Blasting News March 2015

Blasting News VOLUME 24 ISSUE 1 2015

IN THIS ISSUE • AECI blasts off Down Under • AEL wins top accolade at the 2015 ISEE Conference showcasing global leadership • AECI Mining Solutions unlocking the future of mining at the African Mining Indaba

Wealth Unearthed Printed on 100% eco friendly paper

Editor’s Note Welcome to the first issue of Blasting News for 2015.

As we’ve started the year focussed on purposeful delivery to all stakeholders, we would like to update you on our contributions to the industry during the first quarter.

CONTENTS

3

AEL INTERNATIONAL: AECI blasts off Down Under

4

AEL KNOWLEDGE-TRANSFER: AEL wins top accolade at the 2015 ISEE Conference in New Orleans

6

AEL CSI: AEL Egypt’s journey towards community

7

AEL THOUGHT LEADERSHIP: Explosives Today 12

13 AEL AFRICA: Getting to know AEL Zimbabwe 14 AEL SHOWCASE: AECI Mining Solutions unlocking the future of mining at the African Mining Indaba 16 AEL SAFETY FIRST: Safety is everyone’s business.

17 AEL LEGAL: What is Compliance?

18

AEL IN THE FIELD: Events round-up

19 AEL CAPTAINS OF INDUSTRY: Who is Trevor Roberts?

We begin by revealing some of our knowledge-transfer activities at the recent ISEE conference held in New Orleans during February 2015. AEL led the pack by empowering fellow global engineers at the conference on Explosives and Blasting Techniques. Ashlin Pillay, Electronics Field Technician for AEL, won the Paper of the Year award and in another coup for AEL, Simon Tose, Global Consulting Mining Engineer conducted a sought-after workshop on “Highwall Control” providing insight for blasters into the basics around “safe” highwall control.

In our AEL Africa section, we learn more about how AEL services the mining industry and is strongly positioned to provide premium products and superior service to customers through sustainable business relationships that extend over decades. We share details of why AEL Zimbabwe is the leading supplier of explosives products and services in that region.

As an international player, we demonstrate our support to various markets with our presence at key industry events such as the national Coal Safe Conference held in March and the Institute of Quarrying (IOQ) Conference scheduled for April. Read more about our latest trail-blazing innovations and superior service offerings that will be showcased.

Remaining close to our hearts are our CSI initiatives which uplift communities where we operate globally.

In this issue we share AEL Egypt’s CSI drive in Marsa Alam aimed at junior primary learners.

We round-off this issue by introducing you to another member if our Executive Committee, Trevor Roberts, Executive Director - Commercial.

To subscribe to Blasting News please visit our website www.aelminingservices.com and fill in the subscription form located under the Publications tab in the News & Media portal.

Enjoy the read!

Eubulus

Cover image: Old mine of Donbass, Ukraine Contact Details: Eubulus Pillay - Blasting News Editor I Tel: +27 11 606 0313 I Fax: +27 11 605 0000 I eubulus.pillay@aelms.com I www. aelminingservices.com

Disclaimer This publication does not necessarily reflect the views and opinions of AEL Mining Services Limited management. The copyright to this publication rests in AEL Mining Services Limited. Other product and corporate names used in this publication may be trademarks or registered trademarks of other companies, and are used only for explanation and to the owner’s benefit, without intent to infringe.

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Blasting News I First Quarter 2015

AEL INTERNATIONAL

AECI

blasts off Down Under AEL’s holding company AECI, the leading explosives and specialty chemicals company in Africa, and Thiess, the world’s largest mining contractor, have signed a five-year agreement, signalling AECI’s entry into Australia.

In terms of the agreement, AEL, a wholly owned subsidiary of AECI, will provide leading-edge explosives, initiating systems and technical services to Thiess in Australia.

AECI’s entry into Australia is aligned with the company’s clearly defined international growth strategy.

In addition to Australia, other geographies of interest are Africa, Brazil, Chile and Indonesia. Australia is one of the world’s largest producers of metallurgical and thermal coal and ferrous and no-ferrous metals. The explosives industry is nearly six times the size of South Africa’s.

