By Nancy Chellingsworth
Human Resources Lead
Overview
A recent mining client had identified significant inefficiencies and increasing unit costs with their blasting and explosive handling practices on site, specifically relating to the management of reactive ground.
Reactive ground, if not managed, can pose a significant risk to personnel due to the potential for a spontaneous exothermic reaction after certain sulphides present in the rock come into contact with nitrates in explosives. As per industry norms, bulk explosives suppliers require site testing for the presence of reactive ground, however the standard testing method (currently utilised by our client) was found to be unrepresentative of the actual risk conditions specific to their site.
Operating multiple coal mines, the potential value of unlocking a bespoke solution for this issue was not just a significant bottom line improvement, but also one of safety and risk management. The eXcellerate process brought together coal mine health and safety, explosives blasting and research and risk management experts in a structured way that ensured a sound understanding of the technical issues and potential solutions, while also enabling consultation with all key site and risk owner stakeholders.
Our approach:
- Sharing our deep, accumulated industry experience
- Breaking down silos to foster a culture of collaboration
- Instilling confidence in the team to challenge existing assumptions Enhancing the technical skills of the planning and operations teams
- Encouraging innovative thinking by questioning assumptions previously accepted as facts
- Bringing together industry talent and expertise to achieve informed and lasting outcomes
Key Actions Taken
The scope included compiling the latest engineering and scientific data on the detonation of Ammonium Nitrate in reactive ground. Additionally, site data and research were utilised to understand associated risk factors with risk assessments conducted to create a reactive ground management procedure, supporting stakeholders to select the most suitable explosives.
A discovery workshop was facilitated, bringing together industry experts, former regulators and site personnel to review the relevant data, research and regulatory frameworks leading to the development of informed and specific site-based procedures.
Key Findings
A suite of reactive ground testing techniques and subsequent data analysis were found to be suitable, accurate and could be made readily available for site personnel on the ground (with the support of site geological/geochemistry personnel) providing a representative result of the level of reactive ground present.
This information has allowed the selection of blasting products and explosives that not only meet industry standards for managing reactive ground, but also provide an optimised blast outcome at a significantly reduced unit cost.
