Optimization of the drilling-and-blasting process to improve fragmentation by creating of a preliminary stress in a block

Abstract

At mining and processing complexes, many parameters today are evaluated from the point of view of the total process from geology to the final product. Changes in certain mining parameters inevitable lead to the changes in the following downstream processes. In this article, the focus is on the ore fragmentation, which is one of the most important parameters in many mines as it affects the downstream ore preparation and processing efficiencies, productivities and costs. In most of the cases, the cheapest way to improve the fragmentation of the ore is by changing the drilling-and-blasting design parameters. It of course increases the mining costs, but at the same time decreases the costs of the following processes, which are normally significantly higher. Therefore, authors of this article propose a new way of optimization of the drilling-and-blasting process by introducing new blast design modifications. Based on the analysis, research of the scientific information and the mining practise, the authors discuss the way of creation of the preliminary stress in the block of the open pit and hence improving fragmentation. Physical experimental blasts in “Belaya Gorka” open pit were performed and shown positive results reflecting a potential for continuation of the research in this direction in the future.