Increasing efficiency through improved shaft cycle times
Document type: Case Study

Increasing Efficiency through Improved
 Shaft Cycle Times

Project Summary
COLLABORATION DELIVERS OUTCOME
Dyno Nobel and Burnecut-RUC-Thyssen (Telfer) Joint
Venture worked together to excavate, support and
line a 7.05m diameter vertical shaft to a depth of
1,100m at the Newcrest Mining Limited Telfer Project.
The shaft includes five level plats as well as
loading and crusher access points. The work involved
the implementation of Dyno Nobel’s Dynominer™ shaft
version to the Telfer shaft, and training of BRT JV
employees by Dyno Nobel to operate the unit.

Background
DOUBLE CHARGING THE SHAFT
Excavating and lining vertical tunnels is a difficult task. Traditionally, shaft charging has relied on either All production holes were charged with bulk emulsion
cartridge or solid sensitized emulsions. using a cartridge primer. Together Dyno Nobel and BRT have developed a gas- The goal of the project was to migrate from traditional
sensitized emulsion using a purpose built charge unit explosives to Dynominer allowing the full benefits of
for the Telfer shaft sink. the system to be realized. As part of a
The Dynoiner concept was used with two product comprehensive logistics program, an emulsion depot
pumps to form a compact unit, allowing two people to was built at Telfer for the surface mining operation,
charge the Telfer Shaft at the same time. along with a separate emulsion and gassing chemical
To further support the project, Dyno Nobel designed storage yard for use by BRT. and implemented a world-class training and With a minimum of training, BRT personnel load raw
maintenance program. materials directly into the Dynominer. Emulsion is be
 pumped in, with gassing chemicals gravity fed into the
 Project Goals unit. The BRT team then transported the unit to the shaft
MIGRATING TO EMULSION CHARGING working face and directly pumped emulsion into blast
The Telfer shaft began using airleg development before holes.

t. The BRT team then transported the unit to the shaft
MIGRATING TO EMULSION CHARGING working face and directly pumped emulsion into blast
The Telfer shaft began using airleg development before holes. The BRT team worked to a rigid quality control
the shaft jumbo was commissioned. During early program and procedures, developed by Dyno Nobel. development and the initial jumbo commissioning, all
production blast holes were loaded with cartridge
emulsion.

Increasing Efficiency through Improved
 Shaft Cycle Times

Technology Applied
TAILORED TO SPECIFIC PROCESSES
After a global review of emulsion charging systems, the
Dynominer was selected from Dyno Nobel North
America and then adapted to the Australian
underground mining environment for use in a
development mining application. The Dynominer system is:
  Capable of charging all blast holes fully coupled
  Operated by trained mine operators
 Compared to traditional explosives, the Dynominer
  Purpose built for specific applications, including
 the Telfer shaft sink system has delivered a number of other important
 benefits to BTR, including:
 The Dynominer shaft version was applied to the Telfer
 shaft sink. The system comprises the following key  Greatly reduced charge times (approximately
 components and features. one hour per round)
  Reduced cost of explosive product in the face
 Key Components
  Optimal breakage is ensured, reducing mucking
  Emulsion container (550L capacity) times.

ponents and features. one hour per round)
  Reduced cost of explosive product in the face
 Key Components
  Optimal breakage is ensured, reducing mucking
  Emulsion container (550L capacity) times.  Two product pumps for dual charging  Connects to standard mine services
  Process system, including gassing chemical,  Can be operated after a short training period
 water containers and injection  Lower magazine storage for high explosives
  Twin control panels  Less manual handling injuries
 Key Features
 Although the charge time equals a small percentage
  Unit runs off standard mine compressed air of the total shaft cycle time, the impact of an effective
  Pump rate = 50 kg/min charge system dramatically increases the overall
  Consistent gassing into blast hole with efficiency of the shaft operation
 gassed emulsion product
  Simple reload of emulsion, gassing
 chemicals and water

Value Added
 EFFICIENT BREAKING OF BLAST HOLES
 A positive impact on the round advance, mucking time
 and drilling time has been achieved through efficient
 breakage of the blast holes using a fully coupled
 emulsion.

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.

©2012 Dyno Nobel