Apparatus and method for charging and blasting designed for bench-shaped mining face excavation

Abstract

The invention relates to an apparatus and a method for charging and blasting designed for bench-shaped mining face excavation. An apparatus and method for aiding the charging and blasting of a bench-shaped mining face designed in subterranean bench-shaped mining face excavation. The apparatus (9) comprises a data processing device (24) and is provided with data (27) regarding an implemented borehole drilled for the bench-shaped mining face. The apparatus is also provided with data (28) regarding an initial free space located below the bench-shaped mining face. The device assists in dividing the initial first bench-shaped mining face annulus (14a) into a number of blasting sections (13a, 13b, 18) which are blasted with a number of partial blasting directions towards the available free space. The apparatus estimates a volume of the rock material, compares the estimated volume with an available free volume (15a, 15), and thereby checks whether the selected blasting section is suitable for the available free space in an expanded state after blasting.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to bench face excavation in underground mines. More particularly, the present invention relates to an apparatus for assisting in the design of charges and blasting of drill holes for a plurality of vertical bench face rings of a bench face excavation, the apparatus comprising at least one data processing device.

[0002] The present invention also relates to a method for assisting in designing a charge and blasting method for drilling holes in a vertical bench-shaped mining face annulus used for bench-shaped mining face excavation.

[0003] More specifically, the field of the invention is defined in the preambles of the independent claims. Background Art

[0004] Step-face excavation is an underground mining technique in which the desired ore is removed from an underground mine. Generally speaking, step-face excavation typically involves several successive vertical or slightly inclined step-face rings formed of rock material, each of which is blasted individually with a number of local blasts toward a prefabricated free space located below the step-face. After the first step-face ring has been completely blasted and cleared, free space exists not only below but also laterally for blasting subsequent step-face rings. Blasting the first step-face ring is therefore a critical stage, as there is only limited free space below the first step-face ring. Designing a charge and blasting plan for step-face excavation is a difficult and time-consuming task. Furthermore, it has been noted that undesirable variations in blasting results can occur due to deficiencies in the charge and blasting plan. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The present invention aims to provide a new and improved apparatus and method for assisting in the design of charges and blasting of drill holes in vertical bench-shaped mining face annuli.

[0006] The device according to the invention is characterized by the features of the independent device claim.

[0007] The method according to the invention is characterized by the features of the independent method claim.

[0008] The disclosed solution is based on the concept of providing a device for assisting designers in designing the charge and blasting of drill holes for a plurality of vertical step-shaped face annuli used in step-shaped face excavation in an underground mine. Each step-shaped face annulus comprises two or more parallel or nearly parallel drill hole sectors, each of which is provided with a plurality of downwardly or upwardly directed drill holes. The device comprises one or more data processing devices and is provided with data regarding the drill holes already drilled for the step-shaped face, as well as data regarding the initial free space located below, or at least partially below, the step-shaped face. The device assists in dividing the initial first step-shaped face annulus into a plurality of blasting segments, each of which is configured to blast the available free space, including at least the initial free space, with a plurality of localized blasts. The device estimates the volume of the rock material of a selected blasting segment in a solid, unblasted state and also in a post-blast expanded state. The apparatus further estimates the volume of the available free space at the first bench-shaped mining face annulus. Furthermore, the apparatus compares the volume of the selected blast segment in its expanded state after blasting with the volume of the available free space and, based on the comparison, indicates when the selected blast segment in its expanded state after blasting fits within the available free space.

[0009] In other words, the device can provide valuable information for designing the charge and blasting sequence for the different blasting sections of the first bench-shaped mining face. Implementing this data can help avoid problems during the blasting process. Proper blasting requires a sufficient volume of rock material to be blasted and expanded.

[0010] Therefore, the advantage of the disclosed solution is that the possible blockage problem of the step-shaped mining face can be effectively avoided. In this way, there is no need for complex and dangerous corrective drilling and blasting measures, and the step-shaped mining face blasting process can be carried out smoothly and efficiently.

[0011] In bench-type mining, drill holes are deep holes that serve as blast holes and extend from an upper prefabricated horizontal space (such as the upper drift) toward a lower prefabricated horizontal space (such as the lower drift). Thus, for example, the upper drift serves as the primary access point for drilling and charging, while the lower drift serves as the secondary access point for clearing the free space using a wheel loader mining vehicle. Most of the drill holes are arranged in a fan-shaped pattern, with only some opening into the lower drift.

[0012] However, it is also possible to drill the borehole from the lower tunnel toward the surface, i.e., drilling is performed from the bottom up. The borehole can be charged from the upper tunnel. In this alternative, the blasted rock is also designed to fall into the lower tunnel, and the crushed rock material is emptied from the lower tunnel.

