Fragmentation modelling for an 'A' grade quarry

Abstract

This research focuses on the degree of fragmentation resulting from a blast in an 'A' grade quarry. Two blast geometries were tested and verified in this research study. Quarrying industry has a quite long history in Sri Lanka; however it has not achieved significant technical development in comparison with other countries. Still the major concern of this industry is getting the maximum quantity of rock volume from a particular blast. Efficiency of subsequent unit operations such as loading, transportation, especially crushing is neglected. This research aims at achieving higher safety (i.e. fly rocks, air blast) and best fragmentation while minimizing production cost. It is widely accepted that Software tools could be used to improve blast performance, if it is used as a critical evaluation tool for fragmentation quality against any blasting geometries. In this study, software called "Split-Desktop" was used as a tool to estimate blast quality or particle size distribution in a stockpile. Then two blast geometry models such as "decked charging" and "slab hole" models were proposed with the intention of improving fragmentation.