Recovering revenue through coal loss protection
Document type: Case Study

Recovering Revenue
 Through Coal Loss Protection

Project Summary
BUILDING ECONOMIC VALUE
In February 2003, DynoConsult began an investigation
into the mechanisms of coal loss during overburden
blasting. After two and half years, working in two large open pit
coalmines in Australia – a systematic process was
developed to understand the site specific mechanisms
and geological conditions that promote coal loss. A two-dimensional discrete element model was
developed to simulate overburden bench blasting and
calibrated to the site-specific parameters of the two
participating mines. It was found that the potential economic value generated
 Project Goals
from a reduction in coal losses far outweighed the cost
of preventative measures. MINIMIZING COAL BLOCK MOVEMENT
 The key objectives of the project were to identify the
 Background geological conditions and mechanisms that promote
 block movement of coal (coal loss) during overburden
 blasting and develop guidelines to minimize the
DYNO NOBEL WINS ACARP PROJECT movement. Open pit coal miners in Australia recognize that Components of these objectives include:
overburden blasting, specifically cast blasting increases
  A review of historical information from mines that
the likelihood of coal damage and loss, leading to a
 experience block movement of coal during
negative economic impact on operations.

g increases
  A review of historical information from mines that
the likelihood of coal damage and loss, leading to a
 experience block movement of coal during
negative economic impact on operations. overburden blasting
In December 2002 DynoConsult, the consulting arm of  Identify the predominant mechanisms and
Dyno Nobel Explosives, was awarded the ACARP geological conditions that promote the
Project C11051 – Controlling Block Movement of Coal movement
During Overburden Blasting.  Model the mechanisms and simulate block
The project was implemented at two large open pit movement of coal for different geological
coalmines in Australia – Goonyella Riverside Mine, conditions and blast designs
BMA, QLD and Rix’s Creek Mine, Bloomfield Collieries,  Develop and implement improved drill and blast
NSW. The work produced included industry reviews, designs to reduce coal loss
benchmarking, modeling, validation and final reporting to  Develop guidelines for the industry to
ACARP. manage/control the movement

Recovering Revenue
 Through Coal Loss Protection

Technology Applied Value Added
DEVELOPING BETTER BLAST SOLUTIONS MEASURABLE BOTTOM LINE BENEFITS
During this project a two-dimensional discrete element DynoConsult has developed a practical and systematic
numerical model based on the Particle Flow Code (PFC) process to understand the site specific mechanisms and
of Itasca Consultancy Group, USA was developed to geological conditions that promote coal loss. simulate overburden bench blasting in an open pit coal Understanding the mechanisms behind coal loss and
mining operation. coal damage has led to significant economic benefits for
The model was calibrated to the site-specific parameters the two participating mines –Goonyella Riverside Mine,
of the two participating mines and a number of BMA, QLD and Rix’s Creek Mine, Bloomfield Collieries,
simulations were conducted to develop improved drill NSW. and blast solutions to reduce coal loss. At the Goonyella Riverside Mine the coal edge loss
Based on the model simulations and benchmarking during the benchmark studies was around 1.5 per cent in
results, a number of specific recommendations were R13N GLS strip. The improved drill and blast solutions
implemented for each site to minimize coal loss during during the validation phase have virtually eliminated the
overburden blasting.

ations were R13N GLS strip. The improved drill and blast solutions
implemented for each site to minimize coal loss during during the validation phase have virtually eliminated the
overburden blasting. edge loss, increasing the coal yield from this strip by
The following tools were used to monitor and quantify 22,500 tonnes per annum. the coal losses: The value of the recovered coal is estimated at more
  Laser profiling to measure front row burden than one million dollars per annum. At Rix’s Creek, the
 distances coal loss in Arties 25 seam was reduced by 42 per cent
  Application of SiroVision technology for pre/post compared to the benchmark trials. blast surveying and survey of targets used for Based on the production rates for Arties 25 seam, a coal
 burden movement monitoring recovery of this magnitude would increase production by
  Digital still photography for highwall mosaic some 42,000 tonnes per annum, yielding additional
 development revenue of around two million dollars per annum.  High speed digital photography to determine
 movement velocity profiles
  Mine survey techniques to develop coal models
 for recovery calculations

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