Productivity improvements in longhole stoping with repumpable emulsions

Conference · Sat Dec 31 04:00:00 EST 1994

OSTI ID:433703

Thorpe, R

Bulk emulsion explosives have been used at surface mines and quarries for many years. Recently, this technology has been adapted for underground use in relatively confined work areas and in smaller diameter blastholes. From November 1992 to April 1993, approximately 20 tons of emulsion was successfully pumped and blasted in longhole stopes at Westmin`s HW Mine. This demonstration was undertaken to determine if the use of repumpable emulsions could improve productivity compared to conventional loading. Hole diameters were 54 mm, 76 mm and 89 mm, up to 24 m in length, and oriented from vertically up to vertically down. In each ring of holes, the collars were staggered to maintain a constant powder factor. Compared to gravity or pneumatically loading ANFO or cartridged explosives, repumpable emulsions have been loaded two to four times faster, in stoping operations. Other factors considered in this program were operating costs, physical effort required of the loading crew, efficiency, waste control and safety.

• OSTI ID: 433703
• Report Number(s): CONF-940144--
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

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BLAST EFFECTS
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CHEMICAL EXPLOSIVES
EXPLOSIVE FRACTURING
PERFORMANCE
UNDERGROUND MINING