro, Eduardo Valdés Guerra

Currently, mining operations seek to be competitive in the market. To achieve this, one of the relevant factors is to maintain and improve the productivity of the extractive processes, mainly the loading from the point of opening of the mineral bodies. To do this, many techniques suggest reducing production costs, with the first opening of your free-face up raises. However, there are different ways to carry out these open-face raises up opening processes, where the balance of costs and construction time must be well planned to meet production plans. Operationally, there are different techniques for its construction, the most common being Blind-Hole up Raises and those with drilling with current production equipment that operates mining operations. This study shows a methodology and the results of the implementation of access stack drilling with production drilling rigs for a maximum height of 15 m with electronic detonators in production blasting. Within the methodology used, Qa/Qc processes were considered in cargoes with explosives, instrumentation for monitoring (vibrations), VOD registration, among others. As a result, of a total of 12 raises up blasts, construction time was reduced by 45% and the cost of drilling and blasting (P&V) was reduced by 50%, for up raises with a maximum height of 15 meters. Regarding the efficiency of the heights, this was 97% compared to the planned drilling design.

Jan 26, 2026

By Orica Peru, Pedro Lozada

Proper management of exclusion zones in blasting operations is essential to ensure safety without compromising operational efficiency. In Peru, mining regulations establish minimum exclusion distances specifically for personnel (500-meter radius / 1,640 feet), but do not define clear technical criteria for equipment. As a result, conservative distances such as 200 meters (656 feet) are often applied, negatively impacting productivity. This study proposes a technical-scientific methodology to reduce equipment exclusion zones, based on the use of advanced technologies such as drones, high-resolution cameras, and specialized software tools. The solutions used allow video recordings of blasts to be transformed into dynamic data through artificial intelligence and computer vision, as well as execute probabilistic simulations of the flyrock phenomenon using Monte Carlo algorithms and physical models calibrated to real operating conditions. Technological integration enabled the simulation of real operational scenarios, considering variations in critical blasting parameters that directly affect flyrock generation, such as drill diameter, explosive density, linear charge, and stemming height. Additionally, the Terrock methodology was incorporated, allowing the behavior of the rock mass to be included as a variable in risk assessment, improving analysis accuracy under different rock hardness conditions. The methodology was applied in four phases: diagnosis of the current design (15 blasts), modeling, validation of the calibrated model (6 blasts), and subsequent operational implementation. As a result, it was determined that the exclusion radius can be safely reduced from 656 to 492 feet (200 to 150 meters), maintaining as the main restriction the use of stemming lengths greater than 5.0 m. This optimization has the potential to generate tangible benefits, with estimated monthly savings exceeding USD 50,000, associated with reduced evacuation times, lower fuel consumption, less equipment wear, and increased productivity in drilling and hauling activities. The comprehensive approach presented here highlights the transformative potential of digital technologies applied to blast management, contributing to safer and more efficient mining operations.

Jan 26, 2026

By Al Romphf

Managing blasting-induced air overpressure levels is a key compliance requirement for most blasting operations. Regression analysis, plotting overpressure amplitude vs cube root scaled distance, will often present a level of scatter which should be considered unacceptable. Relying solely on regression-based predictions can lead to overly conservative restrictions that may negatively impact other key performance indicators. Improved methods are needed for accurate overpressure prediction. The Heelan-Blair wavelet has been shown to closely resemble the overpressure waveshape produced when a single charge is fired under typical confinement conditions. The amplitude of a single-hole overpressure wave is influenced by factors such as proximity to the receiver, charge mass, orientation, and confinement both at the collar and face. Additional factors, including timing sequence, barrier effects, wind direction and velocity, must also be considered. The linear superposition method, commonly applied for ground vibration prediction, can be adapted for air overpressure modelling. In blast design software, this approach can consider all relevant parameters and environmental interactions. Given the uniform nature of air compared to rock, linear superposition using realistic elemental wavelets may replace the need to fire a signature hole. Data from 38 single-hole blasts conducted at quarries and mines throughout North America were used to develop and calibrate a linear superposition model. This model reasonably reproduces air overpressure results from full-scale production blasts, offering a practical approach to overpressure compliance and prediction.

Jan 26, 2026

By Khiva Haidar Shauma Tassno, Zulham Ahmad, Farhan Harist Maharesi, Abdullah Badawi Batubara

Blasting operations can use a bulk emulsion explosive (EE) with a formulation based on used oil as a replacement for refined fuel oil. The most commonly employed used oil for making EE is a mineral based used engine oil that passes an impurity content standard. It is known that not all types of used oil are easily incorporated into EE formulations. Impurities in used oil can disturb EE stability resulting in crystallization and phase separation and consequently led to poor detonation quality. In 2024, a poor blast result occurred at an Indonesian mine due to utilization of used oil that was not within specification. A research project conducted from February to April 2025 found that used transmission oil differs from used engine oil in hydrocarbon composition. Transmission oil contains more additives that affect EE stability due to polarity differences and the disruption of colloidal state stability. Lab tests including stress testing and crystal growth observation aided the development of a stable EE formulation based on used oil and used transmission oil. In mid-April 2025, blast evaluations were conducted using the EE that was formulated using used engine oil and used transmission oil. Measurements of velocity of detonation, fragmentation, and digging time, demonstrated high quality EE was produced. Application of used oil in EE revolutionized the capability of mining operations to improve blast sustainability and cleanliness. Through comprehensive research, robust testing, and effective supply chain management, it is possible to replace some portion of refined fuel oil with used oil without compromising blasting performance. The inclusion of used transmission oil broadens the overall used oil specification and increases the volume of recycled used oil available for blasting. The increased volume of used oil available can reduce the amount of waste generated by mining projects while maintaining operational efficiency.

