Project management intervention and optimization
Maximizing Efficiency
The Booysendal mine, an underground mine located at Burgersfort, South Africa, faced challenges related to blast face advancements. With a Life of Mine (LoM) span of 25 years and a significant 105.1Moz orebody primarily yielding platinum, maximizing efficiency was crucial. Extraction of the orebody is mainly conducted utilizing the bord and pillar mining method.
“I have verified improvements in face advances and communication channels.”
Cor Nel,
Mine Explosives Coordinator – Northam Platinum
Blasting Techniques for Enhanced Face Advancements
Acknowledging Northam’s challenges, Enaex Africa rolled out the “Back to Basics” project to evaluate and enhance face advancements. The primary solution was a combination of finding the correct blast design coupled with drilling and charging basics. The following methodology was employed:
Improved Face Advancement
Post Enaex’s solution implementation:
The face advance of one of the designs with a four 102mm reamer cut yielded the best results.
Through its various departments (EMTS, mining services, marketing, and sales), Enaex fostered stronger bonds with Northam. Communication channels were opened, with the client actively communicating limitations and discussing potential solutions. With its expertise and Devex™ solution, Enaex Africa not just addressed a pivotal technical issue for Northam but also fortified its client relationship, ensuring a lasting partnership.
At Enaex, our purpose is to humanise mining by having a positive impact on all aspects of the blasting process.
We know that life is the most precious thing on the planet. That’s why we put people first to ensure the well-being of our teams, our broader communities, and the environment.
With a proven track record of providing the global mining industry with flexible, tailor-made blasting solutions, Enaex is the preferred blasting solutions partner.