Rooikraal Quarry – Fragmentation Uniformity

Challenge
Nestled 56km South-East of Johannesburg, the operation produced approximately 40,000 tons of dolerite per month.  The initiating system used had limitations regarding fragmentation uniformity and muckpile profile due to lack in delay timing precision.

Solution
The conventional initiating system was replaced by AEL’s electronic detonating system, but the drill and timing pattern were left unchanged.

Outcome
The total mining cost was increased by 2% while the drill and blast cost per hole increased by 8%, equating to R140,000 per annum in monetary terms.  The productivity of earth moving equipment increased by 24.7% and the crusher throughput went up 14.7%.  The operation saved R700,000 per annum.  With the electronics precision delay timing fragmentation is greatly improved, directly improving numerous down-stream processes.