A study of the correlation between dragline diggability and blasting technology at Syberfontein colliery.
Date
1994
Authors
Frimpong, Mensah.
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Abstract
Given the high capital intensity of the dragline
operation, the mine can not afford to" tolerate
fragmentation problems with its concomitant low dragline
productivities. At Syferfontein colliery very large
boulders and completely unfraqmented sections resulting
in Low digging efficiency of the dragline were
encountered in the interburden blast,
This project, investigates the causes of the blasting
related problems with an intent of improving dragline
productivity at the minimum possible cost. This is
achieved through blast monitoring, evaluation of the
existing practice (blast design) using empirical relations,
fragmentation assessment using a model, analysis of operators
performance and dragline
availabilities. Dragline productivity is evaluated in the
light of the various productivity indices , viz, fill
factor, fill time and BCM/H. The results indicated
explosive incompatibility with the blasting environment
and. questionable practices regarding blast design and
Delay performance. Engineering field controls such as
reduction in drill pattern, reduction of VODof explosive
and improvement in draqline utilisation are found
necessary.
Contributing 61% to the total cost I concentrating on
reducing draqline cost must receive preference over
drilling and blasting cost as it would produce the most
tangible advantage in any cost reduction effort.
Regression equations relating cbst and productivity are
established.
Description
A project report submitted to the Faculty of Engineering,
University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, in partial
fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master
ofil science in Engineering.
Keywords
Blasting -- South Africa., Coal mines and mining -- South Africa.