29 NOVEMBER 2025 WorldWide Drilling Resource® Copper Mine Saves Using These Technologies Adapted from Information by Dyno Nobel An Arizona copper mine operation aimed to achieve a particle size distribution (PSD) of 30% <½-inch material for their processing circuit. Historically, the mine utilized a mix of emulsion blends and straight emulsion. However, as the mining strategy evolved to include harder rock, particularly in a significant section of the pit with high-grade ore, the mine encountered difficulties in providing adequately sized material to the mill. In an effort to meet their PSD target with existing emulsion products, the site gradually reduced their drill pattern burden and spacing in the ore. Despite these adjustments, they still struggled to attain the desired sized fraction. To address this challenge, the mine collaborated with Dyno Nobel for a three-month trial aimed at consistently reaching their PSD goals. DynoConsult introduced TITAN 1000 G Bulk Emulsion, one of Dyno Nobel’s high-quality bulk emulsion offerings, for the project. This product is sensitized during loading, making it suitable for use in quarries, as well as coal and metal mines. Its design helps it remain in the borehole instead of migrating into voids and fractures, promoting more predictable and uniform fragmentation. Additionally, the mine utilized Dyno Nobel’s Delta E2 (ΔE2) technology, which optimizes energy placement throughout the borehole. The preload software analyzes drill data and other rock property information to ensure each segment of rock receives the appropriate explosive energy for optimal fragmentation. This also enables direct transmission of blast plans to loading equipment, ensuring precise hole loading for better control over blasting results. The trial commenced without altering the historical burden or spacing (15½ feet by 18 feet) and maintained a product density similar to what had been previously used. Fragmentation results from each blast were measured at the crusher using imaging technology. Based in the initial blast outcomes, the design burden and spacing were gradually expanded throughout the trial, while product density was adjusted according to available MWD (measurement while drilling) data and geological conditions using Dyno Nobel’s ΔE2 technology. The <½-inch PSD was monitored with each design modification in different areas of the pit as material was processed at the crusher. Adjustments in pattern size and explosive usage during the trial indicated a potential annual savings of nearly $4 million in drilling and blasting costs by transitioning from the previously utilized smaller patterns. After the trial, the mine found their existing emulsion blend practices could not replicate the successful results achieved during the trial, leading them to contract Dyno Nobel for ongoing supply and service. The mine drilled and blasted around 20,000 holes with an average depth of 48 feet following their switch to TITAN Bulk Emulsion and ΔE2 technology. Without the expanded blast patterns and the advancements from Dyno Nobel, the mine would have needed to drill over 3000 additional holes to produce the same volume of ore for the processing circuit. The estimated savings from reduced drilling costs amount to approximately $600,000, while blasting cost savings approach nearly $1 million. MIN See us at Booth 1248 Groundwater Week 2025 in New Orleans WWDR’s Editorial Focus for January is Geothermal ~ Devices, tools, bits, hammers, drill pipe, grout, and more. Deadline is November 15th For more information, call Bonnie at 850-547-0102 or e-mail bonnie@worldwidedrillingresource.com
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