Throughout history, we have used different types of explosives in mining. The first One of these materials was the black powder, but as advances in the field of chemistry progressed, other substances, such as nitroglycerin and TNT, were introduced.
Explosives in Mining: Main Explosives Used
Before choosing the explosive, we need to take into account several factors, such as the geographic location, the rock type to break, their dimensions or potential environmental impacts. Below, we will discuss some of the most common explosives used in this sector:
- Powdered explosives. They consist of certain waterproofing agents, stabilizers, and ammonium nitrate, as well as other combustible substances. They typically have a shelf life ranging from eight to twelve months. They are mainly used for drilling on land where there is no water, usually during blasting operations underground.
- Hydrogels. They do not contain any explosive substances in their composition, but they cause a detonation when triggered by a detonator. Their main advantages are high power and a considerable water resistance. They are quite safe when it comes to transport and handling. Their work is very effective in rocky terrain that have a medium or high hardness, even if there is water.
- ANFO. These explosives consist mainly of nitroglycerin and diesel fuel. They are not water-resistant at all and its low or medium power. They are typically used in soft rock formations and for underground blasting. Their use in open-pit mining is not recommended due to the high volume of gases they produce upon detonation.
- Emulsions. They consist of ammonium nitrate or sodium nitrate, a portion of water, diesel fuel, and other products such as waxes and emulsifying agents. They have the the same characteristics that the hydrogels, but they still offer greater water resistance and its the detonation velocity is higher.
- Gunpowder. It consists of carbon, sulfur, and potassium nitrate. Its main problem is that not water-resistant. As for how it works, its explosive force is truly devastating. The fumes it emits after exploding are toxic, so we must take special care during underground blasting operations.
- Gelatinous explosives. These are known as "gomas." They are composed of nitroglycerin, oxidizers, stabilizers, and combustible substances. They are characterized by a high water resistance and one high fragmentation power.
Key Safety Measures and Risks
The preparation of explosives is extremely important to ensure the effectiveness of the blasting operation and the safety of workers.
The handling and use of explosives in mining must be accompanied by a series of safety measures in accordance with the current regulations. First, we must store these substances in a tank sure Authorized by the Provincial Department of Industry. Smoking is prohibited, and materials must not be handled roughly. It is not permitted to transport explosives together with mechanisms that could set them off.
As for preparation, drilling plays a key role. The rock must be drilled before the boreholes are charged; these two steps should never be performed at the same time. It is important that the boreholes be clean and properly cased if water is likely to be present in the ground.
Before proceeding with the blast, the person in charge of it must verify that the The area has been cleared. The blast must be carried out from a safe location and at a specified minimum distance. We must remain out of the range of rock fragments thrown by the explosion. We must take special care to prevent accidental detonations, which can occur due to contact with nearby power lines or a lightning strike.
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