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DRILL & BLAST


What impact will advances in computer modelling have in the future?


PDS: Computer modelling gives rise to optimised processes and fragmentation. Blasting is one of the primary functions in any mining operation. As well as the fact that it generally constitutes between 30 to 40% of the mining cost, blasting also aff ects the cost-eff ectiveness of downstream


activities such as load and haul, safety, tyre life for trucks, crushing and milling. T us, optimisation will enable greater cost eff ectiveness in the whole chain.


What about the explosives themselves, how do you think that they will change?


PDS: In the past explosives technology has changed drastically, from NG to slurry (water gel) and to


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On the detonators front, I expect to see much safer technology, such as non-primary explosive detonators (NPED) with digital control, for more precise timing. Mega-blast technology will greatly reduce ground vibration, incorporating a ‘signature- hole blast’ technique, as we shift more to digital initiation systems


Blasting expert, Partha Das Sharma


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