OYEKAN VICTOR

OLUSEUN
UJ/2018/EN/0097
MNE 306
DRILLING AND
BLASTING
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1 Possession, storage and handling of explosives in Nigeria's mines and quarries: a blessing
or curse?

Having, keeping, and using explosives in Nigeria's mines and quarries can be both a blessing

and a burden, depending on a number of variables and how they are managed.

Explosives can be used, stored, and handled in Nigeria's mines and quarries for both good and

ill. On the one hand, the extraction of minerals from the earth requires the use of explosives.

Iron ore, coal, and other precious resources could not be mined without them. However,

explosions can also be quite deadly. They can result in severe injury or even death if improperly

handled.

Let's Examine Both :

Blessings :

1.Economic Benefits:

The Nigerian economy benefits from the cash generated by the mining and quarrying industries

as well as the jobs and investments they draw. Explosives can be used effectively to boost

production, which will boost output and the economy.

2.. Greater efficiency:

Explosives are essential in mining and quarrying because they help break rocks and facilitate

the extraction of valuable minerals and natural resources. The use of explosives can

significantly increase productivity and efficiency in these industries.

3. Development of infrastructure:

Extraction of minerals and natural resources from mines and quarries helps in providing raw

materials for various industries including construction. These materials contribute to the

development of infrastructure and the growth of related sectors, which can have a positive
socio-economic impact.

Curses :

1. Security Considerations :

Concerns securityby are raisedof the presence in explosives and mines which quarries, theft,

can encourage smuggling, unauthorized use. If not properly managed supervised, access to

unrestricted could potentially facilitate including illegal acts, terrorism.

2. Health Issues:

Workers who handle and store explosives are at risk for accidents, hearing loss, and respiratory

issues, among other health issues. These dangers can be reduced with the right safety precautions,
training, and protective gear, but if not properly managed, they can have

detrimental long-term effects on the health of workers.

3. Impacts on the environment:

Improper handling or storage of explosives can cause the environment to deteriorate. This

includes air pollution, water pollution, and soil erosion. Furthermore, the extraction processes

itself may have detrimental effects on the environment, such as habitat damage and

deforestation.

4. Safety Risks

Explosives handling and storage come with severe safety dangers. Accidents like explosions

and fires, among others, can cause fatalities, injuries, property damage, and environmental harm.

These dangers can be made worse by poor safety procedures, insufficient training, and a lack of

appropriate rules.

Overall the handling, storage, and ownership of explosives in Nigeria's mines and quarries is

often a complicated problem with potential advantages as well as concerns. To protect the

safety of employees and the general public, it is crucial to assess the potential benefits against

the potential hazards and take action to reduce the risks.

Nigeria can lessen the dangers connected with the use of explosives in mines and quarries in a

number of ways, some of which are included below:

i. Enhance the instruction given to quarry employees and miners on safe explosive handling.

Better safety gear should be made available, such as helmets and armor that can withstand blasts.

ii. Implement more stringent explosives safety requirements.

iii. To make sure that safety regulations are being met, inspect mines and quarries frequently.

By taking these steps, Nigeria can reduce the risks associated with the use of explosives in

mines and quarries, and make it a safer place to work.

REFERENCE

"The Use of Explosives in Mining and Quarrying" by the International Labour Organization (ILO)

"The Safety of Explosives in Mines and Quarries" by the United Nations Industrial Development
Organization (UNIDO)

"Explosives in Mining and Quarrying: A Guide to Safe Use" by the Society of Explosives Engineers (SEE)

"Explosives Regulation in Nigeria" by the Federal Ministry of Mines and Steel Development

Nigerian Explosives Act.

Nigerian Explosives Regulations

2. How does drilling improve the availability of mineral resources in the world

Drilling is a key technology to improve the availability of mineral resources in the world. This allows us to
access mineral resources that would otherwise be too deep or too difficult to access. Drilling allows
minerals to be extracted more efficiently and safely than traditional methods such as open pit mining.

Here are some ways that drilling improves mineral availability :

i. It allows us to access deep deposits:

Many mineral deposits are located deep underground, where they would be difficult or impossible to
reach without drilling. Drilling allows us to access these deposits and extract the minerals they contain.

ii. It allows us to extract minerals more efficiently.

Drilling can be used to extract minerals in a more targeted and efficient way than traditional methods,
such as open-pit mining. This can help to reduce waste and improve the overall yield of mineral
extraction.

iii. It is safer than traditional methods.

Drilling is a safer way to extract minerals than traditional methods, such as open-pit mining. This is
because drilling is a more controlled process that is less likely to cause accidents or injuries.

Drilling is a vital technology for the mining industry. It allows us to access mineral deposits that would
otherwise be unavailable, and it helps us to extract minerals more efficiently and safely. As the world's
demand for minerals continues to grow, drilling will become even more important in ensuring that we
have a reliable supply of these essential resources.

In addition to the benefits mentioned above, drilling can also be used to:

- Install monitoring equipment in mines to track the movement of minerals and fluids.

- Inject fluids into the ground to stimulate the production of oil and gas.

- Create wells for the extraction of geothermal energy.

- Drill exploratory wells to search for new mineral deposits.

Drilling is a versatile technology that has a wide range of applications in the mining industry. It is a key
tool for improving the availability of mineral resources in the world.

Reference :

The National Research Council's report "Drilling and Excavation Technologies for the Future"

The U.S. Geological Survey's website on mineral resources

The World Mining Congress' website on mining technology

A variety of academic journals and trade publications