To prepare the ground work, AECI Australia was registered as a legal entity in 2014. At the same time, a Managing Director was appointed, an office was opened in Brisbane and a site was developed in Bajool near Rockhampton in Queensland.

AECI and Thiess Senior Management teams

Bruce Munro, Managing Director Thiess Australia (l) with Mark Dytor, Chief Executive Officer AECI (r)

The site includes an ammonium nitrate emulsion manufacturing facility imported from South Africa, as well as storage space. The modular design of the manufacturing facility is developed globally and gives AEL the flexibility to grow capacity easily in the future. All the necessary regulatory approvals are in place.

“The first 140 tons of emulsion were manufactured on 25 November 2014 and a trial blast involving 550 electronic detonators was completed on 10 January 2015. Full explosives supply commenced in February,” says Mark Dytor, Chief Executive of AECI. Recently, Thiess concluded an extensive review of the Australian explosives industry, particularly in terms of products and services.

After identifying the need for a worldclass service provider committed to delivering added value in a challenging commodity cycle, they decided to approach AEL with whom they have a

long-standing working relationship in Indonesia.

According to Michael Wright, Executive General Manager of Thiess in Australia, AEL is a world leader that employs highly skilled people, provides a comprehensive range of products and services and offers an international footprint that matches their global mining aspirations.

Moving forward, AECI’s assets in Indonesia will be leveraged to facilitate the development of a regional supply chain framework.

The company’s Australian leadership, headed by Nigel Convey as Managing Director, is also progressing a new business pipeline, ensuring AECI’s emergence as a key role player in the Australian mining industry.

For more information please visit www.aeci.co.za or www.thiess.com.au

“Most importantly, however, AEL is fully committed to developing R&D programmes that have capacity to drive lower cost outcomes for mines. Given the competitive and complex state of mining, the partnership has the potential to be a real game-changer in the Australian mining industry,” Michael Wright, Thiess.

Blasting News I First Quarter 2015

3

AEL KNOWLEDGE-TRANSFER

The International Society of Explosives Engineers (ISEE) has awarded AEL Mining Service’s Ashlin Pillay the coveted Paper of the Year Award at the 2015 ISEE Conference held in New Orleans, in February.

The International Society of Explosives Engineers (ISEE) conference is a gathering of explosives users, manufacturers of explosives and drilling equipment, researchers and professionals involved in quarrying, mining, demolition and construction.

This annual conference looks into the industry updates, innovations, blasting techniques and widens industry leaders’ and peers’ horizons through diversification.

The ISEE has been presenting awards at the conference for many years in an effort to build the image of the profession and provide recognition to deserving individuals who contribute their time, effort and energy to the society, the industry and the world at large.

Ashlin Pillay, an Electronics Field Technician for AEL Mining Services, presented a paper that gave insight into a project at Ho Man Tin Station in Hong Kong.

The station is a cross-cut interchange station between the Kwun Tong Line Extension and Shatin Central Link which carries over 8 million passengers daily. The project needed to deliver on the construction of a sub-surface transportation network

4

Blasting News I First Quarter 2015

AEL KNOWLEDGE-TRANSFER

AEL wins top accolade at 2015 ISEE conference showcasing global leadership at this interchange. Due to the high

many, showcasing AEL innovations

conducting a workshop on “Highwall

volume of passengers, the project

that seek to revolutionise the mining

Control”. The workshop provided

had to be executed safely and under

industry for generations to come. This

insight for blasters into the basics

strict physical constraints and city

success showcases how AEL remains

around “safe” highwall control using

regulations.

at the fore front of tunnelling and

four industry case studies such as,

blasting technologies, whilst pursuing

“yes it snows in Africa! “ and “pushing

Pillay’s paper gave insights on

sustainable profitability and growth for

the split around the bend”. The

innovative means of tunnelling and

its operations in international markets.

workshop also looked into the trends

blasting applications that AEL offers.

in the science of hauling broken rock

The paper also focussed on first hand

“The award is a source of great pride

illustration of the actual work carried

to AEL and shows our dedication to

out based on the experience received

imparting knowledge which seeks to

Other topics discussed at the 41st

during this project. These applications

challenge the industry status quo and

Annual Conference on Explosives

responded positively to a number of

create the best possible environment

and Blasting Technique conference

challenges that were associated with a

for employees so that we in turn can

included health, safety and

project of this magnitude under a busy

provide the highest level of service to

environmental issues surrounding

business district.

