Abstract:
This research focuses on the degree of fragmentation resulting from a
blast in an 'A' grade quarry. Two blast geometries were tested and verified in this
research study. Quarrying industry has a quite long history in Sri Lanka; however it has
not achieved significant technical development in comparison with other countries. Still
the major concern of this industry is getting the maximum quantity of rock volume
from a particular blast. Efficiency of subsequent unit operations such as loading,
transportation, especially crushing is neglected. This research aims at achieving higher
safety (i.e. fly rocks, air blast) and best fragmentation while minimizing production cost.
It is widely accepted that Software tools could be used to improve blast performance, if
it is used as a critical evaluation tool for fragmentation quality against any blasting
geometries. In this study, software called "Split-Desktop" was used as a tool to estimate
blast quality or particle size distribution in a stockpile. Then two blast geometry models
such as "decked charging" and "slab hole" models were proposed with the intention of
improving fragmentation.
Citation:
Brahmanage, I.R., Thusharana, S.D., Wanniarachchi, W.A.A.C., Anjana, P.M.N., WeIideniya, H.S., & Dharmarathne, P.G.R. (2008). Fragmentation modelling for an 'A' grade quarry. In S. Karunaratne (Ed.), Proceedings of the 3rd Annual Conference on Mining for Sustainable Development – A Multidisciplinary Approach (pp. 17-20). Department of Earth Resources Engineering, University of Moratuwa.
