Electronic Detonators increase underground production rates
Document type: Case Study

Electronic Detonators to Increase
 Underground Production Rates

Project Summary
INCREASING RATES WHILE REDUCING COSTS
Lac des Iles mine, in Canada, was wanting to expand its
underground operations and increase its underground
production rates. In order to reach this goal the mine opted to
switch over to Dyno Nobel’s DigiShot® Plus electronic initiation
system for all of its production blasting. The mine switched to
this system to help make the expansion a reality increasing
production while decreasing operating costs.

Background
LAC DES ILES MINE in blasts and assign delays. North American Palladium, parent
The mine began as an open pit surface mine and expanded to company of the mine, chose DigiShot Plus for the mine
an underground mine. The expansion of the underground mine expansion knowing it would best take advantage of economies
was to access the Offset Zone and transition operations from of scale. This initiation system was what was needed in order to
ramp haulage to shaft haulage. Through the utilization of the meet the mine’s production needs while lowering operating
shaft, operations are expected to benefit from increased costs. underground mining rates and decreased operating costs,
transforming the mine into a low cost producer with a rising
production profile. Technology Applied
 DIGISHOT PLUS ELECTRONIC INITIATION SYSTEM
 Project Goals Dyno Nobel’s DigiShot Plus electronic initiation system utilizes
 a double-insulated down-line wire capable of withstanding tough
 loading conditions. It has water resistant connectors which
LONGHOLE BLASTING
 provide a physical line of two-way communication. This two-way
The mining method at Lac des Iles is long-hole stopes with blast communication connects with each detonator’s electronic chip
holes approaching 50m (164 ft) in depth. The mine required an allowing testability both locally and remotely.

s long-hole stopes with blast communication connects with each detonator’s electronic chip
holes approaching 50m (164 ft) in depth. The mine required an allowing testability both locally and remotely. electronic detonator with a high tensile strength down-line wire,
 DigiShot Plus allows for up to 7200 detonators to be fired in one
precise delays, and flexibility both in terms of allowable number
 to four blast locations with a blast life lasting up to 20 seconds. of detonators in any given blast and blast duration. It also uses software that allows users to assign delays prior to
DigiShot Plus was an easy choice for the mine to make. The loading for a quick tie-in at the base site. system met its tough downhole requirements while also
 The system is also capable of remote firing from the surface due
providing an easy to use system with minimal components both
 to its capability to communicate via leaky feeder eliminating the
underground and on surface allowing users to conveniently tie-
 need to run additional lead wire saving both time and money.

Electronic Detonators to Increase
 Underground Production Rates

 Value Added
GOALS REACHED
The mine was able to achieve its goal of expanding the mine
helping to increase production rates while reducing overall
production costs. The mine was pleased with the improvements
brought by the DigiShot Plus system and look forward to
continuing to use this system.

Benefits to the mine:
  Improved loading efficiency due to the tough down-line
 wire minimizing breaks, significantly improving
 fragmentation and reducing the need to re-blast
 oversize resulting in a cost reduction of around 5% in
 production blasting
  Ability to allow much larger blasts reducing the need for
 multiple blasts allowing the mine to benefit from
 economies of scale reducing costs by 10–15% in
 production blasting
  Simple tie-in and connection notably reducing set-up
 time by 5–10% in production blasting

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.

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