our customers” concluded Pillay. AEL

blasting. Also covered were

led the pack by empowering fellow

regulations dealing with the testing,

global engineers at the conference.

handling and transportation of

“The blasting and explosives industry, like the mining industry we serve,

out of surface mines.

explosives.

is continuously innovating. Blasting

Another coup for AEL at the

operations in both surface and

conference was Simon Tose,

Congratulations to our industry

underground mining continue to be

Group Consulting Mining Engineer

experts!

receptive to new technology as it enhances productivity and employee safety. My paper spoke directly to those issues, how AEL responds to them and the kind of solutions we deliver as a result. The paper made special reference to the The Ho Man Tin Station and sharing best practice and how these techniques can add value to our industry,” said Pillay.

He further notes that projects like The Ho Man Tin Station is one of Simon Tose, Group Consulting Mining Engineer conducting a workshop on “Highwall Control” Blasting News I First Quarter 2015

5

AEL CSI

AEL Egypt’s journey towards community AEL operates predominantly in developing economies where socioeconomic realities such as poverty, joblessness and the wage-gap confront business.

These are areas AEL responds to in CSI interventions across South Africa, Africa and the developing world.

With an established presence in Egypt since 2009 with its bulk operation at the Sukari Gold Mine, AEL Egypt’s strategy is to use its resources to build sustainable partnerships with local communities for social and environmental upliftment.

With a greater focus on community,

Egypt’s CSI projects prioritise the issues that are most important to the area where we operate namely Sukari Gold Mine, Marsa Alam, the Red Sea. AEL has identified through formal assessment, the need for education in the targeted region – Marsa Alam. As such the CSI project has been used to further our commitment to developing learners by encouraging maths and science literacy.

We believe that providing the right environment for educating learners will create skilled future leaders who will join the workforce and add value to the industry with positive returns for the local communities.

AEL Egypt has implemented the following projects: • Supplying monthly drinkable water to schools • Painting and maintenance of the interior of the kindergarten school • Providing water coolers, whiteboards, a refurbished assembly area, eating area and sporting facilities.

The journey continues…

AEL Egypt proudly announced the 2015 strategy to maintain the school buildings and playground, install fans, water pumps and provide electric maintenance tools to the school.

Snapshots of the refurbished classrooms at a sponsored school in Marsa Alam 6

Blasting News I First Quarter 2015

AEL THOUGHT LEADERSHIP

Explosives Today Series 4 I No 12

Drilling Accuracy Werner van Wyk, Explosives Engineer Introduction Irrespective of your individual application of drilling and

needed for the drill bit size. Equally important is the hole

blasting techniques, a uniform fragmentation and clean

length accuracy. All plans require holes to be drilled to a

breaking to the bottom of a blast hole is of the utmost

predetermined depth to create a flat or at least smooth

importance. This requires accurate drilling enabling you to

floor condition. Failure to address inaccuracies can result in

distribute explosive charges to achieve your desired results.

downstream costs rising for no apparent reason.

Drilling accuracy is a relative term, as a 1m deviation

In theory all this can be minimised by drilling the largest

from a planned 2m x 2m pattern can be catastrophic, the

possible hole diameter for the shortest possible length.

impact of a 1m deviation for a 10m x 10m pattern will not

This in practice, is impossible and for this reason the onus

be as severe. Keeping in mind that large patterns generally

of ensuring accurate drilling is a function of the appointed

require large diameter holes which exhibit little deviation

blaster and his production team.

owing to the size and rigidity of the drilling equipment Blasting News I First Quarter 2015

7

AEL THOUGHT LEADERSHIP

Drilling 1. Sources of error

Figure 1

Figure 1 depicts and lists the most common sources of

more than likely the easiest and quickest to implement. No

drilling errors and is discussed further.

distinction is made between the blasting applications e.g. surface or underground applications.

