Optimization of ring blasting in sublevel stoping gold mine

Abstract

Important parameters that describe successful sublevel stoping operation are optimal fragmentation and low damage of rock mass around stopes. In current state of operation fragmentation of blasted material is not optimal since high percentage of fragments are oversized which requires additional sizing. Also, excessive damage of surrounding rock mass is found. By proposing new blasting pattern with slightly increased amount of drilling, but with decreased hole diameter decrease of explosive usage is obtained for more than 100kg. Along with better charge distribution it is expected that rock mass damage is to be decreased as well.

Keywords

• drilling and blasting
• ring blasting
• sublevel stoping
• fragmentation