Optimizing the Drilling and Blasting Process for Limestone Production
Challenges in Limestone Extraction
Intercement, one of Brazil’s leading cement industries, identified an opportunity to enhance the drilling, blasting, loading, and transportation processes at its limestone extraction facility in Candiota, Rio Grande do Sul. After identifying high rework costs, which included the need for secondary blasting, and low productivity of loading, transportation, and primary crushing equipment, the company sought an optimization solution. This project, conducted in partnership with Enaex, was based on blast engineering techniques.
“I would like to share some of the gains we achieved through our engineering work and optimization of blasting in Candiota:
- Reduced loading ratio;
- Decreased diesel consumption;
- Lower crusher energy usage;
- Increased productivity in crushing and flour milling.
It is important to highlight that the work carried out by Enaex helped us minimize various impacts in the year 2022 and generated savings for the operation.”
Tiago Cavalcante Britto,
Mining/Crushing Coordinator – Intercement Brazil
Blasting Engineering
Initially, granulometric analyses and detailed evaluations of various phases of the process were conducted, including drilling, blasting, loading, and transportation involving excavators and trucks. An analysis of oversize rocks and production at the primary crushing stage was also conducted. Based on this comprehensive evaluation, the Enaex team applied blasting engineering techniques, conducting a thorough review of the entire operational cycle. This resulted in the precise identification of areas that required improvement.
Enaex implemented significant changes to improve the efficiency of the blasting stage. The initiation system was replaced with Brinel Ligação, replacing the previous Britacord NP-05 used in the connections. Additionally, DaveyTronic OP® electronic detonators were introduced for initiating the blasting process. The drilling parameters were also reviewed and optimized.
Efficiency in the mining cycle
The results showed significant improvements, with all processes following rock blasting demonstrating notable advancements in performance-related Key Performance Indicators (KPIs). These coordinated actions resulted in visible improvements in the granulometry quality of the blasted material. This, in turn, streamlined subsequent stages such as loading, transportation, and primary crushing, culminating in a more continuous and efficient operation. The strategic collaboration with Enaex not only allowed Intercement Candiota to overcome operational challenges but also refined its overall efficiency, strengthening its position in the market.
The partnership between Intercement and Enaex to address operational challenges in Candiota brought significant improvements to the efficiency of drilling, blasting, loading, and transportation processes. Through the implementation of Blasting Engineering solutions, Intercement achieved its goals of reducing rework and increasing production, resulting in a more efficient and profitable operation.
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.