Underground gold miners face challenges related to hole filling using the open-pit method. At certain times, the mine struggles to overcome water absorption and the degradation of the emulsion in the hole due to water. During the rainy season, the problem worsens with significant water inflow into the mine. During the rainy season, water can be seen flowing out of the drill holes.

As a result, the explosives loading process becomes complicated and slow, potentially endangering miners who may be buried by the mine material. The miners have resorted to several drill hole repairs to achieve blasting standards.

After numerous attempts with containment products proved ineffective, especially considering the volume of overflowing water, the miners finally sought the consultation of the MTi Group team to find an effective solution to their problem. The most effective solution was found to limit contact between the emulsion and the water.

The approach taken was a combination of BLASTSHIELD™ and BLASTBAG™ technologies. BLASTSHIELD™ functions as a protective layer impermeable to groundwater, in the form of a specially designed hole liner.

BLASTBAG™ has the ability to expand to support the structure above it while in the hole. The image below shows the application of BLASTSHIELD™ and BLASTBAG™.

The BLASTSHIELD™ liner design is ideally suited to pit conditions, allowing operators to easily install and reach the required top layer of the hole. It utilizes a carefully woven, multi-layer composite material.

When tested in extremely wet holes due to water flow, which causes emulsion quality to deteriorate, the installation of BLASTSHIELD™ and BLASTBAG™ proved efficient and effective. The quick and uncomplicated installation process, utilizing existing infrastructure such as mine air and charging hoses, with pre-cut sleeving applied, resulted in visible improvements immediately.

The application of BLASTSHIELD™ and BLASTBAG™ to the holes resulted in no subsidence or water seepage into the emulsion. This result was achieved in a single trial, without the need for repeated product applications to the holes.

This result was significantly different from the control holes (non-BLASTSHIELD™ and non-BLASTBAG™), where the emulsion quality in the control holes decreased. With this fast process, miners can work more efficiently and productively, with less explosive wasted during loading.

Don’t miss this opportunity to optimize your blasting results and contribute to a more efficient and sustainable mining industry. Don’t hesitate to contact us!