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By Clara Godoy, Paulo Couceiro, Juan Navarro

The continuous automatization and digitalization of the different stages involved in any underground construction bring new possibilities to optimize the operation. One of the most important requirements for the development of these projects consist of a proper rock mass characterization for optimizing the stages of the drilling, blasting and support cycle. In the last few years the road to digitalization has gone through data science and big data, showing the importance of data gathered to describe the geological and geotechnical environment that surrounds the operations. Since rock characteristics have an important influence in the drilling response, the technological advances in the sensorization of drilling machinery such as the Measurement While Drilling system (MWD) allow to gather the necessary amount of information to be applied in data science processes to evaluate changes in the rock mass with higher resolution than conventional methods. In this paper, Machine Learning techniques have been used to combine data monitored from the drill rigwith scanner profiles of the excavated sections to develop an automatic geotechnical rock mass characterization model able to estimate potential zones of over- or under-break of the remaining rock mass in underground blasting. By comparison of scanner profiles of the excavated sections with the blasthole positions, an Excavated Mean Distance (EMD) between the contour blastholes and the excavated profile has been obtained, which may be considered as damage measure. Considering blasting factors as constant, the model combines the rotary, percussive, hydraulic flushing and the rate of advance of the drilling, and the confinement of the rock mass by depth, to detect zones with different rock properties. This provide an early information of the rock mass condition around the blastholes and the prediction of expected overbreak generated after blasting, being possible to design more efficient bastings, in which each borehole is filled with the right and necessary explosive charge. The analysis comprises data from 57 blasts (around 1700 contour blastholes) and more than 4000 excavated sections.

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 Edward P. O'Hern

The importance of the so-called explosives and the increasing extent of their use are evident from the fact that the production in the United States for the year 1910, as shown by the United States Census reports, amounted to the enormous total of approximately 480,000,000 pounds, this being more than double the production of 1905 and more than three and one-half times that of 1900

Jan 1, 2015

By M. Ganster

Austria’s biggest supplier of oil and gas, transports gas through the West Austria Gasline for domestic consumption. In addition, the OMV also works as gas carrier and ensures the transit into neighbouring countries.

Jan 1, 2010

By Clara Godoy, J. A. Sanchidrian

In this paper, Machine Learning techniques have been used to combine data monitored from the drill rig with scanner profiles of the excavated sections to develop an automatic geotechnical rock mass characterization model able to estimate potential zones of over- or under-break of the remaining rock mass in underground blasting. By comparison of scanner profiles of the excavated sections with the blasthole positions, an Excavated Mean Distance (EMD) between the contour blastholes and the excavated profile has been obtained, which may be considered as damage measure.

Feb 1, 2020

By Alastair Torrance, Italo Onederra, Do Sun Kim, Kush Patel, Gary Cavanough

Reactivity of ammonium nitrate-based explosives is associated with the presence of sulphide in the ground reacting with explosive products and in some instances causing spontaneous reactions which can lead to detonation. This paper explains the mechanism of these reactions, the potential cause of spontaneous detonation and how inhibited explosives prevent the reaction

Jan 1, 2019

By Greg Shapiro, Paul Dr. Worsey

Mining, quarry, and construction blasts are becoming more and more dependent on bench profiling. The use of accurate profiling gives the blaster better data for the most efficient blast results. So, we ask the question: What is the best method for measuring and analyzing burden?

Jan 1, 2019

By Abraham Lindo

Taboguilla is a small island located 10 miles outside the Panama Canal Pacific Entrance. In 2002 a fuel distribution facility was installed in order to supply fuel to vessels passing thru the canal. The current capacity of the tank farm is equivalent to 1,100,000 barrels. The demand for marine diesel at this location still exceeds the current capacity, thus an expansion project is currently underway to increase the available space for diesel tanks. There is a total of 800,000 cubic meters to be excavated in order to create the new space. 400,000 cubic meters of that total is basalt rock which will need to be blasted

Jan 1, 2011

By John Platt, Mark Stephens

"When blasting is required in critical areas and anticipated shot movement and quick cleanup areessential to the success of the project it is extremely important to use the best technology available to achieve the goals expected by the customer. Wampum Hardware was given such a challenge in 2014-2015 when the PA Turnpike and New Enterprise Stone and Lime hired the company to do presplit blasting along the PA Turnpike. The face height averaged 45 feet (13.72m) and the shots had to be controlled to stop within 60-75 feet (18.29-22.86m) of the face or in this situation before they entered the travel lanes on the PA turnpike. In many if not most blasting environments, it is essential in controlling the movement of a blast, to make certain that the face holes are drilled at exactly the right place, with the proper amount and type of burden in front of and to the sides of the borehole. Profiling is an important first step to insure that the holes are drilled at exactly the right place and showing us the correct amount of burden in front of each and every drill hole."

