EXPLOSIVES AND BLASTING_proof 19/07/2016 08:55 Page 9
EXPLOSIVES AND BLASTING
EPC-Metrics remote vibration
monitoring
EPC-Metrics was recently launched at the
Hillhead quarrying exhibition by EPC-UK in
partnership with Datum Monitoring. The service
offers a remote monitoring platform for blast
vibration and air over-pressure. Unlike
conventional standalone seismographs where
units must be placed out each time with results
manually downloaded, remote system offer onetime setup with instant data availability. The fixed
stations provide a consistent point of reference –
a crucial part of generating reliable predictive
models.
EPC-UK told IM: “The EPC-Metrics service
offers remote, solar powered monitoring stations
for both short and long term projects. Remote
monitors can be installed at sensitive locations
around a blasting area. These can be configured
with customisable triggers, which once activated,
automatically send event data to cloud-based
service with results immediately published to the
web portal. The platform can be configured to
send alerts upon receipt of an event to
predefined users and user groups through email
and text message notification.”
Reducing underground blasting costs
AEL Mining Services says it has successfully
demonstrated that it can reduce its customers’
operational cost of blasting underground
significantly, by making use of the Vertical Drop
emulsion delivery system, which has a short
payback period. This is according to Ashworth
Chiringa, Regional Mining Engineer at AEL
Zimbabwe, who says mines are looking to their
suppliers to solve operational challenges to
remain competitive, such as drastically reducing
EPC-Metrics offers a remote monitoring platform
for blast vibration and air over-pressure
64 International Mining | AUGUST 2016
A Vertical Drop emulsion
reticulation system has
been developed by AEL
to enable emulsion and
sensitiser to be delivered
through piping to
underground storage
facilities adjacent to the
workings
equipment costs and
eliminating operational
downtime. The JSE-listed
AECI Group, of which AEL
is a subsidiary, says it is
“focused on delivering
cost-effective solutions to
the mining industry
during what has been a
challenging economic
environment over the past
few years.”
“Projects such as the installation and
operation of the Vertical Drop emulsion delivery
system are all about adding value to the customer
through equipment and blast efficiencies, which
result in operational cost savings and increased
levels of output,” says Chiringa.
The company says that the Vertical Drop
delivery system is fast becoming the globally
accepted best practice for the delivery of
emulsion to underground operations by
transporting these products safely through a
reticulation system of piping to an access point
adjacent to the workings. Chiringa says this
infrastructure is “a perfect example of AEL’s
innovative approach” and he highlights the
benefits that the Vertical Drop has provided to a
platinum mine in Zimbabwe, which has a
production rate of 1.8 Mt/y. The increase in
production and rapid advance of underground
workings at the mine in recent years had
increased the distance between the working
faces and surface mounted storage facility for
UG100 emulsion and the sensitiser, meaning
transportation was a long, expensive process.
Within an 18 month period, AEL equipped and
commissioned the Vertical Drop delivery system
at the mine. Tracking and reporting back on the
benefits and cost savings to the mine on a
monthly basis is currently in progress. Based on
the data, the mine will realise total annual
savings equivalent to 15% of the annual
explosives cost as the result of significant
reductions in fuel consumption and maintenance,
in addition to increased productivity.
“The total daily travelling distance for Mobile
Charging Units has been dramatically decreased
from 200 km to 70 km, which equates to a
reduction of nearly 50% in annual fuel
consumption for these vehicles. Furthermore, we
expect the Vertical Drop to ensure there will be
zero postponed blasts, a challenge which saw
the mine losing about 800 production tonnes
daily last year due to emulsion or sensitiser
shortages. We calculate the increase in
productivity that arises as a result of zero
postponed blasts to be worth ZAR10.5 million
annually,” Chiringa says.
The Vertical Drop also provides significant
safety enhancements because it reduces interface
time with explosives which are manufactured at
the working face during charging. Security is also
improved through the streamlined delivery
channels with seamless inventory control,
reducing the risk of explosives theft.
He concludes: “The data on the efficiencies
provided by the Vertical Drop delivery system
speaks for itself as an example of finding
innovative solutions to our customers’ needs.
While it is clear this infrastructure can deliver real
value to a single mine, mining houses can realise
greater benefits by rolling out these systems
across their portfolios.” IM