Rock breakage with explosives has existed since the seventeenth century when black powder came into use in mining. Since then it has progressed from the invention of dynamite to the use of heavy ANFO. During the past two decades, there have been numerous technical contributions which have brought a better understanding of rock fragmentation with explosives, an improvement in drilling equipment and a noticeable evolution in the development of new explosives and blasting accessories. The Geomining Technological Institute of Spain (ITCE), aware of this progress and of the importance which the breakage process has acquired in mining and civil engineering projects, has ordered the publication of Drilling and Blasting of Rocks. The purpose of this Handbook is to give basic knowledge of the drilling systems, the types of available explosives and the accessories and the parameters that intervene in blast designing, whether controllable or not; at the same time the objectives and contents contribute to improved safety in mining. The Handbook is meant for all professionals who are involved with explosives in mining operations and civil engineering projects, as well as for students of technical schools.

In large surface mining operations, drilling and blasting activities constitute more than 15% of the total costs. In order to optimize performance and minimize costs, a thorough knowledge of drill and blast operations is, therefore, extremely important.In this unique reference volume, rotary blasthole drilling and surface blasting, as applied in la

The Office of Industrial Technologies (OIT) of the U. S. Department of Energy commissioned the National Research Council (NRC) to undertake a study on required technologies for the Mining Industries of the Future Program to complement information provided to the program by the National Mining Association. Subsequently, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health also became a sponsor of this study, and the Statement of Task was expanded to include health and safety. The overall objectives of this study are: (a) to review available information on the U.S. mining industry; (b) to identify critical research and development needs related to the exploration, mining, and processing of coal, minerals, and metals; and (c) to examine the federal contribution to research and development in mining processes.

This book presents the principles and practices of rock blasting for underground hard rock mining. It covers a theoretical background of the rock blasting technology and comprehensive case studies on different stages of rock blasting for underground metalliferous mining. It includes the discussions on burn-cut face blasting pattern, slot raise excavation methodology, and ring blasting methods. It further discusses different practical challenges associated with underground blasting, viz. ore dilution, ground vibration, wall instability, etc., and their possible solutions. The book also covers the recent advancements in methodologies to predict blasting outcomes and instrumentations for monitoring rock blasting operations. The book is a useful reference for rock blasting practitioners, mining engineers, professionals, and researchers. It is also a valuable reference for undergraduate and postgraduate students.

Rock Blasting and Explosives Engineering covers the practical engineering aspects of many different kinds of rock blasting. It includes a thorough analysis of the cost of the entire process of tunneling by drilling and blasting in comparison with full-face boring. Also covered are the fundamental sciences of rock mass and material strength, the thermal decomposition, burning, shock initiation, and detonation behavior of commercial and military explosives, and systems for charging explosives into drillholes. Functional descriptions of all current detonators and initiation systems are provided. The book includes chapters on flyrock, toxic fumes, the safety of explosives, and even explosives applied in metal working as a fine art. Fundamental in its approach, the text is based on the practical industrial experience of its authors. It is supported by an abundance of tables, diagrams, and figures. This combined textbook and handbook provides students, practitioners, and researchers in mining, mechanical, building construction, geological, and petroleum engineering with a source from which to gain a thorough understanding of the constructive use of explosives.

Blown to Bits in the Mine charts the evolution of the use of explosives for mining and quarrying in North America from the Industrial Revolution into the twentieth century. The art of blasting was of prime importance to mining because explosives enabled miners to move through solid rock as no other technology could. This book presents a detailed look at the whole process of using explosives, from drilling blast-holes to setting off the charges, with an emphasis on technology, material culture, and the impacts to the mine as a work environment. Everyone with a penchant for mining history will enjoy this book.Eric Twitty became interested in mining history at the early age of seven, and during the following several decades made extensive trips to mining districts throughout the West in search of physical evidence and fact to compare against the numerous related books he read. Eric completed a MA degree in 1999 in American History emphasizing mining in the West and started a consulting business. Eric is currently researching, recording, analyzing, and evaluating the remains of historic mines in Colorado, where he resides.