EXPLOSIVES AND BLASTING
The RCU is designed to move personnel at least 5 m away from the underground development face and provide faster, mechanised charge-up options to reduce exposure time for existing operations
Since then, battery technology has become a key focus in the development of KGHM ZANAM charging vehicles. Between 2021 and 2023, the company manufactured 47 such vehicles featuring a batterypowered modular pumping unit, gaining“ unique experience in the design and operation of these systems”, it said.
The certified WS1.5L model is now equipped with the advanced ZB-2v2 battery system and a 115 kW Stage V engine, using two independent power sources. detonators.
Trials of the RCU are ongoing as part of Olitek’ s continued commercialisation plan.
Power options for charging
Still within the explosives loading space, KGHM ZANAM recently reported on its plans to certify the new WS1.5L charging vehicle, its latest machine design for blasting operations in underground mines.
The history of KGHM ZANAM charging vehicles began in 2013, when the first prototypes of the WS-150 and WS-170 models were introduced in collaboration with NITROERG S. A. Since then, the designs have undergone continuous development, with improvements made to operational capabilities, mobility and operator safety.
These vehicles improve the process of blasthole loading and, thus, shorten the time spent by crew at this high-risk location.
A breakthrough in the Poland-based company’ s product development occurred in 2018 with the WS-172 model, which introduced battery power for the working system, eliminating the need to rely solely on a mine’ s power grid. This solution increased the machine’ s autonomy, simplified operations and improved ease of use in underground conditions.
The certified WS1.5L model is now equipped with the advanced ZB-2v2 battery system and a 115 kW Stage V engine, using two independent power sources
Enhancing safety and operational control in underground mining
Traditional blast management has relied on manual verification, voice radio communications and operator confirmation before authorisation. While these methods have served the mining industry for many years, increasingly complex underground operations require greater visibility, consistency, and traceability throughout the blasting process. Remote blasting addresses these challenges by combining automated verification, electronic authorisation, real-time communications and system monitoring into a single integrated workflow.
The smartblast ® system integrates seamlessly with a mine’ s existing leaky feeder communication network or private LTE infrastructure to provide secure, fully monitored two-way blast control for both underground and surface mining operations, Becker Mining Systems claims.
It said:“ Built on technology proven through more than 15 years of military and commercial applications, smartblast delivers a safe, reliable and cost-effective solution for blasting in mining and tunnelling environments. By enabling remote blast initiation from a safe, designated location, the system significantly enhances personnel safety while improving operational control, accountability and blast management efficiency.”
Hard-wired central blasting systems and VLF initiation systems are expensive to install and maintain. Since smartblast works in conjunction with a mine’ s existing leaky feeder network there is no additional infrastructure required and less blasting wire needed.
A major advantage of the smartblast platform is its ability to operate across multiple underground communication technologies. Every mine has unique infrastructure, making flexibility essential when implementing new digital solutions. The smartblast portfolio includes the RB-1670( VHF / UHF), RB-1673
( VHF) and RB-1675( Private LTE), allowing mines to deploy remote blasting over existing leaky feeder networks( including Becker’ s own) or private LTE communication systems.
The smartblast RB1670 has the capability to initiate non-electric shock tube, as well as standard electric blasting caps.
The system can be used repeatedly throughout an operation and will give an“ answer back” or confirmed status of all or any one of the remotes. The remotes can be held in the standby( not armed) mode for up to 12 hours and still maintain the energy to initiate the shot.
The RB1673 is the VHF version of the system while the RB1675 introduces LTE communication to the smartblast product line and is available in LTE Cat-M or Cat-1. The RB1673 and RB1675 work on different communication infrastructures but both systems offer the same features – the controller unit is capable of commanding up to 64 remotes that can be either electric or non-electric, in eight remote groups.
A history event log keeps a record of information such as unit state, post-blast motion detect value, firing voltage level, battery level and the date and time the event was logged. Each remote unit has a sensor that measures the seismic motion that may be expected when a successful blast detonation has occurred. The controller unit then reports that a post-fire motion was detected, useful in underground operations when the successful initiation of a blast cannot be easily determined.
Becker concluded:“ As underground mines continue to evolve toward connected and automated operations, intelligent blast management has become a critical component of modern mining. By supporting both traditional VHF / UHF leaky feeder systems and modern private LTE networks, Becker Mining Systems’ smartblast platform provides a flexible, scalable solution that improves blast safety, strengthens operational control and supports the ongoing digital transformation of underground mining.”
International Mining | AUGUST 2026