DRILL & BLAST
It’s important to design an eff ective blast pattern
Michal Wozniakowski-Zehenter on blasting safety in daily mining operations BETTER BLASTING
minerals. However, it is also one of the most hazardous activities in mining and poses signifi cant risks to workers and the environment if not properly managed. In this article, we will discuss various measures that mining companies can implement to ensure blasting safety.
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BLASTING SAFETY Mining operations involve the use of explosives to break down hard rock formations to access valuable minerals. As blasting is one of the most hazardous activities in mining, multiple measures can
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lasting is a crucial aspect of mining operations that involves the use of explosives to break down hard rock formations and access valuable
be implemented to ensure that all aspects of these operations go according to the plan.
RISK ASSESSMENT T e risk assessment process involves identifying and evaluating potential hazards, assessing the likelihood of their occurrence, and determining the potential consequences of such events. Some important factors need to be considered during the process, naming the site conditions as the fi rst one. T e location of nearby structures,
roads and utilities can aff ect the potential impact of the blast in open pit mines. In underground operations, it is mandatory to identify potential hazards associated with the release of hazardous gases, and the risk of rock falls. It is essential to consider these
factors when determining the blast design and the appropriate distance from the blast site.
Another important part is the selection of the explosives. Diff erent types with varying properties can aff ect the impact of the blast, especially, the amount and type of material used, the initiation system, and the placement of the charge can all aff ect eff ects including the stability of the surrounding rocks. In open mine pits, weather conditions, such as wind speed and direction, might infl uence the blast’s impact on nearby structures and communities. Regardless of where the operation takes place, the experience and training of the personnel involved can aff ect the risk of accidents or incidents. It is important
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