Optimizing Blasting Techniques for Enhanced Ore Recovery Rates

Numerous studies have demonstrated the significance of optimizing blasting techniques for large-diameter deep-hole operations in mining stopes, highlighting the potential for enhanced ore recovery rates and minimal damage to surrounding rock masses. A recent research conducted at Central South University aimed to improve blasting efficiency in the Dongguashan Copper Mine by evaluating the impact of various bore-hole parameters and charge structures on blasting outcomes. The study employed numerical simulations to determine optimal borehole net-work parameters and edge-hole blasting models, resulting in key findings that can improve blasting designs in underground mines, particularly under high-stress conditions.

Key Takeaways:

• The research aimed to optimize blasting techniques for large-diameter deep-hole operations in mining stopes to enhance ore recovery rates while minimizing damage to the surrounding rock mass.
• Numerical simulations were employed to evaluate the impact of various bore-hole parameters and charge structures on blasting outcomes, including stress wave distributions, peak pressures, and crater formation patterns.
• The optimal borehole net-work parameters for 165 mm boreholes with non-coupled charge structures were determined through comparative analysis of stress wave distributions and peak pressures.
• Edge-hole blasting models were developed using radial non-coupled and axial spaced charge methods under different blasting schemes, exhibiting reduced damage to ore pillars.
• The study concluded that increasing the radial non-coupling coefficient and optimizing charge density and segment length can significantly improve blasting efficiency and minimize ore loss.
• The research has practical implications for improving blasting designs in underground mines, particularly under high-stress conditions, and provides a basis for future research on advanced blasting techniques with enhanced energy efficiency and minimal environmental impact.

Statistics:

• The Dongguashan Copper Mine is a large underground mine with a significant amount of ore to be extracted.
• The research employed numerical simulations to evaluate the impact of various bore-hole parameters and charge structures on blasting outcomes, including stress wave distributions, peak pressures, and crater formation patterns.
• The study found that increasing the radial non-coupling coefficient reduces peak stress and stabilizes equivalent stress at monitoring points, minimizing damage to ore pillars.
• The optimal charge density and segment length for axial charge structures was determined to be 2.5 kg/m and 1.2 m, respectively.
• The study concluded that the optimized blasting design can improve blasting efficiency by 15% and minimize ore loss by 20%.

Sources:

• Optimization of large-diameter deep-hole stope blasting technology based on numerical simulation: a case study of the Dongguashan copper mine. Scientific Reports, 2025;15(1):18547.
• Central South University. News Release: "Optimization of large-diameter deep-hole stope blasting technology based on numerical simulation: a case study of the Dongguashan copper mine."
• Scientific Reports. Nature Publishing Group. www.nature.com/; Scientific Reports. www.nature.com/srep/