Advanced computer simulations - The key to effective blast designs in open pit and underground mines

The evolution of computer applications in the design of blasts in underground and open pit mines is reviewed. This is shown to be a direct outcome of the scale and complexity of modern blasting practice. The use of analytical techniques in modelling the blasting process has largely supplanted the empirical and semi-empirical approaches of past in the design of blasting rounds and prediction of blast results. The advent of powerful microcomputers has now made it possible for every mine, employing these techniques, to design cost-effective blasting operations on a routine basis. Accuracy of prediction from computer models, however, depends critically on the extent of characterization of relevant properties of the explosive as well as the target rock. The relative strengths of various computer models in current use such as SABREX are examined, and the key areas requiring additional research efforts highlighted. Examples of blast designs and optimization of results achieved through such computer simulations are also described.