Environmental improvement through blast optimization, regression analysis and prediction of blast vibrations at Kudremukh iron ore mines

摘要

Ecologica balance and environment a protection are the buzz words of the modern industrial world; particularly 'mining'. Taking a cue from the Earth Summit at Rio de Janeiro in 1992, awareness about environment and sustainable development has grown multi fold the world over. The Kudremukh Iron Ore Company, which is an eco-friendly company, has taken many ameliorative measures in the field of Environmental protection since the inception of the company. "Blasting", one of the important activities in rock-fragmentation delivers a violent impact, spending the explosive energy in overcoming the compressive strength of the rock, and causing the ultimate rock failure. Experience has shown that only 30 percent - 40 percent of the explosive energy actually gets utilized in rock-fragmentation; while the rest gets converted into blast vibrations and noise (air-blast). This paper highlights the steps taken by the company with regard to ' regression analysis' and "prediction" of blast vibrations which gains significance particularly while carrying out blasting activities in sensitive areas and in the vicinity of important industrial or domestic structures. It has helped in making "blasting" as an environment-friendly activity at Kudremukh!