Challenge
Located in Sefwi-Bibiani, southwest Ghana, underground gold miners are faced with a number of challenges related to filling holes in the application of the open stop method .
At certain times, the mine experienced problems with water absorption and a decrease in the quality of the emulsion in the pit due to standing water. This resulted in complicated and slow loading of explosives, and even more dangerously, it affected the miners, who could be buried by the mine material.
As repairs to the drill hole must be carried out several times in order to achieve the expected blasting standards.
Solution
When the rainy season arrives, this problem worsens, causing significant water flow into the mine. During the rainy season, it’s not uncommon to see water flowing out of these boreholes.
After numerous attempts using various containment products without satisfactory results, especially considering the volume of overflowing water, the miners finally sought the consulting assistance of the MTi Group team to find an effective solution to their problem.
After various discussions and field visits, the most effective solution was found to limit contact between the emulsion and water.
The approach taken is to combine BLASTSHIELD™ and BLASTBAG™ AERO technology. BLASTSHIELD™ functions as a protective layer that cannot be penetrated by ground water, in the form of a hole liner that has been specially designed.
On the other hand, the BLASTBAG™ AERO has an expansion capability that allows it to support the structure above it while in the hole.
Using a carefully woven, multi-layer composite material, the BLASTSHIELD™ liner design is perfectly suited to the conditions found in mine pits. This allows operators to easily install and reach the required length of the top layer of the pit.
When tested in extremely wet holes due to water flow, which results in emulsion degradation, the installation of BLASTSHIELD™ and BLASTBAG™ proved efficient and effective. The quick and uncomplicated installation process, using existing infrastructure such as mine air and charging hoses, with pre-cut sleeving applied, resulted in an immediate visible improvement.
Results
The application of BLASTSHIELD™ and BLASTBAG™ to the holes resulted in no water loss or seepage into the emulsion. This result was achieved in a single test, without the need for repeated product applications to the holes.
These results differ significantly from those in control (non-liner) holes, where the emulsion quality in the control holes declined. With the process running quickly, miners can work more efficiently and productively, with less explosive wasted during loading.
Don’t miss the opportunity to optimize your blasting results and contribute to a more efficient and sustainable mining industry. Don’t hesitate to contact us !
