Optimization study of blasting operations in Roşia Poieni open pit mine, Romania

Abstract

Purpose. Drilling-blasting technology is one of the simplest and most often used techniques in open pit mining. This allows the excavation of a large volume of rock and useful mineral substance. The operation of blasting using the energy of explosives plays an important role in open pit exploitation, being also the key element of the blasting process through which a corresponding granulometry is obtained. This operation is a part of a series of interdependent operations, in the sense that each operation determines a certain result that will be an important element for the next operation that takes place in the working face. Consequently, the blasting operation with explosives should not be considered as an independent act. A global approach to the entire production technological process including blasting is required. Methods. In the optimization study, the basic method consisted in the analysis of the blasting operations performed at the drilling diameter of 250 mm (blasting technology used in Roşia Poieni open pit mining) and simulation of the excavation of the same rock volume, with the optimization of the explosive charge distribution at two other drilling diameters: 200 and 150 mm. Findings. The main problems when shooting 250 mm dia holes are caused by the length of the tamping in the mineralized rock that leads to the appearance of blocks with dimensions which are maximum allowed in the crusher tank (1.2-1.3 m). That is why discontinuous loads with intermediate tamping are used – the method that successfully limits their number. In order to obtain a granulometry corresponding to the primary crushing operation, which will allow to decrease the crushing costs, it is necessary to use smaller drilling diameters, but with productivity high enough to ensure the optimal development of the extraction process. Originality. Based on the performed study, it is recommended to use the discontinuous load, preserving the total length of the explosive charge. In the zones where the rocks have a Protodiakonov coefficient f > 6.5, it is recommended to apply an appropriate drilling diameter (150-200 mm) and use the intermediate tamping at 2-3 m length to limit the upper stemming area to a maximum of 7 m (to limit or eliminate the occurrence of oversized blocks). Practical implications. The research results will enhance the geometric and safety factors of the operation, limiting the explosion effect on the massif and the environment and reducing the total costs of the cutting operation. The cost of explosives and initiating materials can be reduced by using a smaller quantity of explosive gels in a dry environment (12-18 kg/hole), the difference in the explosive charge length being completed with AM 1.