Modern Quarrying Q1 2019

KEY TAKEAWAYS

In today’s aggregate production operations, there is stiff competition based on quality and cost

One parameter that has a significant effect on unit costs in aggregate mines is the cost of drilling-blasting

In recent, there been greater focus on the development of new electronic products that allow to leverage blasting products and practice to achieve lower-cost production cycles and improved safety

BME is taking advantage of the latest move towards digital technology with its AXXIS GII electronic detonator being at the forefront

Blasting is one of the most important operations, and has substantial technical and economic effect on mining/quarrying projects.

I n today’s aggregate production operations, there is fierce competition based on quality and cost. Primitive and unplanned work, not using technology in a rational way and ignoring research and development findings can all negatively affect producers in this competitive environment. One parameter that has a significant effect on unit costs in aggregate mines is the cost of drilling-blasting. Blasting is one of the most important operations, and has substantial technical and economic effect on the mining projects. In such projects, the prime aim of blasting operations is rock fragmentation that is necessary for subsequent processes – such as such as load and haul, crushing and screening – to achieve a higher efficiency. Good blast design and execution are essential for successful mining oper- ations. Improper or poor practices in blasting can have a severely ill impact

on the economics of a mine/quarry. How significant is the blasting pro- cess to the overall mining efficiency and productivity of the quarry? Research company, ResearchGate finds that conditions of the drilling and blasting process directly affect the loading and hauling processes, which are considered among the major steps of mining. Selecting the wrong blasting pattern may cause inadequate loose volume at the end of the explosion and/or unwanted

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QUARTER 1 - 2019 MODERN QUARRYING