Benefits of blend programs in surface coal mines
Abstract
This paper discusses the findings of a 9 month and 4 month evaluation of operating costs at two coal operations. These evaluations were part of a blast optimization program designed to demonstrate how using a 40/60 blend in place of ANFO could reduce the overall mining costs. ANFO has traditionally been the explosive of choice at most surface coal operations due to its ease of use and low cost compared to other explosives. However, in many operations, a more expensive ANFO/emulsion blend, when properly applied, has the potential to lower the total drilling/blasting cost and stripping cost.
Fields of Study & Subjects
Blasting Impact and Analysis
Mining Techniques and Economics
Geomechanics and Mining Engineering
Publication details
- Journal / source
- CRC Press eBooks
- Pages
- 283–288
- Publication date
- 13 February 2026
- Language
- EN
- Document type
- Book chapter