2. Marking and collaring

Unless perimeter blasting techniques have been used, it is normal for any free face to have over break at the collar

8

Various methods are used for marking the intended collar

region. Figure 2 depicts the effect of over break on a surface

positions of holes to be drilled. The chosen method is

operation and the positioning of the next intended hole. Two

Figure 2 Blasting News I First Quarter 2015

One of the following methods could be employed to overcome

holes or employing controlled blasting techniques. This

the source of error:

AEL THOUGHT LEADERSHIP

methods to reduce back break include the use of inclined

raises the problem of marking the first row of hole in order to achieve the planned burden at the toe rather than the crest of

•

a bench.

Establishing a reference line at a minimum of twice the burden behind the back row of a blast. After blasting, the position of the front row of holes can be marked by

Accurate placement of the first row of holes, is paramount

measuring forward from the reference line.

as it will affect the intended result. Overburdening in this area may result in failure to break-to-grade and unintended

•

Using survey instrumentation to determine the face

fragmentation uniformity. Under burdening may result in

conditions and the intended collar position based on

unintended and unwanted fly rock.

measurements and calculations.

Figure 3

Figure 4: Undulating ground conditions Blasting News I First Quarter 2015

9

AEL THOUGHT LEADERSHIP

Figure 5: Inclination error

Figure 6. Incorrect set up 10

3.5m or 14% of bench height

Blasting News I First Quarter 2015

•

Stiffness of the drill string: Unlike the above factors,

the holes must be marked as accurately as possible. On level

this is controllable and the deflection can be reduced

ground the minimum equipment required is a string line and

by the following:

two measuring tapes.

AEL THOUGHT LEADERSHIP

Once the front row has been accurately marked the rest of

a)

Ensuring the drill boom is firmly placed against the drilling surface

The methodology is depicted in figure 2 & 3. The most

b)

Employing larger diameter drill rods

common error occurring when faced with undulations is

c)

Adopting down-the-hole drills

“crabbing”. “Crabbing” can be described as “measurement

d)

Using stabilisers

by eye”. It is extremely easy to make a judgement error of

e)

Limiting hole lengths

10 and after that it compounds to the end. In undulating o

conditions survey instrumentation is the recommended

Drilling equipment manufacturers can best advise on the

method. Should this not be an option for the environment, the

limitation of the equipment and to best mitigate deviation.

use of knotted strings and simple trigonometry can be used.

The problem is depicted in figure 4. Using painted stones to

5. Hole depth errors

indicate hole positions creates another potential error source.

The stones could be kicked out of position or moved by the

Undulating or sloped surfaces require the individual

drill rig operator or assistant.

calculation of hole depths. This can be achieved by the use of survey instrumentation or laser levelling equipment.

3. Inclination and directional errors

Incorrect collaring of a hole causes unplanned toe positions.

This effect is illustrated in figure 5 & 6. In the illustration a 2m planned burden is realised in a 1m actual burden with a 5o error. The second row was drilled by overcompensating for the error in a -5o error. This realised a total toe burden of double the planned burden.

The same method can be used for spacing. We have to

6. Under gauge, omitted or lost holes

remember that we are working in a 3 dimensional world.

Special attention must be given to the drilling when inclined

Under gauged holes result in a reduced explosives charge

holes are the norm or planned. Both the angle of the hole and

or the inability of the hole to accept cartridge explosives.

the direction must be clearly indicated to the driller.

Any rock with a high silica content causes rapid gauge loss and require frequent measurement of the gauge loss

4. Deflection errors

during drilling.

Three major factors influencing deflection or “wandering” are

Omitted holes can be difficult to identify in closely spaced

discussed.

patterns. Good supervision, clear marking and systematic working are required to eliminate this problem.

•

•

Structural geology: pronounced jointing tends to deflect the drill parallel to the jointing.

Lost holes are a common occurrence in some geological

Angle of drilling: Holes drilled off the vertical deflect

formations. The result is normally poor breaking owing

downward under the force of gravity.

Blasting News I First Quarter 2015

11

AEL THOUGHT LEADERSHIP

to the absence of explosives. A blocked hole should be clearly

Localised powder factor calculation for inconsistent spacing

marked and steps initiated to rectify it.

is: Spacing (m)

Powder factor (kg/m3)

2.76

1.08

3.0

1.00

3.24

0.93

Ideally this hole should be charged with explosives first to reduce the risk of another collapse. One of the causes of a collapsed hole is carelessness at the collar of a hole. Debris can be dislodged into the hole after drilling and prior to charging. Excessive fill material or the inability to clean the

3. Effect of marking and collaring combined

bench properly adds to the probability of the hole being lost or measured short of planned depth.

