Optimization and Determination of Blast Design Parameters for an Opencast Mine

Abstract

According to the study of performance analysis of various unit operations on opencast mines, transporting and excavating equipments are primarily dependent upon the blast results, most importantly to controlling the fly rock, fragmentation, stress distribution, rock factor etc. Therefore, real life blast configuration is a fundamental factor that influences the cost of entire mining activities. As we know blasting and drilling are the most important unit operations in opencast mining, blasting still holds to rule the production of a mine. Consequently to cut down the cost of production and get most suitable fragmentation of rock, coal or any mineral from any opencast mine appropriate blasting design is an essential component of mine design principles. The proper method of blasting and drilling can make a contribution extensively in the direction of benefit and subsequently improvement of these parameters is essential. In this paper an attempt is made mainly to deal with uncontrollable and controllable parameters, which have a significant effect on opencast blast design. The Mine excellence software model which is developed by Dr. Sushil Bhandari is being tried for this model too. The developed optimization model is tested for three different coal mines and is found that some changes are required in blast design parameters. Software was used to optimize the fly rock which is in result helped in the optimization of fragmentation of coal. After optimization suitable parameters found, was used for developing the computational approach optimization Model. It can predict the blasting parameters and also compare the given details and give best results according to cost parameter. This paper gives examples of predicted parameters and changes which can be made before blasting to control adverse environmental impacts too.