EXPLOSIVES AND BLASTING
Blasters can also choose to assign timing to the detonators after holes are loaded and tested for continuity .”
The RFID feature is a much quicker process than direct contact logging or any other detonator programming method , according to Austin . All required detonator information is where it is needed , but , with RFID tagging , the logger display will still show all the necessary details about the detonator , and one logger can tag up to 1,600 detonators .
Unlike standard barcode labels , harsh field conditions do not impact the effectiveness of the RFID labels , Austin claims . Cold temperatures , snow , muddy- or emulsion-covered labels , or even heavy rain will not compromise the data embedded in the RFID label , making it the most reliable product on the market , it added .
In one operation , the use of Austin Powder ’ s E * STAR RFID resulted in a 50 % time saving over traditional direct connect programming
blasting feature will know . This “ wireless-fromthe-collar ” technology provides both high speed data transfer and no surface tie-in .
All these wireless innovations leverage the DigiShot ® platform , which , in 2022 , was updated with the new Ranger electronic initiation system .
The Ranger system , having a potential application in small-scale mines , comes with a flexible tagging option that allows the user to assign both hole location and delay time at the hole or assign delay times at any time the user prefers . This feature , the company says , enables the user to efficiently adjust the process to their needs , speeding up the tagging process . The user can also change the delay with the press of a button .
The Ranger offers a “ tag by plan ” option , which provides a pre-designed pattern ; the user only needs to align the correct hole with the valid hole number on the tagger . This feature significantly reduces the potential for user error , according to Dyno Nobel .
“ Eliminating misfires is crucial to ensuring safety and productivity ,” Braden Lusk , President , Dyno Nobel Americas , said . “ The Ranger delivers the safety and reliability that customers need by providing both automatic detonator detection and voltage verification in an easy-to-use unit .”
The Ranger system seamlessly integrates with the DigiShot tagger and ViewShot ® , providing a complete system for blast optimisation , Dyno Nobel says .
Back in Australia , Dyno Nobel has extended its relationship with Fortescue Metals Group with a six-year performance-based contract to supply the Iron Bridge Magnetite Project in Western Australia ’ s Pilbara region with DIFFERENTIAL
ENERGY™ blasting technology .
The contract commenced in February 2022 and , by mid-decade , could see Dyno Nobel provide 25,000 t / y of DIFFERENTIAL ENERGY emulsion to Iron Bridge .
Dyno Nobel says DIFFERENTIAL ENERGY tailors the explosives energy to the rock properties in a blast hole , resulting in higher energy blasting for harder rock types – such as magnetite – and less intense blasting for softer orebodies , waste and overburden .
In 2019 , Fortescue operations managers visited Dyno Nobel ’ s operations in the Iron Range of Minnesota and Michigan , in the US , where DIFFERENTIAL ENERGY emulsion technology is being used successfully on hard taconite deposits like Iron Bridge ’ s magnetite orebodies .
Hayne said : “ Customers are increasingly coming to appreciate how DIFFERENTIAL ENERGY can reduce downstream capital and processing costs , whilst improving productivity and reducing emissions from blasting .”
Austin improves blasting flexibility
Austin Powder recently announced the release of its new E * STAR Radio Frequency Identification ( RFID ) tagging technology to , it says , improve blasting flexibility and reduce the amount of time associated with detonator programming .
RFID technology makes it possible to identify the detonator without physical contact between the logger and detonator , according to Austin Powder .
The company said : “ Benefits of RFID detonator tagging include flexibility and time savings . In one operation , the use of RFID resulted in a 50 % time saving over traditional direct connect programming .
“ E * STAR RFID allows blasters greater flexibility on when to log holes , assign detonator timing and test detonators or branch circuit verification .
Hillhead showcase
EPC-UK used the recent Hillhead 2022 event in the UK to reveal its latest digital innovations and customer-focused services , with its booth playing host to virtual reality demonstrations of the company ’ s Vertex software package – a digital tool developed to combine all three of EPC ’ s blasting platforms ( Expertir , Expertab and ExplOre ).
Designed to refine and optimise blast performance , Vertex allows planned and delivered blast parameters to be stored before EPC Metrics ’ methodologies are used to assess customers ’ blast performance against incremental changes in design , the company says . By incorporating drone photogrammetry techniques and 3D modelling , EPC says it can use the software ’ s intelligence to reduce operating costs and heighten safety .
Expertir is the blast design software element of Vertex that works in conjunction with specialist drone technologies . It helps feed digital data to the Vertex software package to achieve the best possible outcomes for each performed blast .
Expertab can support MEMU ( mobile explosives manufacturing unit ) truck and drill rig operators in the field with a notebook version of the software . This can be used to capture drilling information digitally before it ’ s remotely transferred back to the drill and blast team to design the required blast , record results and information , and send saved data back to Expertir .
Using ExplOre through Vertex allows key performance data to be analysed together within an online cloud-based database , according to EPC . This allows effective decisions to be made regarding future blast designs and target blast parameter changes , improving fragmentation , efficiencies and delivering true ‘ mine-to-mill ’ understanding for customers , it says .
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50 International Mining | AUGUST 2022