Blast hole drilling is one of the techniques used in mining. In this technique, the miners drill a hole into the surface of the rock. Afterwards, the miners fill it packed with explosives and then detonated. This is done is to introduce cracks in the inner geology of the surrounding rock in order to make the drilling and mining process easier.
The blast hole is the initial hole that the miners pack the explosives into. In surface drilling operations carried out today, blast hole drilling is among the primary ones.
Where is it Used?
This drilling technique is used when a mining company intends to explore the possible mineral composition or yield of the area that the company intends to mine.
Blast holes are used in both surface mining and underground mining operations and are a fundamental step in the exploratory mining process and is used with varying degrees and effects or results.
Also, this method of drilling can be used in quarrying.
Basic Blast hole Drilling Process:
Step 1 — Surveying the location
The proposed site has to be inspected first before blast hole drilling can begin. It is during this stage that decision with regards to the size and diameter of the hole and type of drill required for the job are made.
The decisions made here are based on the initial site survey findings.
Some of the things that will undergo analysis during the site survey include the nature of the mineral, ground, soil, and/or the rock in question and the findings will inform everything from this point onwards with regards to the whole drilling process.
Step 2 — Researching the rock types and formations
The raw data collected from the survey will be turned over to the researchers in this stage. The researchers will then plan effective and safe drilling patterns based on their research findings.
Step 3 — Plan drilling patterns
In this stage, the project manager takes over from the researchers having been handed over the plan for the most effective, efficient, and safest way to proceed. He or she will, therefore, come up with the necessary drilling plans.
Step 4 — Drilling the blast holes
The actual blast hole drilling starts here. Based on the researchers’ data, the miners will drill blast holes of the recommended diameter/size.
Step 5 — Breaking up the rock
The drilled blast holes will be packed with explosives during this stage and remotely-detonated to break up the rock.
Step 6 — Clean up process
All dirt and debris will be cleared from the site during this stage.
