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Integrated Technology Solution for Blasting Operations

Amit Bhandari Founder / MD - ContinuousExcellence

Blasting Why optimal blasting is important?

Blasting is a crucial part of mine operations (Once a mine is established).

It has the potential of impacting operational efficiency of multiple aspects of mine operations (including post blasting operations such as loading , transportation and crushing).

Improper blasting can cause adverse environmental effect and health issues

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Issues faced during blastingTypical Areas of concern for mining companies

Incorrectly done blasting can cause A) Operational inefficiency B) Health and Safety Concerns C) Pose risk to mining companies due to regulatory aspects.

Environmental issues Air Vibration Ground Vibration Flyrock Dust/Fumes

Operational issues Inefficient use of use of explosives energy Fragment size distribution is not optimal and reduces efficiency of post

blasting operations such as loading , transportation and crushing

Our solutionIt is end to end solution for blasting

Our solution is innovative since it ties multiple aspects of the blasting operation together (prediction / design prior to the blasts, data collection in mining operations, analysis/reporting on various aspects of blasting operations).

Individually some solutions may exist (e.g. for blast design) but nothing integrated. Also predictors are very unique.

What is unique about our solutionExceptional features

Intellectual Capital : People from our firm have published over 50 papers in this area (over the years). They are recognized as international authorities in blasting.

Labor of Love : This solution has seen over 7 developers work on the IT side over the past three years. This has also lead to some other developments.

Limited Marketing : With very limited marketing this solution has been sold in a number of Tier 1 mining companies. This has been in geographies traditionally hard to sell software in.

End to End Blasting Solution : This is an end to end solution which covers all aspects of blasting life cycle - pre blast, blast data collection and analysis and post blast.

Data Analytics : BIMS provides detailed ability to capture blast data and modify future blast designs/parameters based on analysis of historical data trends.

Reporting : Past data can be searched. Reporting is also available.

Predictors/Simulators : After prediction, user can change the values like spacing, explosive etc. for optimum cost and /or least environmental impacts.

Mobility Solutions : We have very unique mobile App for our blasting tools. This enables field personnel to capture data ,images, vedio at the site of the blast.

Our Blasting Modules What do they do and what is their current status?

Blast Information

Management System/BIMS

Systematic Storage of dataRetrieval of data recorded by personnel and monitoring instrumentsPresentation of dataAnalysis of dataCompliance Reports Viewing of data at distance locationCosts, photographs, video and performance

Production ReadyInstalled at few mining companies in India

Blast Designer (BLADES)

Provides blast designing patterns.Calculates blast parametersCharging sheet for blaster can load explosive in each hole and also provide initiator connection.

Production Ready

Predictors

FRAGMENTATION SIZE PREDICTOR – Determines the size of the fragments. Optimizes the data insights in such a way that in turn it helps to

improve production efficiencies. Helps in cost optimization

BLAST CLEARANCE ZONE ESTIMATOR – Establish both safe clearance distances and the critical range of

burdens and stemming heights. Indicate the zone of flyrock travel.

AIR AND GROUND VIBRATION PREDICTOR – Determines approximate contour plans for both ground and air

vibration levelsWAVEFRONT REINFORCEMENT PREDICTOR –

Designing and editing blast patterns.

Production Ready. Installed at few mining companies in India and AustraliaSome predictors like Fragmentation predictor is currently WIP

Mobility Solution

Integrated mobile solution of all these modules.Can be taken to mine site to collect real time data and get predictions, optimizations and cost analysis as output.Can work without internet.

Currently being developed

Module Name What does the Module do ? Current Status

So What NextFuture Enhancements / Marketing / Research Projects

We have a number product extensions/commercialization areas where we seek co-operation

Commercialization : We would absolutely seek help in marketing /sales activities , also partnership in different geographies.

Clear Research Projects : We would have many other extensions and predictors/simulators that could be developed.

Funding : Funding always helps. This could be helpful for commercialization (Marketing/Sales Activities) and/or Product Extensions.

Example of some product features we would want to develop : Predictors : Airblast (noise), fragmentation size distribution, Dust (plume) prediction

and control software. BIMS: GPS co-ordinate capture functionality can also be added. Import/export from

other major mining software being used in Australia/globally. IOT/ Sensor Technology : With advancement of technology we can use embedded

sensors for vibration measurement etc. Mobility : Mobility solution for all aspects which would enable field data capture and

analysis. Data Analytics : Predictive data analytics for both environmental impacts as well as

improving operational efficiency

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Appendix

Screen Shots of BlMSMobility Solution for Blasting (Mobile App)

Screen Shots of BlMSBlast Information Management System

ScreenshotsVarious Blasting Predictors

Ground Vibration Predictor Air Vibration Predictor

Flyrock Estimator Wavefront Reinforcement Predictor

ScreenshotsBLADES (Blast designer)