Jan 26, 2026

By Francisca Tapia, Jorge Blázquez, Paulo Couceiro, Patricio Vergara, Luis Manriquez, Luis Martínez, Juan Navarro

Efficient energy transmission is critical for effective rock fragmentation in open-pit blasting. However, in zones with highly fractured or soft rock, mismatches in acoustic impedance between the explosive and the rock can lead to significant energy loss. These mismatches reduce fragmentation efficiency and, when energy input is increased to compensate, can trigger unintended side effects such as NOx fume generation. This paper presents a novel methodology that integrates the Fragment Size Energy Fan model with acoustic impedance theory to dynamically optimize explosive energy delivery. A redefined impedance formulation captures volumetric energy transfer and enables the calculation of a Rock Impedance Factor (RIF), calibrated through non-linear regression. To operationalize the model, rock impedance is estimated using the X-4Traits Model—a meta-learning algorithm that interprets Measurement While Drilling (MWD) data from both autonomous and manually operated drills to produce high-resolution, spatially distributed impedance maps. The methodology was calibrated and applied at Minera Escondida Limitada (MEL), using data from over 218,447 blastholes and 526 blasts. Two case studies illustrate its application: Expansion 1 demonstrates improved fragmentation consistency and a 10.7% reduction in powder factor by aligning explosive energy with local impedance variations; Expansion 2 highlights the model’s utility in managing NOx emissions in fractured zones by optimizing energy distribution and confinement without compromising fragmentation. This impedance-based framework provides a robust tool for improving fragmentation outcomes, optimizing energy use, and enhancing control in geologically variable blasting environments.

Jan 26, 2026

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 Matt Brandon

This case study demonstrates how integrating drone and GPS surveying with 3D modeling software creates more effective blast designs that address specific geotechnical challenges while improving safety and blast performance. In this case study an 80ft (25m) highwall experienced recurring slip plane failures exacerbated by a previously mined 40ft (12m) bench that removed back support, creating an unstable triangular rock mass. Previous blasting along this wall displaced the upper 40ft (12m) of material, opening geological discontinuities and causing progressive slope failures that compromised crew safety and blast effectiveness. High-resolution drone photogrammetry, GPS surveying, and laser measurements were employed to precisely map slip planes, bedding planes, and fault structures within the bench geometry. These geological features were imported into 3D design software to develop a shot pattern that strategically utilizes natural rock discontinuities rather than working against them. GPS-guided hole placement ensured accurate field implementation, while marking geological features on the surface of the bench provided visual references for the blast crew. The final blast design positioned the last row of holes to break preferentially along an existing slip plane while avoiding intersecting the next slip plane behind the blast. Explosive loading and timing sequences were adjusted based on the hole location relative to the 3D geological model to optimize fragmentation while maintaining wall stability. The optimized design improved highwall stability significantly, by reducing the slip plane failure mechanism that had previously compromised operations. Measurable improvements included enhanced highwall stability, reduced back-break, improved blast performance, and reduced safety risks for equipment operators and blast crews. Two subsequent shots using identical methodology were able to remove the rest of this problem area, confirming the repeatability and effectiveness of this integrated approach. This methodology demonstrates practical integration of surveying technologies with geological understanding to solve complex blasting challenges. Accurate 3D modeling of geological features enables blast designers to work with natural rock structures rather than against them, resulting in safer, more effective blasting practices. This case study shows the value of understanding the precise locations of geological features for optimizing blast design and provides a replicable process for addressing geotechnical challenges in blasting operations.

Jan 26, 2026

By Mattos J. L. C

Drilling and blasting with explosives in mining operations near communities require careful planning to mitigate socio-environmental impacts. Ground vibration, noise emission, flyrock, and dust dispersion are factors that may trigger conflicts with local populations. However, large-scale operations demand high productivity and intense material handling, making it essential to balance operational performance with impact control. The adoption of best practices, combined with advanced monitoring and mitigation technologies, enables sustainable mining even in proximity to inhabited areas. This study proposes the use of double and triple-deck blasting techniques with large-diameter boreholes (12 ¼” – 311 mm), addressing the sizing of charges and decks, as well as measures aimed at reducing noise perceived by nearby communities. The approach seeks to maintain the use of large drilling rigs already present in the operation, avoiding costs related to premature equipment replacement or expensive alternatives, while minimizing environmental and social impacts and promoting a more balanced and responsible mining model.

Jan 26, 2026

By THOMAS BAMFORD, Dale S. Preece, Amir Behbahanian, Mick Lownds

An important aspect of blasting is rock movement and final muck configuration. Computer modeling of this process has been done in 2D for many years, revealing insights into the blasting process and enabling some design optimization. Since blasting is inherently a 3D process, 2D modeling misses the 3D aspects of blasting results and can lead to inaccurate conclusions. Software development environments in many fields are evolving in 3D, enabled by steadily increasing computer speed, memory, and software efficiency. These same environments are also available for modeling of many physical processes, including rock blasting. This paper documents the development of 3D blast movement modeling techniques that utilize 3D computational mechanics and modern computing environments to predict explosive induced movement of hundreds of thousands of distinct cubic elements representing the rock mass. Blast induced ore travel and final location can now be predicted with reasonable accuracy and acceptable run times. The importance of Energy Partitioning was documented and demonstrated by GEM-2D (Geologic Element Motion) at the ISEE conference in 2024. This software is titled GEM-3D and includes this Energy Partitioning capability. This paper documents a GEM-3D example of ore movement during rock blasting and demonstrates ore dilution as well as the final location of different rock types as influenced by the blast.

Jan 26, 2026