Drill and Blast
Workers come first for drilling and blasting techniques AS TECHNOLOGY IN DRILLING AND BLASTING METHODS ADVANCE, ONE ASPECT OF THE PROCESS WILL CONTINUE TO BE THE MOST IMPORTANT TO MINE OPERATORS AROUND THE WORLD – SAFETY.
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rill and blast techniques have been an integral part of the mining and resources industry for centuries. Considered one of the most economic and efficient ways of extracting ore and precious metals from the ground, the techniques have seen considerable development over the years. One of the major reasons for this development has been to improve the safety of workers on-site, particularly considering the complexities of the machinery and technology involved. Original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) like Sandvik are focused on removing the guesswork and human error out of drilling applications by developing autonomous solutions. As automation technology advances, user-friendly machines that reduce manual labour are in high demand for the industry, delivering more efficient, safer and reliable operations for mining companies. Sandvik prioritises operator acceptance in this way when designing and selling new products. Simple controls and aftersales support are at the crux of what makes the OEM’s products so appealing, not only to mining companies but to the operators themselves. “Operator acceptance in Australia is a really big thing for drill owners and us,” Sandvik business line manager
underground drills Patrick Mckenna said. “It encompasses ease of operation, familiarity – anything to make the operator’s life a bit easier.” The ethos behind Sandvik’s consideration for the operator stems across its entire product line of underground drills, including development, tunnelling jumbo, top hammer longhole, rock support, in-thehole longhole, low profile, narrow vein and secondary breaking drill rigs. For Mckenna, automation brings several advantages to underground drilling. Aside from safety, he says the big advantage is that it allows the operator to own the shift change. “It gives the operator the ability to drill from the surface during a shift change, which basically gives you more time drilling and that equals more metres,” he said. “The automation function gives you a better-quality hole and straighter hole with less overbreak or underbreak in the tunnel.” Sandvik has been an integral player in the market for autonomous equipment as interest in the technology has increased. Mckenna says several customers in Australia are now using DD422i drills, which incorporate autonomous functions and are getting a better tunnel profile with less underbreak or overbreak. When it comes to blasting technology, Austin Powder has been in the business of helping customers break rock safely
and efficiently for more than 185 years. Today, Austin serves operations in mining, quarrying, construction, pipeline, and oil and gas across the globe. Each blaster is trained to know the details about the products, safety, and regulations related to every shot. Austin Powder Australia managing director Fil Lassak said the industry had come a long way in terms of developing blasting technology. “Obviously, the whole industry and regulators are working every day to enhance various aspects of safety,” he said. “I’d highlight modern blast design modelling with a combination of precise electronic blasting. “Such practice eliminates risk during blasts and brings predictability, which is valuable when managing operations. “For underground mining, we should mention central blasting systems that allow multiple electronic blasts to be triggered remotely in the safety of an office above the mine.” Lassak said improvements in traceability have had a significant impact on the industry, allowing companies to trace where their detonators originate. “Our detonators used in Australia and New Zealand are produced in the EU, which has strong regulations on the traceability of explosives,” he said. “Each detonator has a unique
SAFETOWORK.COM.AU 20 MAR-APR 2022
