Dilution control and vibration studies at an underground mine
- ICI Explosives Canada, McMasterville, Quebec (Canada). McMasterville Technical Centre
- INCO, Sudbury, Ontario (Canada)
- ICI Superior Explosives, Sudbury, Ontario (Canada)
A total of 33 blasts in the pillar recovery program at INCO-Crean Hill has been investigated by means of an extensive set of diagnostic techniques. These included, borehole deviation measurements, stope cavity survey, near-field seismics in both rock and backfill, in-hole VOD and fragment size analysis. The 200 mm diameter VCR blasts employed a variety of explosives types (ANFO, slurry and ANFO/Polystyrene) and deck sizes. The objective of the investigation was to control dilution and backbreak through optimal choice of explosive type and charge weight, without exceeding vibration limits in the adjacent backfill or causing significant degradation in fragmentation. The high quality experimental data, along with closely monitored borehole deviations and in-hole detonation properties of the explosive decks allowed the establishment of comprehensive near-field vibration vs. scaled distance relationship in both rock and backfill. The study helped identify the principal factors responsible for dilution from backfill at the mine. The analysis also showed that the two types of slurry explosive used in the mine and regular ANFO had equivalent damage potential to backfill. The key conclusions of the study were further confirmed in a second pillar recovery program, with significant potential benefits in terms of both dilution control and increased productivity. The paper details the steps in this investigation, and highlights the strengths and limitations of the methodology adopted in solving blasting problems in full-scale production blast environment.
- OSTI ID:
- 400820
- Report Number(s):
- CONF-950247-; TRN: IM9650%%226
- Resource Relation:
- Conference: 21. annual conference on explosives and blasting techniques, Nashville, TN (United States), 5-9 Feb 1995; Other Information: PBD: 1995; Related Information: Is Part Of Proceedings of the twenty-first annual conference on explosives and blasting technique. Volume 2; PB: 345 p.
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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