Use of Electronic Detonators to reduce boulders and fines
Document type: Case Study

Use of Electronic Detonators to Reduce
 Boulders and Fines

Background

BOULDERS AND FINES BECOMING AN ISSUE

This recently opened limestone quarry in Ontario, Canada
is in the process of opening up a pit for a future operation.
A number of blasts were done using NONEL® detonators.
All blasts were considered pioneering as a thick layer of
overburden was stripped, exposing fractured rock, an
uneven surface, and bedding planes of various thicknesses.
The customer raised concerns that the large amount
of boulders generated by the blasts were becoming an
issue. At the same time, fines recuperated throughout the
crushing process keep piling up and cannot be recycled or
sold. Dyno Nobel was invited to investigate and propose
solutions at a competitive cost.

Technology Applied
IN-DEPTH ANALYSIS OF QUARRY
OPERATIONS AND INTRODUCTION OF
ELECTRONIC DETONATORS Results
The DynoConsult® team was asked to review quarry
operations as well as their main blasting techniques. As
a newly open pit, crushing techniques were adequate for BOULDERS AND FINES WITHIN THE MUCK
the volumes of blasted rock. They were also well calibrated PILE WERE REDUCED
for the type of crushed stone that was the most desirable
for the area it serviced. Blasting techniques were closely The use of electronic detonators helped to reduce boulders
studied to see if some areas can be optimized. Boulders in the range of 5% to 17% and reduced the fines by close
and fines were the main subject. Following an in-depth to 5% compared. Speeding up the timing helped to reduce
analysis, it was proposed to test electronic detonators that the blocks generated by the top layer. were not considered previously because of their cost, and Overall, reduction of the percentage of the boulders in
to change firing timing in order to minimize the fines and the muck pile from 11% to 25% could not justify the use
boulders. of electronic detonators and the testing period was put on
A series of 6 trial blasts were performed. After each blast, hold. Moreover, hoe ram time to fracture boulders added to
fragmentation of each muck pile was analyzed using the the operation cost.

ut on
A series of 6 trial blasts were performed. After each blast, hold. Moreover, hoe ram time to fracture boulders added to
fragmentation of each muck pile was analyzed using the the operation cost. Further investigation and optimization of
WipFrag photo analysis tool. Information was also gathered blasts will have to take place to reduce the sizing of rock to
from the crushers to see if the changes made improvements client’s specifications. in the crushing process. It was challenging to deal with
boulders as the bedding planes and fractures of the top
layer were uneven and did not follow any specific pattern.

Disclaimer This case study is provided for informational purposes only. No representation or warranty is made
 or intended by DYNO NOBEL INC. / DYNO NOBEL ASIA PACIFIC PTY LIMITED or its affiliates as to the
 applicability of any procedures to any particular situation or circumstance or as to the completeness or accuracy
 of any information contained herein. User assumes sole responsibility for all results and consequences.
 ©2017 Dyno Nobel