Evaluating the viability of pumpable emulsion explosives for use in narrow reef mining operations
Date
2015-05-12
Authors
Pearton, Selwyn
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Abstract
Pumpable emulsion explosives have been available to surface and underground massive
mining operations for decades and through their unique properties offer significant
advantages through improved safety, reliability and performance. Despite their advantageous
properties the benefits of pumpable emulsions have been unavailable to narrow reef mining
operations due to the void in technology necessary for their successful implementation within
the challenging environment.
The purpose of the following research report is to evaluate the viability of pumpable
emulsion explosives for use in South African narrow reef mining operations. By approaching
the problem from multiple perspectives, this research report aimed first to propose a
theoretical framework and suite of equipment suitable for the implementation of pumpable
emulsions within the narrow reef environment. Through the development of this equipment,
controlled tests could be undertaken on the proposed narrow reef emulsion formulations and
pumpable emulsion technology to obtain the necessary understanding of the performance of
the system under controlled conditions. Once an understanding had been obtained for the
controlled performance of the system, a field study could be undertaken in order to compare
the performance of the new pumpable emulsion system with available explosives within the
underground mining industry. Through the results obtained a comparison could be made of
the blasting efficiency and feasibility of pumpable emulsions when compared to existing
explosives within the narrow reef environment.
Given the vast difference in underground narrow reef and massive mining operations,
fundamental changes were necessary with regard to emulsion technology prior to the
successful implementation of the narrow reef emulsion system. Following the development of
the system, controlled explosives tests allowed for optimisation of the pump technology as
well as recommended daily practices. Blast results achieved in field trials with the narrow
reef emulsion system allowed for improved blasting efficiency while reducing explosives
costs per tonne broken. While blast results and efficiencies improved throughout pumpable
emulsion trials, variances in daily blasting practices including the use of stemming,
overcharging and varying priming practices influenced the results obtained. Further testing is
therefore recommended in order to determine the influence of variables on the results
obtained such that a specific increase in blasting efficiency can be determined.