Using Electronic Detonators to Improve All-Round Blasting Performances

Over the past 18 months the De Beers Consolidated Mines Ltd operations have made a concerted effort to move away from using the traditional shock tube initiating systems. These systems are being systematically replaced by the use of electronic delay detonators (EDD). Various trials were conducted in both host rock and kimberlite rock masses to improve tunnel advance as well as to optimise delay timing during trough openings [1-3]. The high cost of EDD's, when compared with traditional initiation systems, led to a number of detailed studies being conducted on the mines where EDD's were being used. These studies aimed to quantify the additional benefits when blasting with electronic detonators. The studies showed that the change was justified on the basis of increased quality control and reliability gained through the use of EDD's. However, these benefits attract other related benefits, like fragmentation control, and backbreak reductions. When compared to the shock tube initiating systems the increased development face advance and the reduction of oversize during production blasting using EDDs, compared favourably to the less costly systems. As blasting engineers gained experience and confidence in the use of the system bigger blasts were initiated in mass under-cut blasts and slot raise development, by using multiple hole firing and second delay periods between holes. In the open pit and sublevel open stope mining methods the control of the fragmentation distribution and the effect of the mass of explosive detonated during a blast is detrimental to the loading and hauling production rates and the stability of the rock mass behind the blast. With a stable rock mass the bench cutting can be executed to establish steeper overall slope angles leading to large cost savings due to a reduction in waste stripping. It is the purpose of this paper to indicate through quantification that the use of the EDDs as an initiating system improves all-round blasting performances and assists in meeting customer requirements. The customer being the ore treatment plant.     

Underground geotechnical and geological investigations at Ekati Mine–Koala North: case study

Since 1998, BHP Billiton has mined diamonds at the Ekati Diamond Mine™ near Lac de Gras in the Northwest Territories of Canada. Current operations are based on mining multiple pipes by the open-pit method, but as some pits deepen, converting to underground mining is being considered.

As a test of underground mining methods and to provide access to the lower elevations of the Panda and Koala pipes, the Koala North pipe is being developed for underground mining. Initially, the top 40 m of the pipe were mined as an open pit to provide grade information and a prepared surface for the transition to underground mining. Currently, Koala North is being developed as an open-benching, mechanized, trackless operation. Although the method was successfully used at several De Beers diamond operations in South Africa, it has never been tested in an Arctic environment.

This case study describes basic geology, mining method layout and ongoing geological and geotechnical investigation. From the beginning of underground development, geotechnical daily routines have been fully integrated within the technical services department, which supports the operation. Geotechnical, geological and structural information obtained from underground mapping and core logging is compiled, processed, reviewed and analyzed on site by the geotechnical staff. Conclusions and recommendations are implemented as part of the operations in a timely manner. This ongoing “live” process enables the operators to make the most efficient use of resources both for ground support and excavations as well as to address safety issues, which are the top priority.     

利用水源热泵开采浅层地热能若干问题的探讨

地下水源热泵采能技术作为一种浅层低温地热能的可持续开发方式,在我国推广应用已有近十年的时间。尽管推广时间不长,但发展速度非常之快,尤其是近3～5年。由于多方面的原因,我国部分地下水源热泵采能工程逐渐暴露出一些问题,需要给予足够的重视。本文介绍了地下水源热泵采能系统的运行模式及特点,简要地对国内外热泵采能技术的应用现状进行了综述,并对该项技术在我国推广应用过程中存在的一些问题,进行了一定的分析和讨论。     

Further Field Applications of Electronic Detonator Technology

The increasing use of the Daveytronic digital programmable detonators is continuing to yield data reinforcing earlier studies concluding that accurate timing will provide substantial performance and economic benefits. This study quantifies performance increases as they relate to fragmentation, excavation, vibration control and productivity in a limestone aggregate mining operation. High levels of field controls were adhered to during the drilling and blasting process as they related to blast design, bench preparation, pattern layout, drilling and blasthole loading. Following each blast, the fragmentation composite of the post-blast muckpile was quantified. The excavation and crushing procedures were then studied to quantify any down stream advantages due to improvements in fragmentation. This study will help provide the industry with more information as to the advantages of high accuracy electronic blasting systems over conventional pyrotechnic systems.     

