Solutions are sought to control and optimize rock fragmentation in drilling and blasting operations to avoid oversize rocks and facilitate the load / haul / crush stages.

Solutions are sought to control and optimize rock fragmentation in drilling and blasting operations to avoid oversize rocks and facilitate the load / haul / crush stages. The solutions must meet the following requirements:

Operation and processes involved

Minera Escondida – Mine Operations Area – Drill, Blast, Load, and Haul operations

Current problem

The rock blocks present in the production bench, particularly in the fault zone (expansion PL1), do not achieve a correct fragmentation by blasting. This causes operational difficulties in electric shovels and extraction trucks (CAEX). The fault zone has a size of 100 x 300 m. (approximately)

Consequences

The main challenges caused by the presence of this type of material are: risk for workers and equipment, operational interference, decreased productivity of shovels, truck fill factor reduction and additional tasks (re-handle) that increase the operational expenditures.

When does the problem occur?

It occurs when massive fault zones must be exploited by drill & blast where it is not possible to obtain a rock fragmentation that meets the requirements of subsequent loading and hauling operations.

Drilling fluids are being used to control the presence of oversized rock blocks to maintain the shape of blast holes.

Tested technologies

Different industrial tests have been carried out with new designs of drill pattern, powder factors and blast sequences.

aims to promote the development of projects between the Company and the Suppliers with an associative approach, where the design and construction of the solution for the “Challenge” detected by an area of the Operation is addressed jointly. In this way, the generated projects develop solutions that add value to the Company and the suppliers build capacities and competencies that translate in more and better business opportunities.

Expande program

The Open Innovation in Mining Program, Expande, is a public-private initiative designed and carried out by Fundación Chile. The purpose is to drive innovation and make possible a better future for global mining, promoting the mining ecosystem in Chile along with building a collaborative model that enables the best solutions for the high complexity challenges of mining today and tomorrow.