Optimizing the blasting process in underground mining
The client’s mining complex is a set of underground gold and silver mines in Santa Cruz province, in the Argentinean Patagonia. Our customer was using non-electronic detonators for development. They sought a solution to reduce over-excavation and optimize the blasting process.
Use electronic initiation systems
The DaveyTronic Swift® electronic initiation system is designed for blasting in tunnels and underground mines to increase safety, advance development, and reduce over-excavation and cycle times.
Its main benefits are:
A blasting process that is both optimized and safer
We utilized Swift detonators to initiate the opening of the mine portal. The DaveyTronic Swift® technology allowed us to decrease over-excavation by 4%, resulting in an over-excavation of 10.5% as opposed to the 14.5% achieved with non-electronic detonators. Additionally, we reduced loading times by 10 minutes per cycle while improving fragmentation. With non-electronic detonators, fragmentation reached 382mm, but with the DaveyTonic Swift®, we achieved 303mm. Furthermore, the advance performance was at 98%.
We created stronger bonds with the customer by proposing a new product to improve the safety and performance of their operations. In 30 blasts, we confirmed the benefits of DaveyTronic Swift® in the field. In addition, we quickly trained the operators so that implementing this new technology would be optimal and agile.
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.