The introduction of neural network system and its applications in rock engineering

The neural network system has been developing very fast recently. It has been widely used in many industries such as automation, nuclear power plant, chemical industry, etc. Neural network systems have a great advantage in dealing with problems in which many factors influence the process and result, and the understanding of this process is poor, and there are experimental data or field data. In rock engineering, many problems are of this nature. In this paper, a brief introduction to neural network systems is given. Problems such as what is a neural network, how it works and what kind of advantages it has are discussed. After this, several applications in rock engineering, made by us, are presented. Case 1 is ore boundary delineation. In this case, the rock are divided into three classes, i.e.: (1) waste rock; (2) semi-ore; and (3) ore for mining purposes. The neural network system built can judge whether it is ore, semi-ore or waste rock along the borehole according its corresponding geophysical logging data, such as gamma-ray, gamma-gamma, neutron and resistivity. Case 2 is aggregate quality prediction. In this case, the quality parameters: (1) impact value; (2) abrasion value I; and (3) abrasion value II are predicted by using a neural network system based on density, point load, content of quarts and content of brittle minerals. Case 3 is rock indentation depth prediction. In this case, the rock indentation depth under indentation load is predicted by the established neural network system based on the indentation load on rock, indenter type and rock mechanical properties, such as uniaxial compressive strength, Young's modulus. Poisson's ratio, critical energy release rate and density. In all these cases, the neural network systems have been applied successfully. The testing results are satisfactory and better than the existing techniques.     

A. Programmable device for simulation of tidal flux

An apparatus is described which permits precise, versatile control of simulated tidal flux in laboratory microcosms. A key component of the system, a programmable electronic control unit, can closely imitate any natural tidal function and is readily adaptable to other experimental applications that utilize timed switching capability. The programmable control unit is also cheaper and easier to operate than computer-based systems.     

表外矿石利用途径

近年来江西德兴、永平、武山铜矿开展了表外矿石回收利用的研究工作,总结了三种利用表外矿石的途径,（１）调整采矿指标,充分利用表外矿石的范围,（２）合理搭配矿石,综合回收表外矿石的有用组份,（３）结合市场动态,经济合理地改进开采计划和采用有效的采矿方法等实践证明其方法是可行的,既可充分合理利用资源,又可提高经济效益     

Gas emission prediction and recovery in underground coal mines

Strata gas can be released and captured from non-active and active gas resources either from virgin or relaxed strata, both prior to and when mining activities take place. The high and irregular gas emissions associated with high production longwall mining have provided a need to optimise the methods used to predict these gas levels and the ventilation requirements for gas dilution. A forecast of gas emissions during development drivage and longwall mining indicated possible gas and ventilation problems requiring the introduction of various gas drainage techniques and in maintaining the necessary air quantities in ventilation systems to satisfy the statutory gas limitations for various coal production rates. Although there are sound principles used in world-recognised methods of gas emission prediction, a new approach developed from long-term practical experience in underground gassy coal mine practices and gas-rock mechanics studies appear most suitable for local conditions and mining systems in use. The Lunagas ‘Floorgas' and ‘Roofgas' geomechanical and gas emission models offer an effective solution to these problems. Both programs are the most advanced engineering, numerical tools available to calculate gas source contributions to total gassiness and improve the accuracy and quality of gas control, gas capture technologies and ventilation system design.     

Unlocking possibility of blasting near residential structure using electronic detonators

Ever since development of human civilization, mining and agriculture has been the backbone of growth. Today the most developed countries of the world are the ones focused on core economical development, be it power generation, steel making, oil and gas production, or agriculture. Mining has been gaining importance over the years both from the economic perspective and as an area of sustained research. With the advent of globalization, things have changed very fast and today it is an industry that is driving the economies of several nations. Global competition has propelled countries to reach higher production levels through better techniques of drilling and blasting, excavation and mineral processing. We now have bigger and faster drill machines and excavators. In Explosives technology too significant progress has been made towards having safer explosives and accurate initiating systems that have increased overall control over blasting in terms of vibration, fragmentation, throw, fly rock and overall blast economics. Explosives and Rock Blasting Technology has advanced so much in the last few decades that blasting can now be precisely performed, controlled and predicted. Development of new tools like electronic blasting systems and advanced simulation software has made it possible to customize blasting results as per requirement. These developments have helped mining engineer worldwide in reaping huge productivity benefits besides making it possible to meet the environmental norms even in most demanding conditions. Inability to blast large size shots on account of proximity of mines to human habitation have always constrained mine management in fully leveraging the strength of large size production equipments. Mine managers have been forced to conduct small blasts on increased frequency to provide feed to large capacity shovels while compromising on Shovel productivity on account of undesirable movement of shovels during blasting. This paper deals with a case study at SEB quarry of Tata Steel wherein it was difficult to fire a big blast due to existing nearby structures. A critical scientific study was conducted before successfully firing of one of the biggest shot of 83 tonnes in the history of quarry. The paper discusses the issues being faced, alternate solutions opted and the final outcome.     

High resolution X-ray fluorescence spectrometry for water analysis of metals in East China Sea

Within the last century, water pollution has become a major problem throughout the world. Aquatic systems are endangered by many different types of pollution but one of the most threatening is contamination by heavy metals, for example, Cd, etc. The presence of these metals is mainly due to industrial wastes or mining wastes being improperly treated and dumped into the water supply. The contamination may damage marine organisms or create changes in the aquatic environment. For these reasons, monitoring the concentrations of trace elements in rivers, coastal waters and open seawater is very important for environmental conservation. Like many countries in the world, China is facing the serious problem of water pollution in its aquatic system. Areas like the Yangtze River have been industrialized very quickly, and without proper waste control practices the pollution levels have increased with the economic growth. The Yangtze River covers thousands of square kilometers and crosses more than half of China before reaching the East China Sea.     

福建省安溪县地质灾害防灾预警体系建设探讨

近年来,安溪县在地质灾害防灾预警体系建设方面卓有成效：①在福建省率先建立县级地质灾害监测预警系统;②在福建省率先建立县级地质灾害气象监测预警系统;③每年台风暴雨前由县政府组织工作组到各个乡镇进行汛前检查,督促落实各项防灾措施,工作组和民兵应急分队在防灾工作中起到重要作用;④建立了比较完善的8项地质灾害防治工作制度;⑤每年县财政都拨出专款用于防灾预警体系的正常运转。     

Controlled blasting in a limestone mine using electronic detonators: A case study

Except for very deep-seated deposits, open cast mining method has been recognized as the safest and most productive mode for mining minerals. Ever growing demand in minerals and coal has compelled the mine operators to increase the size of mine, which has resulted in an increasing trend towards large capacity open cast projects. Explosives and blasting techniques play a significant role in efficient opencast mining operations. There have been constant technological developments towards safer, faster, economical and more efficient blasting systems. Further, globally increased competitiveness has necessitated to carryout blasts in such a way that the desired degree of fragmentation is achieved in the primary blast, with minimum undesired side effects such as ground vibration, air blast/noise, flyrock, generation of oversize boulders, formation of toe, and over break or back break. Hence, the ultimate objective of the blasting engineer is to ensure that the blasts are carried out in an eco-friendly manner. This paper presents a case study of limestone mine where a controlled blasting was conducted near a green structure of wagon tippler (at 2 m) being constructed for foundation work of belt conveyor as the mine management wants to double the existing production. This paper deals with controlled blast design and its implementation using electronic detonators with signature hole technique.     

Comparison of linear solvers for equilibrium geochemistry computations

Equilibrium chemistry computations and reactive transport modelling require the intensive use of a linear solver under very specific conditions. The systems to be solved are small or very small (4 × 4 to 20 × 20, occasionally larger) and are very ill-conditioned (condition number up to 10¹⁰⁰). These specific conditions have never been investigated in terms of the robustness, accuracy, and efficiency of the linear solver. In this work, we present the specificity of the linear system to be solved. Several direct and iterative solvers are compared using a panel of chemical systems, including or excluding the formation of mineral species. We show that direct and iterative solvers can be used for these problems and propose computational keys to improve the chemical solvers.     

