A Comprehensive Review of Traditional, Modern and Advanced Presplit Drilling and Blasting in the Mining and Construction Industries

Document Type : Review Article

Authors

1 Department of Petroleum and Natural Gas Engineering, GNPC School of Petroleum Studies, University of Mines and Technology, Tarkwa, Ghana

2 Department of Mining Engineering, Faculty of Mining and Minerals Technology, University of Mines and Technology, Tarkwa, Ghana

3 Department of Surface Mining, Golden Star Resources Ltd, Wassa Akyempim, Ghana

4 Department of Petroleum Geosciences and Engineering, GNPC School of Petroleum Studies, University of Mines and Technology, Tarkwa, Ghana

Abstract

Presplit drilling and blasting are frequent excavation methods used in the mining and construction industries, but they can be challenging to implement which can also lead to inconsistent results. This review identifies the key mechanisms behind presplit drilling and blasting, and discusses the significant impact that this technique has on the industry. It also emphasizes the major issues that must be addressed before presplit drilling and blasting can be properly implemented, such as the drilling program.The review then introduces the potential application of Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools in presplitting, and discusses how AI can be used to optimize the future design of presplit blast patterns, predict the performance of presplit blasts, and monitor the progress of presplit blasts in real time. The application of AI tools in presplitting has the potential to improve the safety, efficiency, and cost-effectiveness of blasting operations. The review concludes by discussing the future of drilling and blasting in the mining and construction industries, and emphasizes the role of AI optimization as a future tool in moving this field into the autonomous dimension.

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