Control of Ore Loss and Ore Dilution at Surface Mine Using Blast Movement Technology

Abstract

Blast Movement Monitoring (BMM) system is a new method of
determining material movement during blasting in order to minimise
ore loss, ore dilution and misclassification. The BMM system has
been introduced at Adamus Resources Limited (ARL), Ghana. The
essence of the investigation, therefore, is to find out the possible
causes of ore loss and ore dilution at the mine, propose possible
solutions to these ore loss and ore dilution and analyse the effects of
blast induced movement on ore blocks with the use of Blast Movement
Technology (BMT). Data was collected on BMM of the mine for
analysis, and it was observed that, the bottom flitch of the blasted
material moved more than the top flitch in the horizontal direction
while the reverse was the case for the vertical movement. Continuous
use of the system as a grade control practice, is, therefore, been
recommended for the mine, especially with shot containing ore. Also,
the use of BMT should be properly supervised to prevent improper
installation of the balls.