Utilisation of measurement while drilling to optimise blasting in large open pit mining

Abstract: The subject of this thesis is the utilisation of measurement while drilling to optimise blasting in large open pit mines. In Boliden´s open pit mine, Aitik drilling and blasting is a substantial part of the cost. An optimisation of drilling and blasting can therefor give large annual savings. A method to reduce costs is to influence drilling and blasting according to the properties of the rock. Today the problem is the lack of a detailed information of the rock that is required for an optimisation. The aim of the work in registering and analysing drill parameters is to establish a model to design blasting in a more efficient manner, that is to produce an optimal blasting regarding loading times and crushing. The first step will focus on finding relationships between the drilling parameters and the geological parameters that affect blasting. These relationships are called interpretation models. In the thesis a new interpretation model is presented, tested in the field and discussed.