Drilling and Blasting in Surface Mines
This is a comprehensive course that provides you a systematic approach to the many considerations in surface mine and quarry drilling and blasting. We will provide you important information you need to insure a quality blasting program. The course stresses the practical application of drilling and blasting technology. You obtain up-to-date information in lectures, problem solving workshops and a comprehensive text. Upon completing this seminar you will have a good understanding of everything involved in achieving a highly effective drilling and blasting operation.

Important topics covered include:
 

• Explosives types and properties
• Alternate fuels for ANFO
• Drilling principles and economics
• Blast design
• Cast Blasting
• Scale-up laws
• Explosive selection factors
• Use of energy units concept
• Factors influencing fragmentation
• Initiation systems and practices
• High speed photography
• Vibration and airblast
• Wall control blasting
• Active highwall presplitting
• Effects of gap sensitivity
• Drill to mill blast optimization

Effective Operation of Dragline Mines
This course presents important topics in dragline use, productivity and selection, and information about essential attendant requirements like blast casting and slope stability. Concepts and ideas are presented that will help you increase productivity and keep mining costs low. Information of practical value, that you can use at the mine is presented in lectures, problem solving sessions and textbooks. The course is very beneficial to those newly involved in dragline planning or operation. Those who manage, supervise or plan dragline operations also benefit.

Important topics presented include: