Anatomy of a blast muckpile: Influence on loading machine performance

Conference · Sun Dec 31 04:00:00 EST 1995

OSTI ID:400800

Hanspal, S; Scoble, M ^[1]; Lizotte, Y ^[2]

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1. McGill Univ., Montreal, Quebec (Canada). Dept. of Mining and Metallurgical Engineering
2. CANMET, Val d`Or, Quebec (Canada)

This paper reviews the physical, chemical and mechanical components of what is considered to be the anatomy of a blast muckpile. These relate principally to geometry, floor, fragment size and shape distribution, density, hydrology, weathering, and diggability characteristics. The muckpile anatomy, the loading machine specifications and the loading practice all interact in determining the performance of a loading system. The paper reports on current field studies of blast muckpiles and loading systems performance. This work attempts to explore means for muckpile characterization which should reduce the subjectivity in blast and loading design and control. Data from two mines is reviewed in a preliminary analysis which shows the particular control exerted by size distribution and compaction on loading performance. The intent is to relate the muckpile anatomy back to both the inherent geology and the blast design, and forward to the loading system performance. The latter may include operating cost, productivity, reliability, maintenance, selectivity and agility parameters. Optimum blasting should encompass the design of a muckpile which is tailored to suit the loading machine-system.

• OSTI ID: 400800
• Report Number(s): CONF-950247--
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

01 COAL, LIGNITE, AND PEAT
42 ENGINEERING
DESIGN
DISTRIBUTION
EXPLOSIVE FRACTURING
HAULAGE EQUIPMENT
PARTICLE SIZE
PERFORMANCE
RESERVOIR ROCK
ROCK MECHANICS
SURFACE MINING