Effect of Wave Collision on Fragmentation, Throw, and Energy Efficiency of Mining and Comminution

Abstract

The chapter presents a review of the current literature on shock and detonation wave collisions in bench blasting and discusses how the resulting fragmentation and throw can influence the energy efficiency of mining and comminution. Wave collisions are now possible in a typical bench blast using programmable delays and the accuracy of electronic detonators. The objectives of this chapter are to: (i) explain how shock and detonation waves are created during a bench blast; (ii) provide a review of current literature on shock and detonation wave collisions with relevance to fragmentation and throw; and (iii) present the results of a recent study at a full-scale mine, which investigated the effect of shock and detonation wave collisions on fragmentation and throw at a granite quarry. This review chapter demonstrates how shockwave collisions can have a negative effect on fragmentation while detonation wave collisions can have a positive effect on fragmentation and throw and, therefore, overall mine efficiency.