[0013] A general advantage of the disclosed bench face excavation is that it is an efficient mining technique in which localized blasting is used to excavate rock material, and in which gravity and the throwing force of the blasting are used to move the blasted crushed rock material toward a lower tunnel located below the blasted bench face.

[0014] According to one embodiment, the data processing device of the apparatus is provided with at least one computer program product, and the execution of the computer program product is configured to execute the disclosed steps for assisting designers in charge and blast design work.

[0015] According to one embodiment, each bench-shaped mining face ring includes two or more parallel or substantially parallel drill hole sectors, and the drill hole sectors are provided with a number of drill holes.

[0016] According to one embodiment, the apparatus is provided with data on the magnitude of expansion of the rock material of the bench face.The apparatus may be provided with data on the rock type and quality of the ore body and the apparatus may take the rock data into account when estimating the expansion of the rock material after blasting.

[0017] Alternatively, the device may be provided with the expansion factor of the rock after blasting so that, given the volume in the solid state, the device can calculate the volume of the blasted rock material. Typically, the blasted rock material contains 25-30% porosity and therefore requires more space than solid, unblasted rock.

[0018] As blasting is performed in a blasting section, and as the crushed rock material after blasting is cleared through the initial free space beneath the step-shaped mining face, the available free space gradually expands. Thus, the initial free space can be used to receive the blasted rock material and also as a haulage path beneath the step-shaped mining face. The blasting process involves clearing the free space between blasting sequences. Because each local blast provides an increase in the total available free space, each subsequent blasting section can have a larger volume than the previous one.

[0019] The available free space is therefore the currently available free space, which is expanded as successive partial blasts of the selected blasting section proceed further.

[0020] The vertically downward-pointing drill holes in the vertical bench-shaped mining face form a fan-shaped pattern and are drilled using a downward-pointing fan-shaped drilling method. The drill holes are drilled into the pit floor of the upper tunnel using a deep-hole rock drill. As a result, the drill hole openings are located at the pit floor of the upper tunnel. The drill holes are blast holes, and they are charged by inserting blasting material into the drill holes from the upper tunnel using a charging machine.

[0021] Alternatively, a deep-hole rock drill is used to drill vertically upward-pointing boreholes in the roof of the lower tunnel, forming a vertical step-shaped mining face. The blasting material is loaded into the boreholes from the lower tunnel. In this alternative, since the operation utilizes the lower tunnel, an upper tunnel is not necessarily required.

[0022] According to one embodiment, the apparatus is configured to assist in designing a slot for a first bench-shaped mining face annulus. Furthermore, the apparatus is configured to assist in dividing the slot into at least two partial slots, one above the other. The first partial slot is positioned closest to the initial free space and is given a priority blasting sequence over a second partial slot vertically located above the first partial slot. The apparatus is configured to estimate the volume of the rock material in an expanded state after blasting the first partial slot and compare the estimated volume with the volume of the initial free space.

[0023] In other words, the apparatus calculates the post-blast volume of the first blasted section (ie, the first local slot) of the initial first bench-shaped mining face annulus, thereby starting the entire blasting process of the bench-shaped mining face.

[0024] In bench face excavation, the length of the slot is large and therefore the entire length of the slot cannot be blasted away at once because the expanded rock volume cannot fit into the free volume of the existing tunnel below the bench face.

[0025] The device can help the designer set the length of the local slots to make the volume size appropriate. Thus, the slots are charged according to the designed local slots and, of course, the blasting sequence of the local slots is also determined.

[0026] The advantage of this solution is that it assists designers in dividing the slot into two or more blasting sections, namely, partial slots, so that the blasted rock material in the first blast reliably fits within the initial free space. This approach avoids problems with slot blasting and ensures a smooth start of blasting in the first step-shaped mining face annulus. This reduces blockage of the step-shaped mining face slot, thereby improving blasting efficiency and safety.

[0027] During the blasting process of a bench-shaped mining face, the blasting of the narrow slot is typically the most critical stage. With the aid of the device, assistance is provided for this critical stage.

[0028] After the blasting of the first partial slot, the initial free space is emptied and then the second partial slot is blasted. When the entire slot is blasted, other blasting sections that widen the slot can be blasted.

[0029] The slot includes a plurality of vertical or substantially vertical free slot holes in the vertical center of the slot and a plurality of substantially vertical blast holes surrounding the free slot holes. The free slot holes are not charged with explosives. The free slot holes extend to the lower tunnel and may have a larger diameter than the surrounding blast holes. The purpose of the free slot holes is to provide a certain central space within the slot, thereby facilitating blasting and fragmentation of the rock material. In other words, the free slot holes create an initial free volume that facilitates expansion of the rock mass during the blasting process.

