Design of blast pattern with perimeter controls for use in poor ground conditions

Abstract

This study contains research information on how to counter adverse results (over break, dilution and reduced safety) when conducting blasting operations using Mimosa mine in Zvishavane as a case study. Two perimeter blasting techniques were incorporated into the original blasting pattern used at the mine in order to analyse their effect on blasting operations as compared to the original pattern. To achieve this, a trial blast of each blasting pattern was carried out and the resulting mining heights, dilution and number of bolts replaced to improve safety were recorded and analysed.