TECHNICAL MEMORANDUM

TO:

Kinross

DATE:

April 9, 2009

FROM:

Pete Stacey

JOB #

KIN TM 01-09

RE:

CONTROLLED BLAST EVALUATION SYSTEM

The following outlines a system for evaluating controlled blast results. It is based
upon a similar system developed at Chuquicamata.
The basis for the evaluation system is a matrix, which includes:
Design Achievement (Df) for the bench configuration
Face Condition (Fc)
The components for each of these two sets of parameters are as follows,
together with the respective ranges of values that are applied in the matrix:
Design Achievement (Df)
Component
(Weighting)
Bench Face Angle
(50%)

Bench Width
(40%)

Toe Position
(10%)

Assigned Values
Design

50

Design 3 25
Design 5 10
Design 10 0
Design

40

Design
Design
Design
Design

35
25
15
0

1 m
2 m
3 m
5 m

On design

10

Design 1 m
Design m
Design 3 m

8
5
0

Comments
Achieved overall bench
face angle relative to
design

Achieved average bench

width relative to design

Is design toe is being

achieved

STACEY Mining Geotechnical Ltd.

-2-

Face Condition (Fc)

Component
(Weighting)

Assigned Values

Comments

Half Barrels Visible

(20%)

80%
70-80%
60-70%
50-60%
30-50%
10-30%
< 10%

20
15
12
8
5
2
0

If half barrels only visible

in lower part of bench
reduce by 5 to 10 points

Intact rock breakage

(15%)

< 1/m3

15

> 5/ m3

Cracks
per
volume.
Subjective
evaluation,
interpolate between 0
and 15

Open Joints
(10%)
Loose Material on
face
(20%)

All closed
Many moved

10
0

Subjective
interpolate
and 1

evaluation,
between 0

No blocks
20
Few small blocks 15
Large blocks
10
Many blocks
0

Assess in terms
rockfall hazard

of

Face Profile
(20%)

Straight
Hard toe
Overhang crest
Irregular face

20
10
5
0

Shape of face and basis

for variations

Crest Condition
(15%)

Achieved
< 1 m loss
1 m 2 m loss
2 m- 3 m loss
> 3 m loss

15
12
10
5
0

For loose rock on crest

deduct 0 to 5 points
more

The total of assigned values for each component in the two factors should be
reduced to a factor between 0 and 1 and plotted in the matrix shown in Figure 1.
STACEY Mining Geotechnical Ltd.

-3-

Figure 1

Controlled blast evaluation chart

In general, double benching should only be considered if the results of the

controlled blasting at a single bench scale fall within the green area in Figure 1,
i.e. both the Design Factor and the Face Condition factors are greater than 0.7.
This system is general and should be modified as required for the specific site
conditions.

STACEY Mining Geotechnical Ltd.