Blast hole drilling is a widely used technique in modern mining to ease and facilitate activities associated with mining and exploration. This technique entails drilling a hole in the rock surface, packing it with the explosive materials then detonating them. Consequently, it is aimed at breaking hard rocks and minerals to facilitate easier accessibility of resources. However, it is wise to understand the steps involved in this process. Here are the steps;
Surveying the area
This is the first step which involves the inspection where you will need to visit the proposed site to come up with the decisions on the size of the holes, number of drills, type of drills and more. Therefore, to come up with these findings, a survey has to be done. However, you are also required to determine the rock nature, ground, soil, mineral and the general nature of the mining proposal.
Rock determination
After obtaining raw data, the researches will now take the lead and run extensive research for an effective drilling pattern. Therefore, it is the work of the researchers to ensure that the drilling pattern that will be employed should be safe. Also, in this stage, depending on the minerals you are working on, some might need extra calculation on determining the tonnage factor and other relevant determination to obtain adequate raw data. This step is necessary because it gives the approximate value and the size of the minerals or rocks.
Drilling blast holes
Once the researchers have come up with the drilling patterns, the project manager will then draw the drilling plans. The plan will guide the crew throughout the process; therefore, having acquired the necessary machinery, the researchers’ data will then be used to determine the exact size of the blast holes. Generally, the size of blast holes is often affected by the type of mineral being mined and the nature of the ground. When it comes to breaking the rock, safety is the key, ensure that you follow all the safety guidelines.
Breaking up the rock
Once you have drilled the blast holes, pack them with explosives; however, based on the researchers’ data, it will dictate the kinds of the explosives and the amount to be used. Ensure that you cover the blast holes before detonating, once you have adhered to the guidelines on packing the blast holes with the explosives, detonate them remotely to break up the rock. Depending on the area you conducted the blast hole drilling, the cleaning process has to be done; therefore, if you are working on the tunnels, then you need to reinforce it and clear debris properly.