[0030] According to one embodiment, the apparatus provides at least two selectable views of the first bench-shaped mining face ring at different viewing angles on a display device. The apparatus is further configured to define and present blasting sections of the first bench-shaped mining face ring in response to commands input to the apparatus.

[0031] In other words, the device provides the designer with a visual tool for defining blasting zones on a display device. This makes the design of blasting zones for the first bench-shaped mining face annulus intuitive. Furthermore, if the volume of the planned blasting zone does not fit within the available free space, the device provides an immediate response and informs the designer. This allows for easy and rapid implementation of any modifications.

[0032] According to one embodiment, the apparatus is configured to automatically generate a proposal for blasting sections of the first bench-shaped mining face ring.The apparatus then also automatically considers the volume of rock material after blasting relative to the available free space.

[0033] To implement the automatic feature, the device can be provided with an excavation plan comprising data on the shape of the bench-shaped mining face and data on the initial free space below the bench-shaped mining face. Furthermore, the device can be provided with realized drilling data on the boreholes drilled for the bench-shaped mining face.

[0034] According to one embodiment, the device is configured to present the borehole in at least one of the views relative to the following limiting elements: the outline of a horizontal lower tunnel serving as an initial free space; the outline of a horizontal upper tunnel serving as a passage for charging and comprising the opening of the borehole; and the boundary line of the ore body at the first bench-shaped mining face ring.

[0035] According to one embodiment, the apparatus is configured to provide, on a display device, a top view and a side view of a drill hole in a first bench-shaped mining face annulus. The top view includes a representation of the drill hole's starting point and an angular projection. The side view includes a representation of the drill hole in a fan-shaped pattern relative to the contours of a horizontal working and the boundary of the ore body.

[0036] According to one embodiment, the apparatus is provided with realized data regarding boreholes drilled for a first bench face annulus. The realized data includes properties of the rock material drilled around the boreholes of the first bench face, whereby the apparatus is configured to consider the rock data when estimating an amount of expansion of the rock material for each blast section of the first bench face annulus.

[0037] The data collected about the properties of the rock material being drilled may also be used to provide recommendations about the amount of charge to be used for each drill hole in each blasting section.

[0038] According to one embodiment, the apparatus is configured to provide the designer with a suggestion for setting boundaries of the selected blast section based on the performed comparison such that a volume of the selected blast section in the post-blast state matches the available free space.

[0039] According to one embodiment, the device is configured to generate a proposal for the division of blasting sections. The device then calculates the appropriate size for each blasting section and provides proposals for the boundaries that define the blasting sections. This embodiment achieves a higher level of automation. However, the designer ultimately determines the resulting charge plan.

[0040] According to one embodiment, the device is configured to provide the designer with a warning, notification or visual indication on a display device if the volume of the selected blasting section is too large and therefore needs to be limited. This is a relatively simple way of assisting the designer in generating an appropriate charge plan.

[0041] According to one embodiment, the apparatus is configured to determine charge depths of the boreholes of the first bench-shaped mining face annulus based on realized drilling data of the boreholes and to set boundaries of blasting sections.

[0042] In other words, the device can assist designers by providing data on the charge depth (i.e., the depth of explosive insertion) of the blastholes at each blasting section. This allows designers to determine the amount of blasting material and detonators to be used. This facilitates charging, and when the explosives are correctly positioned, blasting can be more accurate.

[0043] According to one embodiment, the apparatus can generate a charge plan for the first bench-shaped mining face annulus. This charge plan can be submitted to a charging device or a dedicated charging machine for mechanized charging. The charge plan can include data regarding charge depth, blasting material, the amount and type of detonators used, and the blasting sequence.

[0044] According to one embodiment, for at least some of the boreholes that pass through at least two different blasting zones, the charging plan generated by the apparatus may include at least two separate charges at different charging depths. In other words, the downwardly directed drill hole sector includes boreholes that are directed so that they pass through two or more blasting zones and thus participate in the localized blasting of the two or more blasting zones. The apparatus defines an insertion depth, i.e., a position within the borehole, for the two or more charges in these boreholes. The defined insertion depth can be communicated to a charging machine for automated charging.

[0045] According to one embodiment, the charging machine is configured for adjusting the amount of blasting material inserted according to the length of the drill hole. Thus, the charging machine comprises an adjustable blasting material feature.

