Course Overview
This course expands on the principles and theories of drilling and blasting in both surface and underground mining situations introduced in previous courses (i.e., MINE 2105, MINE 3105). Topics include: the theory of detonation and chemistry of explosives, performance and factors in drilling, penetration and rotation rates, selection of drilling methods, drilling automation, the properties and selection of commercial explosives, initiation and delay systems, basic blast design principles and practices, and blast fragmentation analysis. Current trends in drilling and blasting practices are considered as well as blasting damage analysis and controlled blasting and blast vibration monitoring methods. The economics of drill/blast practice and their interface with transport and crushing systems are also addressed. Case studies in blast design will be examined during the course. This course has a laboratory component where students will gain exposure to an industry standard mining software. The following topics will be covered: • Contouring and surface modeling • Blasting database • Blasting design The students will: • Create a DTM surface • Calculate the volume of solids and generate volume reports • Work with a blasting database • Create a production blast design for an open pit mine • Create a controlled blast design for an open pit ramp • Generate different blasting reports
- Not offered this term
- This course is not offered this term. Notify me to receive email notifications when the course opens for registration next term.
Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this course, the student will be able to:
- Discuss the physics of rock breakage to through drilling and blasting processes [1,3,5].
- Discuss, understand and select the best drilling system to use for a surface mining operation [1,2,3,4,5].
- Understand and explain the thermochemistry of explosives, oxygen balanced reactions and the detonation process [1,2,3].
- Characterize the rock mass and its blastability for a proper blast design [1,2,3].
- Understand and explain how the site-specific geology controls the blast design parameters [1,2].
- Determine the optimum explosive selection required for given ground conditions and for specific blasting applications [3].
- Understand and apply the principles of design calculation for underground drifting [3,4].
- Understand and apply the principles of design calculation for a cut box on an open pit mine [3,4].
- Design functional and efficient blast patterns [4,5,].
- Perform the blasting design check list for risk analysis and apply the proper safety practices for a mine site and initiate a monitoring program to understand and analyze the flyrock process for safety considerations [9].
Effective as of Winter 2022
Related Programs
Drilling, Explosives and Fragmentation (MINE 4200) is offered as a part of the following programs:
- Indicates programs accepting international students.
- Indicates programs eligible for students to apply for Post-graduation Work Permit (PGWP).
School of Construction and the Environment
- Mining and Mineral Resource Engineering
Bachelor of Engineering Full-time
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