土耳其贝帕扎里矿区边缘对接井施工中的问题分析与处理

土耳其贝帕扎里天然碱矿是土耳其现已发现的2个天然碱矿之一,现今采矿区域到达矿区边缘,为了在规范条件下最大程度提高资源回采率,需在矿区边缘布置对接井组对矿区边缘的矿产进行水溶开采。矿区边缘地质条件复杂,多条褶皱带和断裂带位于本文研究区域。在前期钻井施工过程中,发现此区域有明显的地质异常情况,如首采层的尖灭、呈V形变化、倾角大且不规则变化等。针对贝帕扎里矿区边缘对接井组施工中出现的几个典型异常问题,采用了套管锻铣技术、方位伽马配合定向钻进及“慧磁”中靶系统、增加勘探井布井密度等技术措施,有效地解决了出现的问题。     

Developing a Geological Management Information System： National Important Mining Zone Database

INTRODUCTIONGeographic information systems (GIS) is a newtechnology of storing and processing spatial informa-tion , which can combine graphics with many types ofdatabase .It can also exhibit accurate and real spaceinformation with charts and texts according to actualneed ,and canintegrate geographic locations and cor-related data attributes as an organic whole .Geoscien-tists have shown GIS to be a very useful tool in theanalysis of geoscience problems (Zhao et al .,2004 ;Singer ,1993…     

Hypogeal geological survey in the “Grotta del Re Tiberio” natural cave (Apennines, Italy): a valid tool for reconstructing the structural setting

As karst systems are natural windows to the underground, speleology, combined with geological surveys, can be useful tools for helping understand the geological evolution of karst areas. In order to enhance the reconstruction of the structural setting in a gypsum karst area (Vena del Gesso, Romagna Apennines), a detailed analysis has been carried out on hypogeal data. Structural features (faults, fractures, tectonic foliations, bedding) have been mapped in the ”Grotta del Re Tiberio” cave, in the nearby gypsum quarry tunnels and open pit benches. Five fracture systems and six fault systems have been identified. The fault systems have been further analyzed through stereographic projections and geometric-kinematic evaluations in order to reconstruct the relative chronology of these structures. This analysis led to the detection of two deformation phases. The results permitted linking of the hypogeal data with the surface data both at a local and regional scale. At the local scale, fracture data collected in the underground have been compared with previous authors’ surface data coming from the quarry area. The two data sets show a very good correspondence, as every underground fracture system matches with one of the surface fracture system. Moreover, in the cave, a larger number of fractures belonging to each system could be mapped. At the regional scale, the two deformation phases detected can be integrated in the structural setting of the study area, thereby enhancing the tectonic interpretation of the area (e.g., structures belonging to a new deformation phase, not reported before, have been identified underground). The structural detailed hypogeal survey has, thus, provided very useful data, both by integrating the existing information and revealing new data not detected at the surface. In particular, some small structures (e.g., displacement markers and short fractures) are better preserved in the hypogeal environment than on the surface where the outcropping gypsum is more exposed to dissolution and recrystallization. The hypogeal geological survey, therefore, can be considered a powerful tool for integrating the surface and log data in order to enhance the reconstruction of the deformational history and to get a three-dimensional model of the bedrock in karst areas.     

Mining subsidence and its effect on the environment: some differing examples

 The impact of mining subsidence on the environment can occasionally be very catastrophic, destroying property and even leading to the loss of life. Usually, however, such subsidence gives rise to varying degrees of structural damage that can range from slight to very severe. Different types of mineral deposits have been mined in different ways and this determines the nature of the associated subsidence. Some mining methods result in contemporaneous subsidence whereas, with others, subsidence may occur long after the mine workings have been abandoned. In the latter instance, it is more or less impossible to predict the effects or timing of subsidence. A number of different mineral deposits have been chosen to illustrate the different types of associated subsidence that result and the problems that arise. The examples provided are gold mining in the Johannesburg area; bord and pillar mining of coal in the Witbank Coalfield, South Africa; longwall mining of coal in the Ruhr district; mining of chalk and limestone in Suffolk and the West Midlands, respectively; and solution mining of salt in Cheshire. These mineral deposits have often been worked for more than 100 years and, therefore, a major problem results from abandoned mines, especially those at shallow depth, the presence of which is unrecorded. Abandoned mines at shallow depth can represent a serious problem in areas that are being developed or redeveloped. Abstraction of natural brine has given rise to subsidence with its own particular problems and cannot be predicted. Although such abstraction is now inconsequential in Cheshire, dereliction associated with past subsidence still remains. Received: 21 October 1999 · Accepted: 14 February 2000     

地球化学填图与地球化学勘查

在中国与西方国家，地球化学填图的目的与做法并不相同，西方的地球化学填图是由研究机构开展的，使用等离子焰光量计、X射线荧光光谱仪等大型仪器进行多元素分析，目的是取得多种元素在地球表层分布的基础性资料。地球化学勘查则由矿业公司主要分析少量成矿元素，目的是为了找矿。而中国的地球化学填图计划却做出了巨大努力，使地球化学填图取得的资料既有学术价值又对矿产勘查具有重大的实用意义。本文详细讨论了西方国家与中国地球化学填图与地球化学勘查的思路、方法与技术的演变，并瞻望了地球化学填图在21世纪的巨大发展前景。     

Advanced techniques in site characterization and mining hazard detection for the underground coal industry

Today's highly productive coal mining systems represent large capital investments. Careful geotechnical planning and design are essential to protect these systems and to help ensure their overall success. Too often, however, the ability of the mine operator to adequately characterize the geotechnical environment and keep up with changing geologic conditions lags the advance rate of the mining equipment. Seismic tomographic imaging, based on the same principles as medical Computer-Aided-Tomography (CAT) Scans, offers the ability to identify changing geologic conditions, loading patterns, and the location of nearby abandoned mine workings. Although seismic tomography has been used for many years in the oil industry, until recently its practicality in the mining industry has been limited because the processes involved interfered with mining productivity and were labor-intensive in terms of data collection and interpretation. New advancements in signal processing have greatly enhanced the speed, resolution, and range of applications of tomographic imaging in underground coal mine settings.Many tomography applications in the mining industry use seismic velocity and/or attenuation tomography within a volume enclosed by the seismic source and receiver array. Although results obtained using this geometry work well in many situations, recent developments in reflection tomography show promise in eliminating the requirement that the target volume be surrounded by sources/receivers. For example, in-seam seismic reflection tomography may now be used to image structures and/or old workings from one general location in the mine (e.g., face areas of mains and panel developments) well ahead of planned developments—largely eliminating the need to probe-hole drill on regular intervals. These new developments have greatly expanded the ability of the mine operator to cost-effectively characterize previously inaccessible areas of the property.This paper gives an overview of the theories and processes involved in seismic tomography applicable to coal mine settings. Recent examples are presented of tomographic imaging applied to a variety of coal mine ground control problems and old works detection in the United States and Europe. The applicability of both seismic refraction and seismic reflection tomography is discussed.     

山东省平邑左庄石膏矿区非采空致塌机理与治理方法

平邑左庄石膏矿区曾发生过3次地面塌陷,但井下实地调查发现,该矿区地面塌陷并非地下采空塌陷波及地表后而引发的地面塌陷。根据矿区地质环境条件、采矿方法及井巷工程布置等因素,分析认为地面塌陷原因是矿山布置的第一开采中段未预留出足够的顶柱厚度,致使井下回采时揭穿矿房顶柱接触到上覆第四纪松散盖层,第四纪孔隙水携带泥砂泄入矿坑发生潜蚀作用,在矿房顶柱与第四纪松散盖层之间形成“天窗式”砂漏,第四纪松散盖层中逐渐形成土洞,土洞扩大并塌陷后引发地面塌陷。