Blasting at very close proximity to urban areas is typically a situation where both local communities and mining stakeholders get nervous. The context becomes logically even more tensed when the blasting operations have to be performed above an old underground mine. When mitigating subsidence risks requires firing the largest possible shots, the nuisance control (flyrock, vibration, and noise) required by local and national regulations, contrarily urge for being more conservative. OSISKO Mining Corporation is a Quebec-based mining company whose main property, 100% owned, is located in the heart of the prolific Abitibi Gold Belt in Quebec, immediately south of the town of Malartic, approximately 20 kilometers west of the town of Val d'Or. As of January 1,2013, the open pit Proven & Probable gold reserves stand at 10.1 million ounces. Since the beginning of operations in 2011, the total production amounts to 588,615 ounces of gold. The property includes the former Canadian Malartic underground mine, which produced more than 1 million ounces of gold from 1935 to 1965. This papers presents the company's experience in simulating, designing and shooting large to very large-scale blasts that conciliates the company's commitment to sustainable development, the strict observance of local and national legislation, and the prevention of ground movement that could affect the achievement of the operational objectives. Particular emphasis will be on integrating innovative blasting digital simulation techniques into the daily operational process, offering the company the opportunity of shooting a 1 million ton (2 billion lb) successful mega-blast, 205 meters (673 feet) from the closest residential area.
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