The SAIMM is a professional institute with local and international links aimed at assisting members source information about technological developments in the mining, metallurgical and related sectors.
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DRILL AND BLAST COURSE 2023

Date Mon 28 August 2023, 09:00
- 01 September 2023
Location Online Event
Resources Drill & Blast Announcement-29052023.pdf
We are no longer accepting registration for this event

This course does not cover basic blasting practices nor processes, but considers the theory applied in achieving good blast designs for different requirements. Many engineers and technicians involved in blast planning and design, and those closely associated with blasting, for example geotechnical and environmental engineers, will find the course valuable.

The course will be presented online in PowerPoint over a five-day period between 09:00 and 13:30. Notes will be provided, and time will be available for questions and discussion.
This course provides a broad view of modern blasting methods for practicing blasting technologists, mine planning engineers, and engineers whose fields are directly impacted by blasting outcomes. The effects of blasting on control and production aspects of mining, and the impact on long- and short-term mine planning are discussed.

The course covers the basic properties, chemistry, energy considerations, and the relevance of detonation parameters of explosives, which will help in guiding specific explosives choices for desired results.
Fundamental design methods and how these affect fragmentation, ore dilution, vibration, air blast, flyrock, and pit wall damage are covered in the course.

Environmental issues related to blasting also include carbon footprint, fumes, and impact on communities living around mines. The risk of damage to buildings through ground vibration, air blast, and natural stresses are included.

Finally some useful information is provided on complex blasting solutions based on case studies.
There will not be a post-course examination.

PRESENTER

Tony Rorke
Specialist, explosives applications

I am a specialist in blasting in the mining and civils industries, with more than 35 years’ experience in providing consulting and development services in these fields.

My knowledge and experience include blast optimization opencast coal mines and quarries. I am also experienced in wall control blasting, blasting-related environmental studies, managing the development of blasting technologies (examples being blasting software and precise electronic detonators), and blasting consultancy.

Until 2017 I was employed by BME as a Director Blasting Technology and Director of Blasting Science, where I was responsible for managing a group of mining engineers, software engineers, electronics engineers, scientists and technicians.

I managed the development of the AXXIS electronic detonator systems, from the Generation 1 system to the most recent Titanium detonator. My team comprised electronics engineers developing electronic delay detonators, software professionals developing the associated software, and a commercialization team.

I have presented numerous papers on blasting technology at local and international blasting conferences.
I live in Simon’s Town, Western Cape Province, South Africa.

SUMMARY OF CONTENT:


INTRODUCTION TO BLASTING
1. Explosives chemistry
2. Explosives energy and detonation
3. Basic blasting ratios (powder factor, energy factor, relative energy).
INTRODUCTION TO BLAST DESIGN
1. Rock blastability and rock structure
2. Pattern designs, hole diameters, bench heights etc.
3. Deck charging
4. Fragmentation measurement and prediction
5. Application of electronic detonators – benefits and risks.
OPEN PIT LIMIT BLASTING
1. Presplit blast design principles
2. Trim blast design principles.
VIBRATION, AIR BLAST AND THEIR IMPACT ON THE ENVIRONMENT
1. Control methods
2. Evaluating limits
3. Causes of damage to buildings.
COMPLEX BLASTING
1. Specialized blasting
2. Ore dilution and loss
3. Impact of block geometry.