Real savings delivered through development optimisation
Document type: Case Study

Real Savings Delivered Through Development
 Optimisation

Project Summary
REGAIN CONTROL OF YOUR OPERATION
With over break in development mining running at
approximately 18% at this underground mine, improvements
were required to increase the efficiency of the development
cycle and reduce costs. Dyno Nobel together with the mine undertook a development
optimisation project with the aim of reducing the over break to
levels as low as possible whilst optimising blast design and
timing for development faces. By using Dyno Nobel’s string
 ® ®
loading technology with TITAN 7000, as well as SmartShot
electronic detonators, over break was successfully reduced by
75%. In doing so, drive integrity and pillar stability were
improved, making for a safer working environment. Furthermore, optimised drill and charge designs were trialled,
with a 15% decrease in holes drilled per face leading to cost Technology Applied
savings and improved cycle times. STRING LOADING AND SMARTSHOT DELIVER
 Project Goals The combination of string loaded TITAN 7000 bulk emulsion
 delivered via a customer operated DynoMiner™ Profile and
SAFER AND MORE EFFICIENT WORK ENVIRONMENT SmartShot electronic detonators proved smooth perimeter
 blasting outcomes are simple to achieve.

on
 delivered via a customer operated DynoMiner™ Profile and
SAFER AND MORE EFFICIENT WORK ENVIRONMENT SmartShot electronic detonators proved smooth perimeter
 blasting outcomes are simple to achieve. The key objectives of this project were to lower the overall
development costs and improve pillar stability through String loading involves loading a decoupled charge of TITAN
perimeter control and design optimisation. The nature of over 7000 bulk emulsion in the perimeter blast holes, thereby
break results in the unplanned removal of mostly waste lowering the total explosive energy in the hole, which is an
material from the mine, whilst incurring additional load and haul advantage where perimeter control is required. and ground support costs in the process. It was understood
 SmartShot electronic detonators provided the required
that the direct benefits associated with a reduction in over
 accuracy to ensure all perimeter holes fired at the same time in
break could be measured in millions of dollars, whilst the
 order to produce a smooth perimeter finish. The robust
indirect benefits could be significantly higher. connectors, simple daisy chain connection and minimum
Furthermore, additional savings and efficiencies could be training requirements allowed for an uninterrupted changeover
realised through the optimisation of drill and charge designs, to electronic initiation.

ore, additional savings and efficiencies could be training requirements allowed for an uninterrupted changeover
realised through the optimisation of drill and charge designs, to electronic initiation. together with customised precision timing using SmartShot
 The application of digital photogrammetry using the 3DM
electronic detonators. Benefits include:
 Analyst Mine Mapping Suite from Adam Technology provided
1. Hole reduction crucial data and valuable visuals in analysing the quantum of
2. Square faces (elimination of dishing) over break. 3. Improved fragmentation (decrease in bogging cycle times)
4. Enhanced pillar stability
5. Further scope to investigate a ground support review given
 an increase in profile integrity

Real Savings Delivered Through Development
 Optimisation

Value Added
HALF BARREL HEAVEN
The results afforded through perimeter control were immediate.
Over break was successfully reduced to repeatable, low levels
of just over 4% whilst maintaining advance. Associated cost
savings in development mining were substantial and valued at
several millions of dollars per annum based on the mine’s
development plan. With smoother perimeter profiles becoming
the standard, safer working conditions will ensue, as well as
decreases in development cycle times.

Continued close collaboration with the customer ensured this
project was successfully completed.

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Disclaimer This case study is provided for informational purposes only. No representation or warranty express or implied, 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 and, to the maximum extent permitted by law, each of them
expressly disclaims any and all liability arising from the use of this document or the information contained herein.. User assumes sole responsibility for
all results and consequences of such use.
Dyno Nobel Inc. and Dyno Nobel Asia Pacific Pty Limited (ACN 003 269 010) are subsidiaries of Incitec Pivot Limited (ACN 004 080 264) Level 8, 28
Freshwater Place, Southbank Vic 3006.
® DYNO, GROUNDBREAKING PERFORMANCE, TITAN, DYNOCONSULT and the DC device are registered trademarks of the Dyno Nobel / Incitec
Pivot Group. DYNOMINER is a trademark of the Dyno Nobel / Incitec Pivot Group. SMARTSHOT is a registered trademark of DetNet South Africa
(Proprietary) Ltd.
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