Evaluation of the need for electronic detonator systems for blasting operations

摘要

Despite the growing availability of Electronic Detonator (ED) systems, strong technical justification, and the obvious potential to integrate with resource management systems, there is a surprisingly slow acceptance of their value. This issue is crucial both for the mining/rock-breaking industries and the ED system suppliers, since radically improved control over every aspect of blasting effects is not only indicated by science, but confirmed by experience: the licence to operate a mine, the project cash flow and the ability to operate in a continual improvement mode are all enhanced. Reasons for the slow take up in these systems are many but African experience has been positive, with upliftment of the whole mining process following conversion. While much can be debated around the usability and enhancements of various systems, what should not be doubted is the intrinsic step change they bring to the rockbreaking result.