Discipline is the chief solution here, whether it is the preparation, drilling or charging operation.

Impact of drilling inaccuracies All impacts are calculated using two hole diameters as a reference.

Localised powder factor calculation for a combined inconsistent burden and spacing is: Burden (m)

Spacing (m)

Powder factor (kg/m3)

2.3

2.76

1.18

2.7

2.76

1.00

2.7

3.24

0.85

2.3

3.24

1.00

2.5

3.0

1.00

An assumption is made that all holes are drilled to precisely 10m and have a consistent diameter of 108mm.

4. Effect of inclination errors

The effect on the powder factor (kg/m3) is calculated as = Mass of explosive per hole / Burden (B) x Spacing (S) x Hole length (H).

The mass of explosives per hole is assumed to be 75kg.

1. Effect of marking and collaring (burden)

Localised powder factor calculation for inconsistent burden is: Burden (m)

Powder factor (kg/m3)

2.3

1.08

2.5

1.00

2.7

0.93

2. Effect of marking and collaring (spacing)

Collar Burden (m)

Collar Spacing (m)

Volume @ 12m bench height (m3)

2.5

3.0

90

2.3

2.6

72

2.5

3.0

90

2.5

2.7

78

2.5

3.0

90

2.7

3.0

97

2.5

3.0

90

2.5

3.2

96

2.5

3.0

90

2.1

3.0

75

Toe Toe Volume @ Burden Spacing 12m bench (m) (m) height (m3)

AEL Mining Services Explosive Engineers based at the regional offices are available to help and advise on matters arising from this publication.

This document replaces all previous Explosives Today on this subject including Series 2. No 36: 2nd Quarter 1984 (CVB Cunningham)

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Blasting News I First Quarter 2015

AEL AFRICA

Getting to know AEL Zimbabwe

A proud history of success and achievement

AEL’s history in Zimbabwe dates back to 1928 when Chemplex, a subsidiary of AE&CI, established an office in the country. In 1990, Chemplex was sold to ZIDC, who brought in Nitro Nobel AB as partners.

to strength. During the open pit life, in excess of 70,000 tons of emulsion were used to blast ore and overburden totalling close to 60,000,000bcm using a fleet of four AEL Mobile Manufacturing Units (MMUs).

AECI appointed Nitro Nobel of Zimbabwe as agents for accessories, and in 1993, AECI set up a permanent branch office, and formed African Explosives Zimbabwe in 2003.

During 2009, AEL supplied the explosives solution for the expansion project for the development of new portals for the underground mining operations.

AEL’s name in Zimbabwe is synonymous with the supply of the traditional ANFO, packaged explosives and initiating systems, and more recently, with electronic delay detonators.

AEL Zimbabwe supplies the leading mines with explosive solutions, and ensures optimal magazine explosives storage and stock in country.

Electronic Delay Detonators

In 2001, AEL was awarded an explosives tender by a leading platinum mine to provide Prime, Load, Tie and Shoot (PLTS) blasting services for the open pit mine. With a wealth of experience in PLTS in other African countries, AEL put together a winning bid in the face of stiff competition from other established explosives suppliers.

AEL was awarded an initial three year PLTS contract that heralded the beginning of a long term and fruitful relationship and eight years on, that relationship has grown from strength

Blasting News I First Quarter 2015

Through the application of the ‘Mine to Mill’ concept, AEL's platinum mine customer became the first mine in Zimbabwe to use electronic delay detonator technology, called Smartdets®, supplied by AEL's sister company, Detnet to optimise the mining-processing value chain. The Smartdet electronic delay system was upgraded by the development of the synchronised blaster, which increased blasting capability from 800 to 1600 detonators.

AEL's 13 member site-based team that services this mine consists only of local citizens with various levels of mining and explosives engineering experience.

AEL continually provides training to the AEL team on site, as well as customer personnel in order to keep up with technological advancements

and to optimise the effective application of its products. To meet the future requirements of the mine, AEL Zimbabwe has embarked on a skills development strategy through an intensive explosives engineering course for its field personnel.

