JOURNAL OF ROCK MECHANICS

JOURNAL OF ROCK MECHANICS

The Impact of PowerDeck Application on Blasting Operations - A Case Study of the Sarab Iron Ore Mine

Document Type : Original Article

Authors
1 Faculty of Engineering, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran.
2 Department of Mining Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Science and Research Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
Abstract
Blasting is one of the most critical stages in mining operations, and achieving an optimal blast pattern is essential for improving fragmentation and reducing costs. One method that can be used to enhance blasting is the PowerDeck technique. This study investigates the impact of using the PowerDeck method on blasting operations at the Sarab Hasanabad Yaskund iron ore mine. The primary objective of this research is to compare traditional blasting methods with the PowerDeck technique to achieve optimal fragmentation and cost reduction. The results indicate that the use of PowerDeck reduces fragmentation size by 60%, decreases specific drilling by 6%, and reduces specific charge by 11%. Additionally, the use of PowerDeck allows for the selection of larger blast patterns while achieving suitable fragmentation and reducing costs. Based on the findings, the PowerDeck technique is confirmed as an effective method for optimizing blasting operations in the Sarab iron ore mine from both technical and economic perspectives.
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