Blast and Mining

The aim of the course is to acquaint the mining students with the basic concepts of theoretical and engineering knowledge from the technological processes of drilling and blasting. As part of the course, students will learn about the basic characteristics of rock massifs, procedures for drilling of the mine holes and boreholes (equipment used for drilling), explosives and explosive means and system for ignition, explosion mechanism, blasting methods (with methods of calculating of basic blasting parameters and drilling geometry) as well as protective measures during the use, handling, storage and explosives and explosive devices destruction.

The student will to acquire the skills: for the choosing of optimal equipment for mine hole and borehole drilling, choosing explosives and means for initiation of blasting, choosing methods of blasting in open pits and underground mines, handling with the explosives and ignition means, creating the blasting schemes and maintain the blasting documentation, planning and development of drilling and blasting projects for a specific working environmement conditions. Ability to determine safety zones during blasting, as well as knowledge of safety measures during operations and storage of mine explosives.

Introducing students with the goals and concept of the teaching program. Characteristics, basic terms and significance of this technological phase in the process of exploitation of mineral raw materials.
Defining the working environment with rock classification, rock properties and their physical-mechanical characteristics.
Basic methods of drilling mine holes and boreholes. Characteristics of drilling equipment. Choice of drilling method. Mechanical drilling procedures with the basic principles of individual drilling methods.
Physical-chemical drilling procedures and combined drilling procedures.
Explosives and blasting materials. Definition, classification and characteristics of explosive materials and explosives. Basic terms and theories of explosion.
Characteristics of explosives.
Types of explosives.
Devices and equipment for initiating of explosives and mines - their classification and characteristics.
Explosion mechanisms and hydrodynamic theory. Mechanisms of explosion effects, the seismic effects. The influence of the number of free surfaces.
Selection of the optimal type of explosives. Calculation of the required amount of explosives, selection of the deceleration interval, construction of the explosive charge.
Methods of blasting in surface mines.
Use of explosives in the special conditions.
Construction of the underground rooms by blasting.
Storage and destruction of explosives and mine-explosive devices.
Determining safety distances during blasting.

1. N. Purtić: Bušenje i miniranje, RGF Beograd, 1991.

   (Original)

2. M. Savić: Miniranje na površinskim kopovima, Bor, 2000.

   (Original)

3. L. Kričak: 2005: Seizmika miniranja – RGF, Beograd.

   (Original)

4. I. Riđešić: 1992: Tehnologija izvođenja minerskih radova u urbanim sredinama.

   (Original)

5. William A. Hustrulid, 2005: Blasting Principles for Open Pit Mining, ISBN 9789054104582, USA.

   (Original)

Class attendance 5 points
Teaching activities 5 points
Seminar work 10 points
Colloquiums I and II 15+15 points
Final exam 50 points

The theoretical lectures, computational exercises, colloquiums/tests and seminar work. The program is made easier for the student by studying in consultation with the teacher and assistant.