The role of different explosives in reducing energy and emissions in mining comminution for sustainable improvement

Abstract

In the mining industry, comminution represents one of the most energy-intensive activities that generate large amounts of CO2, making it a great challenge to the industry. Using high explosives in the blasting operation can cover this comminution-related challenge. In this study, the effect of blasting on the comminution was investigated considering the mentioned challenge by blasting samples of granite rock mass using three types of common explosive materials, namely ANFO, emulite, and pentolite, at different powder factors, contrasting with other studies that focus primarily on increasing the powder factor of a specific type of explosive. Based on the results of this study, it was observed that compared to ANFO, other explosives tested in this work increased the energy consumption per ton of rock mass in the blasting stage by 1.1–1.8 times, with CO2 emission for the ANFO, emulite, and pentolite measured at 0.78 × 10−3 kg, 3.10 × 10−3 kg, and 5.14 × 10−3 kg, respectively. Also, Using ANFO, emulite, and pentolite led to 4.47 %, 6.45 %, and 7.07 % relative advantages in terms of saving total mining energy in the comminution stage. Finally, CO2 emissions for the comminution stage were estimated using Bond's indices and regional electricity data.