What 'aches' my Industry?--Deviation between planned and practised blast design in opencast mines in India: a comprehensive analysis

摘要

A comprehensive analysis of blasting data of opencast mines has been conducted for variations in basic design parameters like burden, spacing, stemming and specific charge. 354 data sets of 19 mines belonging to the coal, limestone, and metal sectors have been analysed and presented in this paper. The analysis reveals that there are strong anomalies in the design and application of blasting methods in most of the mines in India. The deviation from the calculated values of the design parameters and the observed values is beyond acceptable limits. This in turn indicates a strong compromise on production in terms of breakage or fragmentation, loading and hauling of the blasted materials. Since there are significant spacio-environmental constraints in present day opencast mines, equipment selection must be in conformity with the production which in turn should define the blast design. The study provides an insight for planners and executing agencies in Indian mining industry when a serious introspection is anticipated for equipment selection in order to achieve optimal production with safety and overall performance of blasting.