Modelling of ground vibration from blasting at Semafo Mining Company, Mana Mine in Burkina Faso

Abstract

Blasting is a very important process for fragmentation of rock as part of operations and a lot of explosives are used for this purpose. The blasting process, however, remains a potential source of numerous human and environmental hazards. Various studies indicate that fragmentation accounts for only 20-30% of the total amount of explosive energy used. The rest of the energy is lost in the form of ground vibration, fly rock, air overpressure and noise. Blast vibrations may cause a significant damage to nearby buildings or various structures. In this project blast vibration study is done. This study seeks to identify the major parameters that cause ground vibration at the Mana Mine and model the ground vibration. Among the four blast vibration predictor equations assessed, the Ambrey-Hendron equation was found to be the best model with appropriate site constants k and β as 97.43 and 0.7775 respectively. It is recommended that Mana Mine should use this model and ensure that shot-bags are used in order to minimize explosive losses into cracks in the ground.