Jan 1, 2016

By Clara Godoy, Álvaro Dapía, Paulo Couceiro, Pablo Segarra, José Ángel Sanchidrián, Juan Navarro

This paper applies geostatistical tools in Measure While Drilling (MWD) data to estimate the probability distribution of values in all the points of the studied domain in order to assess the continuity of rock classes between boreholes. The analyses carried out by Ghosh et al. (2018) and Navarro et al. (2019) have been used as starting point of this work to classify the geotechnical rock condition in four classes: solid rock, fractured rock, cave- in rock and cavity. From it, an application for the geotechnical rock condition of orebodies have been developed, aiming at characterizing the rock before the charging the holes to minimize unexpected rock conditions and to address issues associated with charging and blasting operations. Such problems are closely related with non-optimal rock fragmentation after blasting.

Feb 1, 2020

By T. G. Sitharam, P. B. Choudhury

Prediction of ground vibration (peak particle velocity, PPV) and frequency is an important task in geoscience. Till date, many empirical equations are derived from conducting trial blasts in the mines, to arrive at attenuation predictors. These predictors are usually site dependant and hold good for one particular type of rock/strata. These predictors cannot be used for geologically different rocks/strata. This paper presents the application of support vector machine (SVM) model, for predicting blast induced ground vibration and frequency, using a one comprehensive model for three different types of rock. Inputs to the SVM model formulation involve twenty one parameters consisting of geotechnical properties of the rock mass, blast design geometry and explosive properties, and the output of the formulated model is peak particle velocity and its associated frequency. The data has been acquired from eight limestone mine, five coal mine and two manganese mines. The comprehensive SVM model is formulated using 400 datasets and tested with 143 datasets. The performance indicators to the model not only justify its formulation but also the advantages it has over site specific predictor models. The SVM model not only predicts PPV, with higher correlation coefficients as compared to predictor equations, but also the associated frequency.

Jan 1, 2010

By Jeff Senules, Oana Meins, Catherine Aimone-Martin, Scott Lanker, Brent Meins

Global wall strains from 4 to 77 micro-strains were measured at three structures adjacent to a highly-confined Florida quarry blast when PPV amplitudes ranged up to 6.05 in/s. Increasing the peak zero-crossing frequencies with carefully control delay timing helped to lower ground displacements affecting wall strains.

Feb 1, 2020

By Dominic C, Gregory B. Poole

On December 12, 2018 at 4:14 AM EST, an earthquake registering a 4.4 magnitude on the Richter Scale occurred in central Tennessee. According to a survey posted on the USGS website, this earthquake was felt throughout the southeast and even as far away as Arnold Nebraska. That’s over 900 miles (1,448 kilometers) from the epicenter. We recorded the vibrations from this earthquake on 44 different seismographs that were set up with remote access to continuously monitor vibrations from blasting activities. Having this data gave us an opportunity to compare the vibrations caused by earthquakes and blasting. A simple observation of the amplitudes, frequencies, and durations is enough to notice that vibrations from earthquakes are very different than vibrations caused by blasting in mining and construction

Feb 1, 2020

By Paulo C. Fernández A, Sergio Matamala V, Claudio C. Gajardo, Christian A. Rees P

In fragmentation processes in open-pit mining, it has been observed that there are many opportunities for improvement if greater control of ore displacement in blasting is achieved, reducing the percentage of mixing between ore and waste material (dilution) through the integration of new technologies that allow its quantification and optimization of extraction polygons. This work investigates the relevance of the initiation sequence and direction of displacement in blasting in relation to ore dilution and the potential benefits of process optimization. A three-dimensional modeling tool was used to evaluate movement control optimizing the extraction zone based on the maximization of ore recovery. The study was made by iterating different scenarios, by varying only the initiation sequence and inter-hole delays. To validate the displacement simulation, a total of 10 blasts were carried out for calibration, obtaining a level of agreement between the simulation surface and the actual topographic survey of 80% or higher. The analysis included horizontal and vertical displacement, quantification of swell and dilution within extraction polygons for different scenarios, and informed decision-making based on ore control. The results clearly indicate that by modifying the blast initiation sequence, greater control over dilution in ore/waste transition areas is achieved, thus optimizing the recovery of the planned material and maximizing the ore grade. The use of this type of simulation tools allows for the generation of extraction strategies based on the value of the polygon, unnecessary displacements in the free face, optimal loading fronts, etc., maximizing the recovery of ore and stockpile material, complying with the planned tonnage and ore grade for each extraction polygon, delivering added value to the chain and emphasizing the importance of adding new technologies to the mining industry that allow for the optimization of processes to maximize profits.

Jan 26, 2026

By Galetakis M., Deligiorgis B., Xiroudakis G.

Fragmentation prediction is important in surface mining to optimize downstream processes such as loading, hauling, comminution, and beneficiation processes. Traditional approaches, such as the Kuz-Ram model, image-based fragmentation analysis, and numerical simulations, rely heavily on large datasets acquired after blasting. Moreover, due to the inherent limitations in each method there is an underestimation of fine and coarse fragment sizes, when applying these models without prior knowledge regarding the fragmentation distribution. These drawbacks are restricting their use only in post-blast parameter prediction. In response to these inefficiencies, this study presents a deterministic fragmentation prediction methodology based on a single-blasthole model. The model simulates the formation of the damage zones around a blast hole based on the number of cracks within a distance from the centre of the blast-hole and correlates them with an estimated fragment size in each domain. A fragmentation distribution from the literature is employed to validate the proposed approach and the results are compared with those generated using a modified Kuznetsov model. This approach aims to enhance blast design decisions by enabling pre-blast fragmentation prediction. Based on this, blast designs could be estimated depending on the desired fragmentation before blasting, giving the opportunity for a tailored to local rock properties optimization.

