DRILL & BLAST


HIGH ENERGY bulk explosives IMPROVEMENTS O


rica has introduced Vistis, a range of high-energy bulk explosives that can deliver


fi nancial benefi ts for customers in hard rock metal mines. Vistis produces over three and a half times the detonation pressure of ANFO at triple the relative bulk strength. The energy levels generated and the speed with which they are released delivers optimal fragmentation that reduces overall operating costs either through pattern expansion, without impacting load and haul rates, or by providing broken stock that increases milling effi ciency.


The range consists of two primary


bulk explosives: Vistis and Vistan. The Vistis range is designed specifi cally for wet blast hole applications while the Vistan range is designed for use in dry and dewatered blast holes. When combined with the precision timing of Orica’s electronic blasting systems and its capabilities in drill and blast design, modelling and operational loading, the Vistis bulk system has the potential to deliver considerable fi nancial benefi ts to customers. Orica has worked with Evolution


Mining’s Mt Rawdon, Australia operation since the site’s commencement in 1998. In recent years, both parties have collaborated on a number of blasting-related business improvement initiatives. This has included the introduction of electronic blasting systems, blast characterisation and optimisation projects, and training of site engineers and blast crews. Following on from this, the mine


expressed interest in exploring the potential for increased mill throughput


via a high-energy blasting solution. “Orica worked closely with Mt Rawdon to understand what was important to the mine before proposing changes. The close working relationship, measurement of all the critical metrics around mining and milling and changing the way we operated the milling processing all contributed to the results. The step change achieved from the Vistis system has been a key enabler of the mine to mill success and achieving signifi cant value for Mt Rawdon,” says Mark Boon, general manager, Mt Rawdon Operations. Over the course of the trial, the


project was able to deliver mill throughput improvements of 6%, a reduction in specifi c energy of over 7% and dig rate increases of up to 15%. In waste domains, pattern expansion of up to 55% was also achieved, resulting in considerable operational and fi nancial improvements for the mine. 


For more information visit www.oricaminingservices.com


Radar sensing solution launched H


exagon Mining used the recent MINExpo event to showcase its new remote sensing monitoring


system. The IBIS-FB, an IDS GeoRadar product, is designed to support the assessment of blasting operations and control their impact on both the pit slopes and nearby structures. IBIS-FB is an innovative solution to


qualitatively and quantitatively monitor blast vibrations. Based on microwave interferometry technology, it integrates standard vibration monitoring systems, providing remote broad area measurements of ground vibrations with high accuracy. The system avoids the need to physically place any sensor or marker on the slope by acquiring


users can determine the role of blasting and pit stability. The user receives broad area measurements of the following from each blast: displacement, velocity, and acceleration trends over distance and time; peak particle velocity (PPV); and spectral distribution. “Our monitoring technologies


ensure that mines are designed and maintained to ensure safety and profi tability,” says Hexagon Mining president, Hélio Samora. “Solutions such as the IBIS-FB are pivotal to the integrated and innovative technology in our life-of-mine approach.” 


a large dataset at various distances during each blast. Using this data the


For more information visit www.hexagonmining.com


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