EXPLOSIVES AND BLASTING
maintaining a safe working environment should not be underestimated.”
HxGN Blast allows simple configuration of consumables that are used on site within its Blast consumable library. The consumable library is configurable to suit any chosen equipment supplier, which takes into account the large range of providers and different equipment options.
Estimated cumulative particle size is displayed as a curve detailing the size distribution. Blasting and design parameters can be adjusted to optimise the fragmentation, which potentially improves all downstream processes, including energy consumption, maintenance costs, safety, and efficiency at the mine.
The ability to assign multiple decks is another new feature within HxGN Blast. This is particularly useful when a coal seam or weakness seams are being blasted. Decks are set up in the Blast Project configuration area and are consequently assigned in the charging template. Timing options are also available for each individual sub-shot. HxGN Blast’ s user-friendly interface enables this to be carried out efficiently.
HxGN can display several strings or channels connecting the blast design
The toolbar offers a vast array of industrystandard timing templates for electronic detonators, such as; chevron /’ V’ formation, rectangle, oval, diamond, or manually digitised in the viewer.
Intervals can store actual information such as actual penetration rates, explosive amount, water level, and drill time. Once imported to HxGN Blast, they become properties of the hole and can be used to create Reports using the integrated ARC( Advanced Reporting and Charting) reporting functionality.
HxGN Blast is now enhanced with the integration of RBF surfaces, similar to those generated in MineSight Implicit Modeler.“ This instant surface generation is invaluable in many blasting scenarios, such as exporting a water table or mapping hardness layers.”
The HxGN Blast suite improves an operation by seamlessly integrating all departments in the blast process. It closes the loop in the drill and blast world, providing design, execution, and evaluation by delivering timely feedback to the engineer both pre- and post-drilling.
Drill and Blast features in Pitram
MICROMINE’ s fleet management and mine control solution, Pitram, allows mine operators greater control through the visual format, extensive planning capabilities and increased scheduling functionality. One of the features of the Pitram solution is the Drill and Blast
Management module which focuses on the planning stage of the drilling and blasting process as well as providing real time information on the quality and quantity of resource being taken out of the ground.
“ A key feature of the Drill and Blast module is the planning and scheduling functionality which allows for more control over your mining operation. In terms of the drilling and blasting process, this feature allows users to see planned drill holes, if they are ready to be charged, the amount of stocks that have been removed and the remaining stock available at any given time. With such a huge focus on optimisation around mine sites, a feature that allows for the planning and scheduling of your operation is a must have.”
Optimisation is also achieved through Pitram’ s extraction and ore removal monitoring which assists with the control over the resources you are mining. This control allows mine operators to know exactly what they are taking out of the ground, the quantities they have left and what quality it is. The Drill and Blast module also has grade dilution awareness capabilities that are assisted through the GNSS guidance.“ Working in conjunction with MICROMINE’ s 3D mine design solution, Micromine, Pitram’ s accurate plotting of drill holes assists in reducing the chance that dilution will occur. Knowing when grade dilution begins to occur helps the mine operator know that it is time to move onto the next drilling hole and not pursue cost inefficient grades which again is key in the pursuit of cost efficiency.”
Pitram focuses on the presentation of the production cycle data in visual format as MICROMINE believes the visual representation allows geologists to have an easier understanding of what is occurring and therefore allowing for greater control of the mine.“ The safety aspects of a visual format are also beneficial in a mining operation. As drilling and blasting presents many dangers to workers, knowing what hole is about to be blasted or drilled assists the mine operator their workers
The downhole view displays a charged blast hole with separated decks and two independent electronic detonators( red discs)
A Drill and Blast screen from MICROMINE Pitram
62 International Mining | AUGUST 2016