Optimized Blasting Techniques For Enhanced Rock Breakage In Hard Rock Metal Deposits
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.63665/ga793p35Keywords:
Blasting optimization, Hard rock fragmentation, Powder factor, Blast design parameters, Metal deposits.Abstract
Blasting operations in hard rock metal deposits represent a critical phase in mining activities, directly influencing downstream processes and overall mine productivity. This study examines optimized blasting techniques aimed at enhancing rock breakage efficiency in hard rock metal deposits through comprehensive analysis of blast design parameters, rock properties, and fragmentation outcomes. The research investigates the relationship between controllable blast parameters including burden, spacing, powder factor, and stemming with resultant rock fragmentation. Field investigations conducted across multiple hard rock mining operations revealed that optimization of blast design parameters can significantly improve fragmentation quality while reducing operational costs. Results demonstrate that optimal burden values ranging from 3.5-4.2 m combined with spacing ratios of 1.2-1.4 achieved superior fragmentation with mean fragment sizes between 250-350 mm. Statistical analysis indicates strong correlation between powder factor optimization and downstream productivity improvements. The study establishes that integrated approaches combining rock mass characterization, precise explosive energy distribution, and controlled initiation sequences yield enhanced breakage efficiency. Findings provide valuable insights for mining professionals to optimize blasting operations, reduce production costs, and improve overall mining efficiency in hard rock metal deposit extraction.
Downloads
References
1. Adesida, P. A. (2022). Powder factor prediction in blasting operation using rock geo-engineering system. International Journal of Mining & Geo-Engineering, 56(1), 25-32.
2. Dotto, M. S., & Pourrahimian, Y. (2024). The influence of explosive and rock mass properties on blast damage in a single-hole blasting. Mining, 4(1), 168-188. https://doi.org/10.3390/mining4010011
3. Dumakor-Dupey, N. K., Arya, S., & Jha, A. (2021). Advances in blast-induced impact prediction—A review of machine learning applications. Minerals, 11(6), 601. https://doi.org/10.3390/min11060601
4. Gebretsadik, A., Haile, A. T., & Nigusse, A. G. (2024). Enhancing rock fragmentation assessment in mining blasting through machine learning algorithms: An effective approach. Discover Applied Sciences, 6, 288. https://doi.org/10.1007/s42452-024-05888-0
5. Jia, Z. Z., Li, H. J., Li, W., & Zhou, Y. (2024). Study on blasting fragmentation mechanism of burnt rock in open-pit coal mine. Scientific Reports, 14, 5034. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-024-55802-2
6. Ke, B., Pan, R., Zhang, J., Wang, W., Hu, Y., Lei, G., Chi, X., Ren, G., & You, Y. (2022). Parameter optimization and fragmentation prediction of fan-shaped deep hole blasting in Sanxin gold and copper mine. Minerals, 12(7), 788. https://doi.org/10.3390/min12070788
7. Leng, Z., Fan, Y., Gao, Q., & Hu, Y. (2020). Evaluation and optimization of blasting approaches to reducing oversize boulders and toes in open-pit mine. International Journal of Mining Science and Technology, 30(3), 373-380. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijmst.2020.03.010
8. Lilly, P. A. (1986). An empirical method of assessing rockmass blastability. In Large Open Pit Mine Conference (pp. 89-92). Newman, Australia.
9. Liu, D., Wei, D., Chen, M., Zhang, H., & Lu, W. (2024). Prediction of the median fragmentation of bench blasting in layered rock mass based on discrete fracture network. Rock Mechanics and Rock Engineering, 57(3), 1653-1668. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00603-023-03642-3
10. Liu, G., Xie, L., Yang, H., & Wang, K. (2019). An improved method for addressing challenges associated with over-breaking in deep hole blasting. Tunnelling and Underground Space Technology, 86, 112-124.
11. Monjezi, M., Rezaei, M., & Yazdian Varjani, A. (2009). Prediction of rock fragmentation due to blasting in Gol-E-Gohar iron mine using fuzzy logic. International Journal of Rock Mechanics and Mining Sciences, 46(8), 1273-1280. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijrmms.2009.05.001
12. Nikkhah, A., Vakylabad, A. B., Hassanzadeh, A., Niedoba, T., & Surowiak, A. (2022). An evaluation of the impact of ore fragmented by blasting on mining performance. Minerals, 12(2), 258. https://doi.org/10.3390/min12020258
13. Rong, H., Xu, W., Chen, G., & Li, Y. (2024). Numerical simulation of rock blasting under different in-situ stresses and joint conditions. PLOS ONE, 19(4), e0299258. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0299258
14. Singh, P. K., Roy, M. P., Paswan, R. K., Sarim, M. D., Kumar, S., & Jha, R. R. (2016). Rock fragmentation control in opencast blasting. Journal of Rock Mechanics and Geotechnical Engineering, 8(2), 225-237. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jrmge.2015.10.005
15. Tao, J., Yang, X. G., Li, H. T., Zhou, J. W., Qi, S. C., & Lu, G. D. (2020). Numerical investigation of blast-induced rock fragmentation. Computers and Geotechnics, 128, 103846. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.compgeo.2020.103846
16. Verma, H. K., Samadhiya, N. K., Singh, M., Goel, R. K., & Singh, P. K. (2018). Blast induced rock mass damage around tunnels. Tunnelling and Underground Space Technology, 71, 149-158. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tust.2017.08.019
17. Wang, Y., Tu, W., & Li, H. (2021). Fragmentation calculation method for blast muck piles in open-pit copper mines based on three-dimensional laser point cloud data. International Journal of Applied Earth Observation and Geoinformation, 100, 102338. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jag.2021.102338
18. Xie, L., Lu, W., Zhang, Q., Jiang, Q., Chen, M., & Zhao, J. (2016). Analysis of damage mechanisms and optimization of cut blasting design under high in-situ stresses. Tunnelling and Underground Space Technology, 66, 19-33. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tust.2017.03.009
19. Yi, C., Johansson, D., & Greberg, J. (2018). Effects of in-situ stresses on the fracturing of rock by blasting. Computers and Geotechnics, 104, 321-330. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.compgeo.2018.09.004
20. Zhang, Z. X., Qiao, Y., Chi, L. Y., & Hou, D. F. (2021). Experimental study of rock fragmentation under different stemming conditions in model blasting. International Journal of Rock Mechanics and Mining Sciences, 143, 104797. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijrmms.2021.104797
21. Zhang, Y., Xu, M., Liu, S., Wang, B., & Li, X. (2023). Rate-dependent constitutive modelling blasting crack initiation and propagation in rock masses. International Journal of Coal Science & Technology, 10, 83. https://doi.org/10.1007/s40789-023-00633-1
