When it comes to successfully managing, drilling and blasting are part of the most technical elements to advance work scope and goals. Blast hands, more commonly known as blasters in Australia, have highly technical work to deal with. It is high-paced work with a heavy workload because of the nature of the risks involved. However, those interested in this line of work, simply need to prepare themselves for the work required before they can start a career of blowing things up. Blasters are required to safely and effectively load, stem, tie in and shoot large-diameter blast-hole patterns. The ideal candidate is one who is committed to safe work practices and strives for zero harm.
Blaster responsibilities and tasks
Blasters may work in conjugation with other team experts, but their job is assessing the blast patterns and determining the best procedures. This is a short list to briefly explain what is expected of a blaster on a daily basis:
- Monitoring and directing all blast pattern activities to ensure safety and effectiveness
- Conduct blast field tests to determine the state of explosives due for use
- Assisting and guiding in all blast objectives assumptions, needs, and results
- Ensuring that all blast works follow regulations and site safety protocols
What is blast hole drilling?
Blast hole drilling is a technique used in mining projects where holes are drilled into a surface for them to be packed with explosives for detonation. The aim is to create cracks in the rock/soil that facilitate room for further drilling and associated mining activity. Blast and hole works are a primary surface procedure for all kinds of mining operations. They must always be guided by comprehensive blast plans. Blast hole drilling is traditionally used wherever mining companies want to explore the mineral composition or potential mineral yield of the area of their interests. This applies to both surface and underground mining operations. The steps taken for the nationwide drill and blast are listed below:
- Location survey
- Environment and soil type research
- Planning of drilling patterns
- Blast holes are drilled
- Charging the blast hole with explosives
- Explosive detonation in a planned sequence
- Rock is broken up to be cleaned away
Mine blasting processes
Drilling is most typically carried out by hand, hammer and drilling tools which can be a slow process in hard-rock mining. Blasting will essentially happen in two phases: primary and secondary blasting. Primary blasting involves the initial breakdown of the rock in development. Secondary blasting is then carried out to rid the area of overburden.
Typical blasting techniques
- Open mine blasting
Open pit mine blasting plays a pivotal role in determining the needs of all other mining activities to proceed afterwards. The initial blasting will determine how each mining activity after is performed. This includes the management of bulk earthworks, transport considerations and so much more. Effective blast design is highly critical in this environment to maximise fragmentation control.
- Underground mine blasting
Blasting serves as a core method of commencing rock excavation in underground mining. Safety is a major concern in underground blasting conditions, and it requires that the blaster takes the time to accurately estimate and test to determine potential outcomes. Successful blasting will result in the clearing out of debris and the resultant tunnel is reinforced.
Importance of blast planning
Australia’s Dangerous Goods Safety Regulations of 2007 clearly stipulate that a blast plan is required for preparation purposes. The relevant authorities may request written blast records before any explosives are used to blast rock or similar solid soil material, whether on or under land or water. This is one of many tasks a blaster may be burdened with because safety is a top priority in this line of work. The purpose of a blast plan is to:
- Ensure that the quality of the blast creates the best fragmentation
- Reduce usage or strain on energy consumption
- Create plans for larger blasts in fewer intervals to minimize stoppages
- Facilitate a more streamlined mining process
- Ultimately, stick to all local, regional, or national safety regulations that apply
Safety remains a key focus in mining, and safe mine operations go a long way in contributing to productive mine results. Detailed and high-quality blasting skills and planning can assist in constantly raising the level of safety and all mining operations should aspire towards that.
If you or your company is looking for complete civil and mining services in Western Australia, you’ve found it right here with us at Complete CM Solutions. Our service capability is reinforced by many years of service in evaluating, managing, and servicing local mine projects for a variety of construction needs throughout the region.
