An Overview of Flyrock and its Prediction in Surface Mine Blasting using Soft Computing Techniques

Abstract

The occurrence of flyrocks due to blasting has certainly gained tremendous attention by recent researchers as well as mine operators since time immemorial. With the increase in demand for the mineral and subsequent thrust on the surface mining operations, the mining projects are expanding their scale of operations. As such, not only the mines, but also the nearby inhabitants are endangered. So flyrock is one of the most hazardous side effects of blasting operation in surface mining. There are several empirical methods for predicting flying rocks. The poor performance of these different methods is due to the complexity and difficulty of rock analysis. The existence of various influential parameters and their unknown relationships are the main reasons for the inaccuracy of empirical models. In this light, the present paper gives an overview of state-of-art researches and their outcome in the area of control and prediction of flyrocks. The paper discusses the significant contribution of soft computing techniques in controlling and minimizing the flyrocks. Furthermore, it lays emphasis on scientific and categorical identification of most significant rock explosive and blasting design parameters in the prediction models to enhance their precision and universalization.