Optimal Drill and Blast Techniques for Underground Mining

SECTION

INTRODUCTION
1
The purpose of the material presented in this document is to familiarize people working
in underground mining and civil constructions with the basics of drilling and blasting
techniques, including design selection and deployment.

Drilling techniques have advanced considerably over the last century and with the
technology has come the ability to increase productivity. This productivity increase has
allowed mining operations to be larger and/or more efficient. However this increase in
productivity is proportional to the level of understanding of the drill methods and
capability.

Though blasting has become more of a science than an art, it is important to understand
that most of what is known about explosives comes from experience and general rules of
thumb. Explosive manufacturers around the world spend millions of dollars attempting to
quantify the way in which explosives work to break ground, to assist the user work more
effectively and economically with explosives.

Explosives have the ability to release large amounts of energy in extremely short periods
of time. This makes them a valuable tool in mining. Provided this energy is applied
safely, explosives pose little or no danger to the user. Explosive manufacturers regard
safety as paramount, and endeavour to make explosives safe no matter how they are
treated. This however is a double-edged sword, safer explosives mean that correct use
and initiation is essential to achieve desired results.

The operator who does not use proper drilling and blasting techniques, or takes short
cuts in work exposes themselves and co-workers to unnecessary dangers. In many
cases, such abuse or short cuts have resulted in tragedy.

It is therefore important that all those drilling, handling or using explosives gain a firm
understanding of their use. Training of personnel with the most up to date information is
essential to obtain the best results.

With drilling and blasting there is rarely a second chance, prevention is the only option.

Today’s mining industry is constantly changing with new equipment and methods.
Drilling and explosives are no exception. Due to the nature of the course not all sections
could be covered in great depth. The notes contained in this manual are to provide the
user with up-to date information on drill and explosive types, applications and the latest
understanding of technology.

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Optimal Drill and Blast Techniques for Underground Mining

Section 1: Introduction Page 1:2