African Mining February 2022 | Page 45

CRADLE TO GRAVE •

Easier timing , more detonators The ASIC chip offers more memory and processing speed , facilitating easier timing and centralised programming if the timing needs to be changed after being conducted on the bench . It also achieves lower power consumption with the incorporation of dual capacitors – so more detonators can be initiated per blast . The system can now manage 1 000 detonators per blasting box , doubling the capability of the previous generation .

Brits also noted that up to 20 blasting boxes can be linked and synchronised through hard wiring , enabling the possibility of initiating up to 20 000 electronic detonators in a single blast – doubling the capacity of the AXXIS GII generation .

“ AXXIS has been proven in some of the largest mining blasts on record , giving mines the opportunity to conduct fewer blasts – thereby reducing downtime due to pit closures ,” he said . “ The ultra-low energy micro-chip is also less susceptible to leakage and cable resistance and extends the firing time to a maximum of 35 seconds .”

Speed , testability With the ease of use and on-bench logging of AXXIS Titanium , Hennie du Preez , manager AXXIS Support for the company , highlighted the one-step logging and testing of detonators , as well as the simple fault-finding and quick corrections on the blast pattern .

“ Everything is built into the logger , which can now do the programming , scanning and testing ,” said du Preez . “ The market appreciates the speed at which you can now fire a blast ; after the detonators have been programmed , you can start up the controller from the view site and blast within two minutes .”

The speed of the ASIC chip on the system ’ s board cuts the programming time by half , he noted .

Blasting for sustainability The accuracy of the detonation delays has been further finetuned , reaching a 0,02 % firing accuracy for consistent and quality blasting resulting in better rock fragmentation and consistency . He highlighted the positive impact this has on the efficiency of key mine measurables like loading rates and crusher throughput , which in turn reduces carbon footprint in pursuit of sustainability targets .

Accurate blast design and initiation also allows mines to ensure they are operating within regulatory limits regarding vibration control .

“ Commands from the operator are written into the detonator ’ s non-volatile memory , so that it cannot be over-written or deleted ,” he said . “ This is very useful for post-blast analysis if required , even the blast command is recorded by the memory chip .”

Integration He highlights the value of technological integration of AXXIS with the company ’ s other innovative solutions such as its BLASTMAP blast planning software , XPLOLOG platform and cloud-based storage for post-blast analysis . The system also integrates with third-party blasting software .

He pointed out , “ This aims at giving customers better control of the entire blasting process , as well as customised reports and data solutions to optimise efficiency and cost .”

Roll out The commercialisation of AXXIS Titanium follows extensive laboratory and field testing in South Africa , leading to the recent award of an Inspection Authority certificate by the Department of Mineral Resources and Energy . Uptake of AXXIS Titanium has started in the southern African market , and the system will soon be rolled out to the rest of Africa .

Further afield , Australia is also a target for this upgrade , especially due to the complexity of their coal seams and methods – such as through-seam blasting , said du Preez .

“ With multiple seams requiring the loading of detonators to prevent contamination of coal with waste , longer firing delays are an important benefit ,” he said .

The system is already certified in Australia , Asia Pacific and the United States , and the necessary regulatory processes are underway to certify AXXIS Titanium in Canada and the rest of the company ’ s global territories .

Training Providing the necessary training for customers to use the new system remains an important part of the company ’ s contribution , according to Tom Dermody , technical services manager at BME Australia-Asia . Dermody noted that the training has evolved over the years as mines have become more familiar with electronic detonation technology , and more recently as the Covid-19 pandemic has restricted access to mine sites .

“ We now split the training between virtual sessions online and practical sessions on the bench ,” he said . “ Mines ’ blasting teams can now do most of the introductory training online , which we then augment with a more hands-on training element on-site which focuses on practicalities .”

AXXIS Silver For customers in smaller mining operations , quarries , construction and demolition , there is also a slimmed-down version of this system in the form of AXXIS Silver – for applications that do not require such large blast capability . Du Preez emphasised , however , that AXXIS Silver has the same microchip , safety features and ease of use as AXXIS Titanium . The slimmed down version is due to complete the required testing protocols to achieve the necessary certification .

Features of AXXIS Titanium :

• Dual capacitors for inherently safe logging and testing

• Quick on-bench logging and testing

• Non-volatile detonator memory

• Programmable timing to 35 seconds , in 1-millisecond interval

• Delay accuracy of 0.0025 %

• Copper alloy detonator shells

• A robust downline cable of copper or copper cladded steel

This aims at giving customers better control of the entire blasting process .