Title: Enhancement of efficient coal fragmentation through technological advancement

Authors: Khadija Omar Said; Moshood Onifade; Amtenge Penda Shivute; John Adetunji Adebisi

Addresses: Department of Mining and Mineral Processing Engineering, Taita Taveta University, Kenya ' Department of Civil and Mining Engineering, University of Namibia, Namibia ' Department of Civil and Mining Engineering, University of Namibia, Namibia ' Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of Namibia, Namibia

Abstract: Rapid technological advancements, including automation, digitisation, and electrification are having a significant influence on the mining industry. From exploration and geological modelling through equipment, operations and maintenance, and logistics and transportation, information technology is being used at every stage of the mining value chain. These new technologies can capture the information component of each unit of drilling and blasting operations accurately. To achieve drilling and blasting results that best fit the needs of the operation, the capacity to use information produced during these operations, as well as providing feedback loops for factual assessment is critical. Several technologies that can have a positive effect on drilling and blasting operations and pave the way for a unified approach to drilling, blast design, and blasting implementation are presented in this study. Some of the key issues, solutions and the various outcomes achieved during drilling and blasting in coal mines around the world are reported. To draw light on the advantages of technology, the major developments in drilling and blasting including utilisation of GPS aided drill rigs, intelligent drilling and charging, usage of blasting optimising software and laser technology for drilling which largely improve recovery and safety in coal mines are discussed.

Keywords: coal utilisation; information technology; automation; digitisation; electrification; fragmentation.

DOI: 10.1504/IJMME.2023.131614

International Journal of Mining and Mineral Engineering, 2023 Vol.14 No.1, pp.69 - 94

Received: 02 Aug 2022
Accepted: 21 Mar 2023
Published online: 20 Jun 2023 *