Modern Mining August 2017

PRODUCT News

New tools in BlastLogic optimise drill and blast

Major global operations are taking advantage of tailored BlastLogic solutions to reliably achieve greater accuracy in the critical drill and blast process. Upgrades in the

latest BlastLogic release help opera- tions improve mineral

BlastLogic allows informed analysis and modelling of drill and blast.

recovery through stream- lined drill and blast design,

tracking and analysis. Connecting fleet systems, explosives loading and initiation, and production management and reporting systems allows continual improvement both upstream and downstream from the drill and blast process. BlastLogic enables operations to make blast design and imple- mentation decisions with reference to mine plans, geology and geotechnical data. Instant data connection and visualisation in the field or office helps ensure that every aspect of the site drill and blast process is fine tuned. Tools in BlastLogic 2.1 create both pyrotechnic and electronic tie- ups, providing visual feedback on design effectiveness. Electronic initiation systems offer finer timing control and reducedmisfire poten- tial, increasing safety and reducing excessive vibration and noise. Users can make small hole-to-hole and row-to-row changes which account for actual drilling, charging and stemming positions. This helps ensure optimum performance in safety and fragmentation for every blast. Hole temperature logging in BlastLogic 2.1 allows the last known temperature, previous temperature and change in temperature to be entered via a tablet or desktop computer. Hole temperature can be viewed or edited, and dip, backfill and charge sheets show tempera- tures in hole tabular view. BlastLogic allows informed analysis and modelling of drill and blast. Cost savings can be achieved through expanding the blast pattern and reducing explosives use without compromising blast performance. The intuitive BlastLogic interface allows users to quickly design blast tie-ups which allow explosives to be individually detonated and timed to the millisecond. Auto-fill enhancements duplicate a row design across multiple rows with a single mouse drag. Drill and blast engineers can complete tie-up design faster. Tie-up sheets are easily exported and shared across operational depart- ments. Blast crews can access printouts showing how to tie-up blasts. “The technical mine landscape changes quickly,”says Maptek Africa GM Nick Venter. “To get ahead, mines need more efficient and inte- grated systems to fine tune their processes. They also need practical ways to improve productivity and performance. “BlastLogic has been proven to save up to 40 % in engineering time spent on data formatting and entry, reporting and meetings. It pro- vides a dynamic platform for immediately increasing ore recovery and reducing costs.” Maptek, tel (+27 11) 750-9660, website: www.maptek.com

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