Effective Fragmentation and Flyrock Control Strategies at Quarries

Abstract

This paper presents the effective fragmentation and flyrock control strategies that could be applied at quarries
to improve the productivity and safety. Fragmentation measurement and modelling as well as a comprehensive drill and
blast audit are essential for improving the fragmentation. Face profiling and bore tracking are good tools to manage the ―as-designed‖ and ―as-drilled‖ conditions to get reasonable fragmentation from face burden zone and minimise the
flyrock risk. In general, a large scatter in fragmentation data was observed at sites and the causes should be analysed by
a detailed root-cause analysis technique. Two case studies were presented in this paper showing some of the effective
fragmentation strategies. Finally, a flyrock model was shown to determine the safe blast exclusion zone for the mining
equipment and personnel. Some key guidelines were suggested to minimise the occurrence of the flyrock.