Predicting rock fragmentation based on drill monitoring: A case study from Malmberget mine, Sweden

Fragmentation analysis is an essential part of the optimization process in any mining operation. The costs loading, hauling, and crushing rock are strongly influenced by size distribution blasted rock. Several direct indirect methods used to analyse or predict fragmentation, but none entirely applicable fragmentation assessment sublevel caving mines, mainly because limitations imposed underground environment lack all required data adequately describe mass. Over past few years, measurement while drilling (MWD) has emerged as a potential tool provide more information about in-situ This research investigated if MWD can be caving. obtained from mine northern Sweden were find relationship between nature loading operation was filmed for than 12 months capture images loaded load-haul-dump (LHD) buckets. material those buckets classified into four categories based on median particle (X50). results showed stronger correlation fine medium fragmented with type (MWD data) coarser material. paper presents model prediction which concludes that it possible use prediction.