Usage of underground bulk explosives - Indian perspective

摘要

Ever increasing demand for minerals in India has compelled the mineral industry to expand their production base. This has resulted in exploration and exploitation of new projects. With fast depleting near surface/shallow depth mineral deposits being mined by open cut mining method, the Indian mining sector is poised to undergo a spurt in underground mining activities. The rate of progress in development openings in underground mines depend mainly on the method and efficiency of drilling and blasting technique employed. Drill and blast being the very first unit operation taking place in the mining cycle plays very important role in defining the other downstream costs of a mine. Even throughput of a crusher and beneficiation plant is highly dependent on blasting efficiency and balance sheet of a project can be adversely impacted by the improper blasting practices. The rate of drivage has a direct impact on gestation period and early return on capital investment. The present case study presents the role played by underground bulk system in fulfilling the critical requirements of one such project.