Tagging/Logging with an Automated, Hole-Detection System Through Differential GPS
Document type: Case Study
Categories: Case Study

CASE STUDY

TAGGING/LOGGING WITH AN AUTOMATED, HOLE-
DETECTION SYSTEM THROUGH DIFFERENTIAL GPS
 PROJECT SUMMARY
INCREASED EFFICIENCY IN TAGGING/LOGGING
Customers across the mining industry experience
common problems when tagging/logging detonators:
 • Incorrect delay assignment due to:
 ▪ Incorrectly marked blast holes
 ▪ Incorrect tagging of a hole or delay
 ▪ The lack of a blast plan
 • Blast delays:
 ▪ Difficulty locating the correct blast hole
 ▪ Delays due to time taken to find a problematic
 Confirming the accuracy of the hole position.
 hole when fault finding and troubleshooting on the
 bench
 • Blast outcomes:
 ▪ Incorrect timing will impact blast results in PROJECT GOALS
 fragmentation, loading efficiency, and overall
 productivity INTRODUCE DGPS TO MINE SITE
 Phase 1:
The use of Differential Global Position System (DGPS)
 • Configure the DGPS equipment for the custom
Technology is changing the world of blasting. DetNet has
 coordinate system at the mine
developed the first ever sub-meter (3.28 ft) Tagging and
 • Identify and test satellite coverage at multiple positions
Hole Identification system using DGPS technology.
 at the mine
 • Confirm DGPS Tagger’s accuracy in locating hole
 positions

Phase 2:
 • Conduct multiple blasts using DGPS as the tagging/
 logging system
 • Expose all blasting crews to the DGPS system
 • Collate feedback from the blast crews

Easily setting up the DGPS base.

CASE STUDY

This improvement is gained through the use of a reference
 receiver (the CE4 Commander in this instance), which is
 placed at a surveyed location and broadcasts correction
 data to the DGPS Tagger to mitigate inherent errors and
 signal degradation. This results in improved accuracy,
 which means that the DigiShot Plus 4G DGPS system
 provides sub-one-meter (3.28 ft) accuracy, making it
 suitable for accurate blast hole positioning.

VALUE ADDED
 INCREASE ON-BENCH EFFICIENCY
 To implement the DGPS system on-site, the mine’s
 custom co-ordinate system had to be incorporated
 through a conversion process supported by the system.
 This conversion was successful and a sub-one-meter
 (3.28 ft) accuracy was achieved with the DGPS Tagger.
 This indicates that the complete system (DGPS and
 ViewShot 3D) is cable of supporting standard and custom
 coordinate system projections. The sub-one-meter (3.28
 ft) accuracy that was achieved ensures the correct hole
 position is identified and tagged with the right information,
 eliminating the possibility of human error.

The ease-of-use of the system, along with a straight-
 forward set-up process, encouraged the customer to use
 the system. The DGPS Tagger automatically identifies
 the hole position as the user walks towards the hole so
Extremely flexible tag path. that very little (or no) interaction is required, which was
 particularly helpful to the customer.

The analysis of the previous tagging data at the same site
 TECHNOLOGY APPLIED shows that 51% of the blasts have a tag error/retag due
 to the user incorrectly identifying the correct hole position. DGPS TAGGER With the DGPS Tagger, a 0% error/retag rate was obtained
Standard GPS provides the position of an object on in the trials due to the accurate and automated hole-
the Earth using signals generated by satellites in the detection ability of the system. The elimination of tag/log
GPS constellation orbiting the planet. GPS comprises errors that the system provides will assist the customer
a standalone receiver, in which the location is directly with improved on-bench efficiency and associated
calculated; however, the result is prone to inherent orbit downstream cost benefits. The prevention of incorrect
and clock errors, and accuracy can be further reduced timing will also mititage against the safety concerns of a
due to signal bounce known as multi-path errors. As a poor blast result due to tag/log errors. result, GPS yields a nominal accuracy of 10 – 15 meters
(33 – 50 ft). While this is useful for various applications, The system also supplies the user with an
standard GPS is NOT suitable for accurate blast hole actual representation of the hole layout which assists
positioning. with the reconciliation process.

ons, The system also supplies the user with an
standard GPS is NOT suitable for accurate blast hole actual representation of the hole layout which assists
positioning. with the reconciliation process. This semi-autonomous
 system of tagging/logging offers tremendous value to the
DGPS is an advancement in GPS technology resulting customer, as a noticeable increase in on-bench efficiency
in greater location accuracy compared to standard GPS. was noted.

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