Monitoring seismic effect of mass blasting at an open pit at the Nikolsk coal deposit, Republic of Buryatia

Mass blasting takes a very important place in mineral extraction processes in most mines. Application of mass blasting is defined by the high efficiency in fracture and removal of large rock volumes. However, though evident economic advantages, mass blasts produce high and adverse impact on the environment. During this research, an integrated mathematical model was developed. The model makes it possible to estimate the influence exerted by different blasting and environmental parameters on initiation of seismic effect on ground surface during mass blasting. The model also allows predicting the level of seismic effect at different distances from a blast block, which is critical for the safety of close-spaced objects and areas. Practical testing of the model was carried out asa case-study of an open pit mine at the Nikolsk coal deposit in the Republic of Buryatia. Special attention was paid to the optimization of blasting patterns using various types of delays. The result of the research is the improved delay patterns which ensure a substantial decrease in number of simultaneously blasted charges and in duration of blasting-induced seismic effect. Application of the proposed engineering designs enables great abatement of the environmental impact of mass blasting. Optimization of blast designs promotes mitigation of seismic impact on the adjacent areas, which is exceptionally important in surface blasting in the vicinity of residential points, industrial facilities and conservation areas. The developed procedure and models are fruitfully adaptable at other mines with regard to their specifics and blasting conditions. This can allow advanced planning of protective measures for the close-spaced objects and areas, and enable optimization of blast designs with regard to specific mining conditions and environmental legislation.The study was supported by the Russian Ministry of Science and Higher Education in the framework of state contracts with the Dobretsov Geological Institute SB RAS and with the Geophysical Survey RAS, Contracts Nos. AAAA-A21-121011890033-1 and 075-00604-25.