Abstract
Blasting is one of the most important stages in the productive process of a mine due to its direct impact on rock fragmentation, which determines the degree of productivity of operations and the extraction costs generated. In this scenario, an optimized methodology is presented for designing blasting meshes by using mathematical models that help calculate the geometric parameters of a blasting mesh, such as burden, considering the variables of the rock mass and the type of explosive to measure its impact on rock fragmentation and loading productivity (tons/hour). The main advantage of this method is the reliability of the design, which takes into account a greater number of variables that influence fragmentation and uses the principle of distribution and amount of energy in an optimal way. The results obtained in the case of application show that a change in design (2.7 x 2.7 square mesh to 2.2 x 2.5 triangular mesh) reduces P80 by 65%, from 17 to 6 inches, approximately. Additionally, the results show that greater operational efficiency was achieved by increasing excavator productivity by approximately 15.6%.
Highlights
Most mining companies seek significant unit cost savings in order to maintain a sustainable market position [1]
Contribution This research uses a methodology to perform reliable blasting mesh designs based on geometric design parameters, including loading, spacing, block length, overdrilling, and retardation times, taking into account the physical and mechanical properties of the rock mass, such as lithology, compressive strength, traction, and Deere RQD, in order to optimize rock fragmentation
Higher productivity compared with blasting with square mesh designs are obtained, as the fragmentation obtained is finer, which allows the loading of ore in less time and with a higher filling factor in the excavator buckets
Summary
Most mining companies seek significant unit cost savings in order to maintain a sustainable market position [1]. 3. Contribution This research uses a methodology to perform reliable blasting mesh designs based on geometric design parameters, including loading, spacing, block length, overdrilling, and retardation times, taking into account the physical and mechanical properties of the rock mass, such as lithology, compressive strength, traction, and Deere RQD, in order to optimize rock fragmentation. Contribution This research uses a methodology to perform reliable blasting mesh designs based on geometric design parameters, including loading, spacing, block length, overdrilling, and retardation times, taking into account the physical and mechanical properties of the rock mass, such as lithology, compressive strength, traction, and Deere RQD, in order to optimize rock fragmentation This methodology is based on the principle of better distribution and greater amount of chemical energy used to fragment and displace the rock mass. The power factor (kg/tons) is evaluated in order to obtain the relationship between the quantity of explosive used and the fragmentation of rocks in P80 and to evaluate the quantity of energy used
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