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Explosives in a mine - avoiding costly incidents
July 25, 2024
Explosives are commonly used in the underground mining environment, however, their handling and usage come with inherent risks. Accidents involving explosives can lead to serious injuries or fatalities, as well as significant damage to equipment and infrastructure.
During waste bogging operations at an Australian mine, a loader operator heard what sounded like a detonation of explosives. Although initial inspections of the muck pile didn't reveal any explosive material, further examination uncovered two pieces of cord-type explosives typically used for perimeter blasting. This explosive contained PETN, known to be sensitive to impact, friction, or heat. Fortunately, there were no injuries resulting from this incident. However, it serves as a stark reminder of the potential dangers associated with misfired explosives, which can lead to fly rock and serious injuries.
In a separate incident, extensive damage occurred underground following a blast in a development heading, affecting ventilation ducting, services, and support mesh. Around 180 meters of drive were impacted, with significant damage to the support mesh near the face. The investigation revealed that excess ANFO, inadvertently initiated during face firing, was dumped onto the face due to time constraints and the charge-up vehicle needing maintenance. Contributing factors included time constraints, pressure to advance the heading, ventilation delays, misjudgments about remaining explosives, and failure to inspect for unconfined explosives.
To prevent similar incidents in the future, it's crucial to adhere to the manufacturer's recommendations, implement a comprehensive blast management plan, conduct regular reviews and audits of blasting procedures, investigate misfires thoroughly, and acknowledge the risks posed by excessive explosives left in the workplace and ensure compliance with regulations for their proper disposal. The easier these are to undertake the more frequency and more accurate these will be.
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Magman plays a critical role in creating safer mines by managing explosives inventory. It enables operators to efficiently monitor and manage explosive transactions without the burden of extensive paperwork or the need to rush tasks. This streamlined approach allows operators to focus more on their core responsibilities, enabling operators to make informed decisions, minimise risks, and maintain a safer working environment underground. The paperless operation is further enhanced by the use of specially certified intrinsically safe Simbio tablets that are able to work offline without emitting any radio frequencies.
Article by - Eddy Zhang
Magman Stocktake New Features Stocktake compliance and balancing your magazine is a key regulatory requirement. Magman has always been focused on this through proactive alerting and email notifications. This has now been improved further by introducing a new stocktake validation workflow. This workflow prevents other transactions occurring if the magazine does not balance and requires approval via designated persons to proceed past an imbalanced magazine. The updated Magman system ensures seamless regulatory compliance and reduced downtime by enforcing users to complete a stocktake each shift prior to any other magazine transactions, removing any guesswork or administration level controls in the stock validation process and immediately requiring intervention if it does not balance. Here’s the new Magman stocktake workflow:
In the bustling ecosystem of the mining industry, where efficiency and innovation are paramount, Digital Terrain's flagship product, Simbio, stands as the embodiment of synergy and harmony. Just as flowers and bees, or clownfish and anemones, thrive through their symbiotic relationships, Simbio brings together the diverse elements of Digital Terrain's portfolio to create a seamless, integrated solution that transforms the way mining operations are managed and executed. The Power of Symbiosis: Uniting Strengths for Unparalleled Success At its core, Simbio is about the interconnectedness of all components within the Digital Terrain suite. This revolutionary product combines the strengths of PLAN, MANAGE, PLOD, Magman, IoT, Digitisation Services, and Integration Solutions, forging a unified platform that enhances every aspect of mining operations. Just as bees and flowers depend on each other for survival and growth, each element within Simbio works in perfect harmony, ensuring that data flows seamlessly, operations run smoothly, and productivity reaches new heights. PLAN: The Blueprint for Success Every great endeavor begins with a plan, and in the mining world, precision planning is the cornerstone of success. Simbio’s PLAN module is the architect of operational excellence, providing detailed blueprints that guide every phase of the mining process. With real-time data access and sophisticated analytics, PLAN ensures that every decision is informed, every action is deliberate, and every outcome is optimized. It’s not just planning; it’s orchestrating a symphony of success. MANAGE: The Conductor of Operations Once the blueprint is set, the MANAGE module takes the baton, conducting the day-to-day operations with unmatched efficiency. MANAGE brings clarity and control, allowing operators to oversee every facet of the mining process in real-time. It’s the heartbeat of the operation, ensuring that everything runs in perfect rhythm, much like the harmonious relationship between clownfish and anemones, where each supports the other to thrive in their shared environment. PLOD: Precision and Performance In the fast-paced world of mining, precision and performance are paramount. The PLOD module of Simbio delivers just that, providing real-time tracking and reporting of on-site activities. It ensures that every action is recorded, every movement is monitored, and every task is executed with pinpoint accuracy. PLOD is the watchful eye that guarantees safety, boosts productivity, and drives the operation towards its goals. Magman: Mastering the Flow of Resources Resource management is the lifeblood of any mining operation, and Magman is the master of this domain within Simbio. It optimizes the allocation and utilization of resources, ensuring that every asset is used to its fullest potential. Magman is the keystone species in the Simbio ecosystem, balancing supply and demand, much like bees pollinate flowers to ensure the continuity of their symbiotic relationship. IoT: The Pulse of Innovation In the age of digital transformation, the Internet of Things (IoT) is the pulse that keeps the Simbio ecosystem alive. IoT integration within Simbio connects every piece of equipment, every sensor, and every data point, creating a network of intelligence that drives smart decision-making. It’s the neural network of the operation, sensing, communicating, and responding to the dynamic needs of the mining environment. Digitisation Services and Integration Solutions: The Backbone of Connectivity At the heart of Simbio’s success is its robust Digitisation Services and Integration Solutions. These elements ensure that all data is seamlessly integrated, all systems are connected, and all processes are digitized for maximum efficiency. It’s the foundation that supports the entire ecosystem, much like the interconnected roots of a forest that share nutrients and resources, ensuring the health and vitality of every tree. The Future of Mining: A Symbiotic Vision Simbio is more than just a product; it’s a vision for the future of mining. It represents the pinnacle of innovation, the epitome of efficiency, and the zenith of productivity. By harnessing the power of symbiosis, Digital Terrain has created a solution that not only meets the needs of today’s mining operations but also anticipates the challenges of tomorrow. Conclusion: Thriving Together In the grand tapestry of the mining industry, where every thread must be perfectly woven to create a masterpiece, Simbio stands as the ultimate tool for achieving symbiotic success. Just as flowers and bees, and clownfish and anemones, thrive through their interdependence, so too does the Digital Terrain portfolio, united under the banner of Simbio. Together, we are not just surviving; we are thriving, reaching new heights, and setting the gold standard for the industry. With Simbio, the future of mining is not just bright; it’s brilliant.