Conversion to shock tube products AEL Zimbabwe has started converting its traditional fuse and ignitor cord users to shock tube products following the commissioning of its state of the art automated factory at its headoffice in Johannesburg. Already leading mines have recorded significant improvements in mining efficiencies due to the improved timing accuracy of shock tube assemblies.

Bulk Emulsion Products AEL Zimbabwe is proud to be a leading supplier of both surface and underground bulk emulsion technologies into the Zimbabwe market place. With decades of experience in establishing bulk emulsion sites, AEL Zimbabwe has the capability to mobilise at new sites at relatively short notices.

Business Contact: Langton Nyandoro, Managing Director Tel: +263 4 790846/7 Mobile: +263 712 613068 Fax: +263 4 794417 12 Rowland Square, Harare, Zimbabwe www.aelminingservices.com

13

AEL SHOWCASE

AECI Mining

AECI Mining Solutions

The conference provides

Solutions

showcased diverse

a diverse and proven

service offerings at

platform that gives all

unlocking the

the annual Investing in

delegates – investors,

African Mining Indaba

financiers, mining

future of Mining

from 9–12 February in

executives, government

at the Annual

Cape Town. Mining Indaba

officials, and other

remains better positioned

industry stakeholders

Investing in

than ever to deliver an

- exceptional access to

unparalleled deal-making

compelling investments

African Mining

and discovery platform

across the entire

Indaba 2015

for global investors and

continent.

African mining companies.

Participating at the Mining Indaba

chemicals and water treatment.

under the strategic pillar of AECI

resources from AEL, Senmin and

Mining Solutions, AEL Mining

As a result of the mining industry

ImproChem is able to provide value-

Services, Senmin and ImproChem

being such a dynamic environment,

added services to stakeholders such

aligned their processes and

companies are diversifying their

as customers and investors.

strategies to add more value to

offerings to all stakeholders

mining in Africa, Australasia and

ensuring that they remain receptive

For more information on 2015

South America. The main focus

to their needs.

Mining Indaba, visit www.

areas are explosives, mining

14

AECI, through consolidation of its

MiningIndaba.com

Blasting News I First Quarter 2015

Compliance is just as important as safety. Why? It is a function that exists by law and which all listed companies are expected to have. It is a company wide function that ensures that AEL conducts its business operations in accordance with the laws that are applicable to its operations.

The compliance function gives assurance to the board that AEL is compliant with applicable legislation. This function relies on the assurance it receives from business (line managers and employees) that it is compliant. Business uses compliance as a tool, to assess its compliance levels with the applicable legislation. The compliance function is not an audit function.

The function supports business in developing action plans to close off its non-compliances, where its self-assessment yields results that there are certain areas where business is not complying. Business in this instance develops controls and sets deadlines for when such controls will be

Blasting News I First Quarter 2015

AEL LEGAL

What is compliance & who is responsible for compliance? implemented to ensure that the risk of being non-compliant has been closed off.

This means that line managers and employees are responsible for ensuring that they are knowledgeable in the law that is applicable to them and that they familiarise themselves with the law as and when it changes to ensure compliance.

To ensure that AEL maintains its “Licence to Operate�, it must comply with applicable legislation to limit the risk of loss of revenue in the form of penalties or being subjected to reputational damage.

AEL employees must ensure that they are alert as compliance is their responsibility.

Should you spot non-compliance, email: compliance@aeci.co.za

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AEL SAFETY FIRST

Blasting and Safety – The Missing Link!

Henry Merrick, AEL Global Health and Safety Manager

It should be noted that progress has been made in the reduction of serious injuries and even fatalities resulting from mine blasting operations. AEL is committed to ensure that wherever we are involved from a blasting perspective, our safety focus remains the highest priority.

However, even though significant improvements in technology have been made, ensuring that adequate blasting basics such as blast area security, determination of the bounds of the blast area, removing of the people from the blast area, access control, shelters and protection, effective communication, training and education, policies and procedures and engineering controls, are in place and entrenched fully as part of the operating system.

At AEL the advances in technology have certainly created safer blasting products and have improved productivity and cost by enabling large, more efficient blasts. It is also critical that fundamentals and basics of blasting safety should be followed and revised on an ongoing basis. Factors

16

such as flyrock and toxic fumes must be taken into account to ensure the safety of persons and property. The big question remains, where do we go from here and what should be in place?

The consumption of explosives world-wide is growing on a daily basis and blasting is a great tool in fragmenting and loosening rock and other materials for easier handling and removal by mining equipment.

However blasting creates serious concerns for the mine operators and mining personnel if basics are not in place and fundamentals or principles are not followed. The following key focus points are of the utmost importance: Blast Area One of the greatest challenges, which any blaster faces in the mining and construction industries is to accurately determine the bounds of the blast area and we know that the blasting area is influenced by the engineering design of the blast, geology of the blast, legal requirements and company policy. The blast area security in underground

mining is much more complex than surface blasting. Blasting could cause ground fall in adjacent entries, exposure to smoke, dust or toxic fumes.

Post-blast roof fall and exposure to fumes have caused several accidents and we must prevent these from happening as far as reasonably practicable.

Thus the following checklist is critical: 1. Determining bounds of the blast area 2. Clearing of all employees, contractors and visitors from the blast area 3. Posting of guards at the access points to prevent unauthorized entry 4. Use blasting shelters where people are exposed to the blast area 5. Maintain effective communication with everyone involved.

Clearing all people from the blast area – everyone should be removed to a safe zone. Equipment should be protected from damage especially

Blasting News I First Quarter 2015

within the blast area. The accounting system should be in place and tested before the blast takes place. “All clear” system to be in place and no one should be able to re-enter the blast area without the all clear signal.

Access Control – Post guards at all access points leading to the blast area and proper signage such as “Warning!

Explosives in Use, Blasting Area, Do Not Enter!” may be posted at all access points – ofcourse all in line with set legislation. We know of numerous incidents where inadequate accesscontrol to the blast area contributed to fatalities or serious injuries. The role of the guard should be well entrenched as part of the operation, but this cannot guarantee safety.

Blasting Shelters – The lack of adequate shelters from a blast contributed to many incidents in recent years and as we know the blaster and blasting crew are typically closer to a blast than other people and need to use shelters that will provide complete protection from flyrock that may be projected from a blast.

Blasting News I First Quarter 2015

Effective Communication – This is most definitely the key element in preventing blasting injuries or even fatalities. Blasting activities in mining operations are complex processes and require coordination and communication between various role players, such as 1) driller and blaster, 2) blaster and crew members, 3) blaster and other mining personnel, 4) blaster and mine management, among others. Workers and visitors should be informed about the blasting signals, evacuation procedures, location and timing of a scheduled blast on a daily basis.

Training and Education – This plays a vital role in building up and enhancing the knowledge base of employees. It helps the blaster, blasting crew, and other miners to develop a high level of awareness to identify hazards and apply proper mitigating techniques.

Policies and Procedures – Ensure that policies and procedures exist, safety specific procedures should address all activities such as equipment selection, blast planning, determining the location of blast holes, pre-blast

examination of the face and high wall, evaluation of the drillers log, loading and priming of explosives charge, determining the bounds of the blast area, blasting time and signal, access control to the blast area and communication protocol.

Engineering Controls – Many mines have developed excellent site-specific blast guarding systems. At AEL, with experience and knowledge in blasting, we oversee the process and advise those concerned appropriately positioning safety as the primary focus.

Lastly, safety should continue to be of paramount importance in all blasting operations. The goal is to send all mining personnel home safe and healthy after every shift. In brief the message is” Be alert and share information, know the blasting time, blast area and clearing procedure, and please do not enter the blast area until an “all clear” signal is sounded.

We must ensure that the chain of events from planning through to the actual blast includes all links, if and when one link is missing – the consequences could be devastating!

17

AEL IN THE FIELD

Events round-up Coal Safe Conference 2015 AEL fostering relationships and showcasing value delivery to the coal industry at the CoalSafe South Africa Expo. AEL recently engaged with customers and industry players at the annual CoalSafe South Africa Expo held at Emperor’s Palace on 12 March 2014. The event provided a platform for delegates to learn about the latest market trends in the coal sector while sharing insights on new developments.