Jan 26, 2026

By Chanhwi Shin, Hyeongmin Kang

Mine optimization is a key strategy in the mining industry that focuses on improving the efficiency, productivity, and sustainability of mining operations. To achieve mine optimization, digitalization is essential for modernizing mining operations and attaining optimal performance. Due to the importance of mine digitalization, various software and platforms have been released to support this effort. Furthermore, by integrating these advanced technologies, mines can enhance processes, leading to significant economic and operational benefits. However, integrating data from various sources and collaborating across different platforms remains a significant challenge in the mining industry. Generally, data for mine optimization, such as mapping, smart drilling, FMS (Fleet Management Systems), fragmentation analysis, or vibration analysis, are collected and analyzed separately on different platforms. This separation makes it difficult to aggregate and utilize data comprehensively for overall mining process optimization. During the digitalization process, obstacles arise due to these complexity, variability, and sharing issues of data across different maker, sources, and methods. These challenges highlight the need for seamless integration to achieve optimal mining operations. Thus, this study applied a total solution that can cover the entire Drilling and Blasting (D&B) processes. The blast design was performed using actual terrain mapping data, and drilling and charging were conducted following a guide based on the blast design plan. After blasting, loading and hauling distances and fuel consumption were measured, and fragmentation for each blast was evaluated. All measurement tasks were automated to minimize human error. By collecting all data in one server, it became possible to perform an overall evaluation for each blast, allowing the identification of optimal values. In conclusion, to evaluate the optimization effects for each mining process, one month of integrated data collected on a single server was used. Compared to the period before the Total solution was implemented, there were notable improvements: a 25% enhancement in hole spacing, a 60% improvement in floor flatness, a 23% reduction in average fragment size, and a 19% improvement in fragment uniformity. Regarding cost savings per blasting volume, the improvements were 11.7% in drilling, 9.3% in explosives, 7.6% in loading, and 17.5% in hauling.

Jan 21, 2025

By Jorge Cárdenas, José Luis Hurtado

The critical distance determination test through direct recording for the mine in Phase 03 was carried out in January 2024, and in it the vibration and pressure models were obtained for the Sedimentary breccia unit. The method of obtaining the records is based on the capture of individual pressure waves generated by distant loads, sequenced in periods of 600 ms for easy identification. The test set up corresponds to a variation of that used to obtain the vibration model, and uses 08 wells for loads and 04 for instrumentation. The results apply a safety factor of 1.2 and 1.5, being 16,000 PSI and 13,250 PSI respectively. The values are valid for any distance greater than 5.5 m, this being the minimum established between wells for loads according to the configuration defined in the field, also considering that in 5.0 m of instrumentation the section of the drill hole with the sensor called S1 collapsed. The results of the analysis of the test, generated with Heavy Anfo 82 explosive, with a final density of 1.15 g/cc, are presented. The results of the modeling and generation of the graphs and tables presented show behavior in line with the concept of scaled distance. It is important to consider that in water conditions there is a high impact by the condition, which causes the records to be higher than those expected in dry conditions and present less variability. It is for the above reason that the row corresponding to distance with safety factor 1.5 is declared valid. The results are only valid for the rock analyzed, whose medium is homogeneous and constant in terms of lithological composition and that present similar resistance characteristics, fracture frequency and water table levels. As future steps, the objective is to quantify the increase in pressure generated between wells by analyzing time and sequence factors. This analysis aims to explain the occurrence of dynamic pressure events in areas where critical safety distances are observed.

Jan 21, 2025

By Gregory B. Poole

Data collected with 16K sampling at a variety of blasting sites (construction, quarry, trench, mine) and monitoring locations was analyzed to effectively show the 16 different 1K readings all based on the microsecond that the unit went into monitoring.

Feb 1, 2020

By Bryan J. Lane, Paul N. Worsey

The recommended maximum explosive weight for boulder blasting using internal charges is 0.1 O-kg/m” (3.5 oz./yd) (Olofsson, 1988). Normally this charge results in excessive scattering and flyrock, creating increased liability for the operator, especially in congested areas. An alternative technique using smaller explosive charges is being developed at the University of Missouri - Rolla. It is designed to reduce boulder scatter, flyrock and fumes and allows shooting in close proximity, using common blasting products.

Jan 1, 1999

By Kerina Taylor

Due to their high amount of stored energy, explosives have been the cause of many serious injuries and fatalities over the last centuries. Despite safety advances and awareness in the last decades, injuries and fatalities continue to occur at mining operations due to blasting. According to the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, from 1978 to 2001, blasting incidents claimed 106 lives and were responsible for over 1000 injuries in mines in the US. The main causes of incidents found today are flyrock, blast area security and premature detonations. The concerted efforts of the mining and explosives industries and labour and government agencies have greatly improved the safety record of blasting in mines.

Jan 1, 2011