ABSTRACT
Blasting is a complex process that involves the interaction between three dominant aspects: the geology of the rock mass; the geometry of the exposed surfaces and the boreholes; and the explosives and initiation sequence. The rapid release of energy is used to fragment and move rock from its geological setting and make the broken rock available for excavation, transport and further, usually, mechanical comminution. The chemical energy of the explosives used in blasting does not all do useful work-some of it is converted to seismic energy (ground vibrations), acoustic energy (noise or airblast), and heat. A blast produces fine material of limited utility, unwanted gasses and air-borne dust. At some level all of the results of a blast have an economic effect to the mining, quarrying or construction project.