At the event, AEL showcased its trail-blazing electronics offerings including DigiShot Plus and the Blast Commander which optimise the outcome of each blast and deliver to unique customer specifications.

To learn more about these products visit AEL showcasing electronic capability at Coal Safe 2015

www.aelminingservices.com

Institute of Quarrying (IOQ) 45th annual conference and exhibition AEL will launch its revolutionary, technologically-advanced product, InstaStem

AEL will partner with the Wits Chem Soc

- a non-detonable rock breaking devise at the IOQ conference and exhibition to

to host their annual Career Day on 17

be held at The Lord Charles Hotel in Somerset West from16-17 April 2015.

April 2015. The event is tailored to equip

Each year, in excess of 200 industry delegates attend the conference and

Chemistry students with the relevant

exhibition from Southern Africa, Africa and abroad. The conference, designed

information about career prospects after

for the professional development and the facilitation of information exchange between industry peers hosts an array of delegates such as AEL customers, suppliers and competitors.

obtaining a degree in chemistry.

AEL representatives from R&D,

In line with our value proposition to provide our customers with cutting-

Mining Optimisation and HR will be in

edge products and services as well as fragmentation by design, AEL’s Mining

attendance to offer career advice and

Optimisation engineers in conjunction with our team of product managers,

information on AECI group bursaries

will present papers showcasing our electronics product leadership and its

and AEL’s student vacation work

relevance to the Quarrying market.

Read all about AEL’s latest electronics offerings by visiting www.aelminingservices.com

18

Chemical Society Career Day

opportunities. Other participating companies include ABI, Sasol, Unilever and Afrox.

Blasting News I First Quarter 2015

AEL CAPTAINS OF INDUSTRY

Meet Trevor Roberts Trevor is Executive Director: Commercial, responsible for the services portfolio across a range of AEL activities.

He joined AEL in 1999 as a Junior Engineer and gained experience through various functions including project management, IT, logistics, production and operations management.

In 2005 he was seconded to DetNet, an AEL JV focussed on electronic detonators, and contributed to the set-up of global manufacturing capability in the USA. Upon his return to AEL, Trevor played a key role in developing a global ammonium nitrate (AN) portfolio whilst serving as Commercial Manager also responsible for the overall AN and explosives strategies.

He holds an Industrial Engineering degree, supplemented with an honours degree in Technology Management and an MBA. He took up his current position in 2013.

In our next issue we introduce Thinus Bierman, Executive Director – Europe, Middle East, Africa (EMEA).

AEL Your Global Explosives Partner Southern Africa - Cape Town (T) +27 21 842 3901 East London (T) +27 43 745 2169 Gauteng Quarry Services +27 11 606 3523 Johannesburg (T) +27 11 606 0000 Kimberley (T) +27 53 802 6352 Klerksdorp (T) +27 18 477 1062 Kuruman (T) +27 53 712 3035/2958 Kwa-Zulu Natal (T) +27 31 266 4303 Mankwe (T) +27 14 558 2800 Mokopane (T) +27 15 491 1373 Mogalakwena (T) +27 15 418 2189 Nelspruit (T) +27 13 747 2278 Northern Province +27 15 491 1328 O’Kiep (T) +27 27 713 8597 Rustenburg Bushveld (T) +27 14 594 9300 Steelpoort (T) +27 13 230 8020 Venetia Mine (T) +27 15 575 2335 Welkom (T) +27 57 217 1252 West Wits Sales (T) +27 18 788 3390 Witbank / Emalahleni (T) +27 13 690 1242 Africa and International - Asia Pacific +6221 7592 4498 Botswana (T) +267 393 8133 Burkina Faso (T) +226 503 60329 DRC (T) +243 997 027 878 Egypt (T) +20 22461 8609 Europe +27 82 553 9080 Ghana (T) +233 302 762 633 Guinea (T) +224 631 339192 Indonesia (T) +6221 7592 4498 Mali (T) +223 207 93053 Mauritius (T) +230 269 1650 Namibia (T) +264 64 403 463 South America (T) +562 928 1300 Tanzania (T) +255 758 309 300 Zambia (T) +260 966 990 945/9 Zimbabwe (T) +263 479 0846

Blasting News I First Quarter 2015

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