A Comprehensive Technical-Economic Cost Analysis of Drill and Blast Operations in a Basalt Quarry

Abstract Cost analysis of drilling and blasting operations in open-pit mining is particularly important in hard rock formations such as basalt and in rainy climatic conditions. This study presents a comprehensive cost analysis of drilling and blasting processes based on field data obtained from a 27-hole blast at a basalt quarry in the Eastern Black Sea Region. The blasting design was optimized to reduce environmental risks with a 11.56 m high compression dimension due to its location near the main road and riverbed. The analysis, performed using the phase cost method, examines in detail the cost of explosives as well as depreciation (21.45%), fuel (12.87%), labor, maintenance, repair, and logistics expenses. The results show that energy and depreciation expenses account for more than 90% of the total cost. Performance metrics such as 37.05 kg ANFO usage per hole and 0.74 L/meter fuel efficiency were calculated. The study presents a cost model that can serve as a reference for similar operations, emphasizing the critical role of optimizing depreciation and fuel costs on overall operational efficiency. Keywords: Drill and Blast, Cost Analysis, Surface Mining, Basalt Quarry, ANFO, Blast Optimization, Operational Efficiency, Phase-Cost Method.