Improving a slow and costly process
Kolpa has a polymetallic mine (lead, zinc, and copper concentrates) in the Huancavelica region of Peru. The deposit at the site is of narrow, rosary-type veins. This characteristic requires the operation to perform selective mining to recover the high-value ore in the veins. Due to this peculiarity, the detonations in the galleries and sublevels were conducted by selective overcut and fill using non-electrical systems. However, this method required extraction in
3 mining cycles to supply a truckload of ore (22 tons) with high-quality product.
“Thanks to Enaex, we obtained a higher value per ton in advancing fronts and kept ongoing production guard duty to guard duty.”
Miguel Aguirre Quispe,
Drilling and Blasting Supervisor at Kolpa
Electronic initiation systems use
We improved the blasting process by adopting the DaveyTronic Swift®, an electronic initiation system that enables high-value ore extraction in a single blasting event. Each dig using it achieved a truckload of high-value ore in a single shift. Along with excellent operational performance, the DaveyTronic Swift® contributed to increased safety in the underground operation, reducing vibration and preventing accidents.
The DaveyTronic Swift® helped us surpass our ore recovery target (VPT: value per ton) set by the mine. While the goal was 50%, with the implementation of the DaveyTronic Swift®, we achieved an average of 62%. As a result, the value of the recovered ore increased, providing a direct economic benefit of US$169,433 to the operation.
Enaex Peru achieved significant results by strengthening its relationships with various areas of Kolpa, such as planning, drilling, detonation, geology, mining contractors, operations, superintendence, and safety. We provided training and support for the staff of the mining unit, which allowed for successful collaboration. Moreover, the implementation of DaveyTronic Swift® improved detonation safety and prioritized the protection of human lives.
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.