PRESPLIT BLASTING FOR OPEN PIT MINES

D P Francis

The importance of limiting overbreak and damage to rock walls at the perimeter of rock
excavations can not be under estimated.

To minimise these undesirable effects there are several perimeter blasting techniques
which are available. Over past years these controlled blasting methods have undergone a
great deal of improvement and are now common in open pit mining as well as in public
works projects. These techniques are namely smooth wall blasting (or trim blasting), line
drilling, cushion blasting, presplit blasting, fracture control method, and linear shaped
charge method. Although more costly to implement, these methods offer the following
beneficial qualities which justify the effort and expense.
• ability to maintain safe conditions permitting quicker progress
• increased stability of the rock wall
• improved stripping ratios
• applied to ore limits it can reduce dilution
• less broken rock to load and transport

Of these perimeter control techniques, presplit blasting has become the most widely used
method. This method will be reviewed in full covering the relevant background theory
including a review of factors which affect presplit blasting results, the practical aspects and
considerations, and the benefits to be gained by using this method.

A study of the application of presplit blasting to varying rock types and conditions has
been undertaken in order to gain an understanding of and the interaction between the key
elements involved in producing a competent presplit slope. The trends and conclusions
arising from this study are presented along with several recommendations for future
studies to address.