The influence of stemming practice on ground vibration and air blast

SYNOPSIS This paper details an assessment of stemming practices at a South African opencast coal mine and their influence on ground vibration air blast. Quantitative qualitative analysis methods were used for the study. The parameters assessed quantitative analyses included length, material type, blast-hole depth, burden, spacing. Pre-blast data from was analysed to determine deviation between actual design parameters. Mine length also compared rule-of-thumb lengths. Peak particle velocity (ground vibration) blast seismograph stations around correlation excessive involved observations blasting procedures compliance with procedures. Some level non-compliance found, which initially suggested that may have contributed However, further results indicated no direct vibration. Since are interrelated, it is crucial all procedures, including stemming, executed in accordance best practice, recorded accurately. There need digital systems capturing on-bench parameters, as currently manual recording reporting inefficient prone error. Improvements designs possible through efficient accurate systems. Keyword: sopencast mining, blasting, vibration,