The Latest Generation of the Electronic System Enhanced Safety and Productivity

Abstract

Digital blasting systems represent a new, enabling step forward in mining process optimization, providing the mining industry with different ways to improve operational efficiency or even to develop new extraction methods. The new features of the systems also reinforce both the security and the safety of the blasting process. At this point in time; the second decade of the commercial use of electronic detonators, we introduce the fourth generation system; DTSP. As the need for efficiency increases in the mining and construction industry operations, Davey Bickford has adapted its technology to meet this demand. As the use of the system is taken up by many companies, the achievable benefits are more extensively monitored and accepted in many blasting operations. Two principal points are explained in this paper. Firstly; new system features such as RFID, GPS, multiblasting, synchroblasting, remote blasting through wireless networks, etc. are explained. Secondly a number of case studies are used to demonstrate the value added by these technologies, for the mining operations. These case studies include a large open cast mine in North America as well as a number of surface quarries where electronic initiation has been adopted for specific reasons, including safety, environmental compliance, productivity, and economic concerns. The current initiation techniques are described, as are the Key Performance Indicators used in the quantification of benefits and justification process. While emphasis is placed on the opportunities that the technology offers, constant consideration is always given to the practical aspects of the blasting process, which will ultimately drive the success or failure of this program.