Muck pile fragmentation optimization at open pit bench blasting

So far, scientists who are dealing with the improved blasting techniques agreed that the pile particle size distribution is the main consideration for blasting efficiency. But, terms of blasting efficiency has always been neglected to consider processes after blasting pile forms such as loading, haulage and crushing the fragmented material. In literature, limited researches have been reported to expose the relations between blasting and crushing operations. However, in this study, the effects of pile fragmentation on loading and haulage process had not been studied by the authors. The intended original outcome of this project is to develop analytical relations between some separately built up bench blasting under strict size distribution control and their effects on loading and haulage equipment performance and finally to answer the question of what would be the final benefit gained in the size reduction operation in mineral processing units. Any scientific study so far has not been considered to put forward the effects of loading machinery performance, unconstructive effects of swelling factor, haulage machinery performance and primary crusher performance related to a pile particles size of D50=20 cm. The main purpose of this project proposal is to provide energy usage optimization between the open pit mining processes and mineral processing stage. Another important value that this project brings about is to provide very important reference material in the related mining discipline. This project will be realized in different open pit mines around Izmir. First step in the project is to develop powder factors of limestone quarries around Izmir by investigating the old technical blasting records. Image Processing techniques were used to analyze the particle size distribution of fragmented pile. At the same time, hole drilling, loading, haulage, crushing and boulder crushing processes were investigated in detail to provide technical and economical data from pre-agreed limestone quarry companies. The working model of the project is to try different blasting patterns, obtain size distribution of muck pile and measure the hole drilling, the loading, haulage, the crushing and the boulder crushing efficiency performance occurred by this specific blast pattern and provide information for the next blasting pattern.