[0046] According to one embodiment, the disclosed solution also relates to a method for assisting in designing charges and blasting for drill holes of a plurality of vertical bench face annuli in a bench face excavation in an underground mine. The method comprises: using at least one data processing device during the design process; receiving data regarding realized drill holes drilled for a bench face; receiving data regarding an initial free space at least partially below the bench face; assisting in dividing the initial first bench face annulus into a plurality of blasting sections, the plurality of blasting sections being configured to blast with a plurality of localized blasts toward available free space including at least the initial free space; estimating the volume of rock material of a selected blasting section in a solid, unblasted state and in an expanded state after blasting; estimating the volume of the available free space at the first bench face annulus; comparing the volume of the selected blasting section in the expanded state after blasting to the volume of the available free space; and indicating, based on the comparison, when the selected blasting section in the expanded state after blasting fits within the available free space.

[0047] The embodiments disclosed above can be combined in order to form a suitable solution having the required features. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0048] Some embodiments are described in more detail in the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0049] Figure 1is a schematic side view showing a rock drilling rig performing deep hole drilling in a tunnel,

[0050] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram showing a drill sector drilled from an upper roadway toward a lower roadway,

[0051] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram showing a drill sector drilled from a lower roadway toward an upper roadway,

[0052] Figure 4a is a schematic diagram showing a sector of several boreholes drilled, and Figure 4b shows the progression of the bench face excavation process in several successive bench face rings,

[0053] Figures 5a-5c is a schematic side view showing the blasting of the initial first bench-shaped mining face ring and the progression of the blasting process thereafter,

[0054] Figure 6 is a schematic diagram showing the charging of explosives from the upper tunnel and the emptying of the pile of blasted rock material via the lower tunnel,

[0055] Figures 7a-7c is a schematic diagram showing the blasting of the narrow slot of the initial first bench-shaped mining face ring,

[0056] Figure 8 is a schematic diagram showing some of the features associated with the apparatus used to assist the designer in designing charges and blasts,

[0057] Figure 9 A diagram showing the expansion of rock material during blasting compared to the free volume intended to receive the blasted rock material.

[0058] Figure 10a and 10b is a schematic diagram showing two views of a first bench-shaped mining face ring with a first blasting section, the first bench-shaped mining face ring including a slot,

[0059] Figure 11 This is a schematic diagram showing how the first bench-shaped mining face ring is divided into several blasting sections.

[0060] Figure 12a and 12b is a schematic diagram showing how the emphasized blasting section of the first bench-shaped mining face ring can be seen on the display device in side and top views, and

[0061] Figure 13a and 13bis a schematic diagram showing a display view of a blasting section of a second bench-shaped mining face ring following a first bench-shaped mining face ring.

[0062] For the sake of clarity, these figures show some embodiments of the disclosed solution in a simplified manner. In these figures, like reference numerals designate like elements. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0063] Figure 1 A rock drilling rig 1 is disclosed for performing deep hole drilling in underground mining in order to provide blast holes for the purpose of excavating bench-shaped mining faces. The rock drilling rig 1 operates in a prefabricated tunnel 2 and comprises a mobile carrier 3 and a rock drilling unit 4 mounted to the carrier 3. The rock drilling unit 4 comprises a feed beam 5 and a rock drilling machine 6 which is movably mounted on the feed beam 5. The rock drilling unit 4 is supported on a drill arm 7 and can be rotated T about a transverse rotation axis so that a drill sector 8 can be drilled. For the sake of clarity, the rock drilling unit 4 is shown in FIG. Figure 1 Only three parallel drilling sectors 8 are disclosed. Each drilling sector comprises a number of boreholes with different orientations, which form an umbrella-shaped drilling pattern. The rock drilling rig 1 comprises a control unit CU for controlling drilling. The control unit CU can communicate with one or more servers S or external electrical devices. The control unit CU can provide data about the realized boreholes, which data include, for example, data about the position, orientation and length of the realized boreholes. In addition, since during the drilling process the rock drilling machine 6 can generate sensory data with the aid of sensors that, for example, sense impact energy, feed force, etc., data about the quality and hardness of the rock can be collected. The data about the characteristics of the realized boreholes and the drilled rock can be submitted to a device 9 that is configured to provide assistance to a designer 10 in the design of charging and blasting of vertical step-shaped mining face annuli during step-shaped mining face excavation mining. The apparatus 9 comprises data processing means 24 for processing the received data, and there are one or more display means 12 for presenting to the designer 10 visual data of the realized borehole and properties of the mine (such as an ore body) and data about the tunnel 2 .

[0064] Figure 2 In a simplified manner, a drilling unit 4 is disclosed which drills a drilling sector 8 from an upper tunnel 2a towards a vertically positioned lower tunnel 2b. The drilling direction D is thus vertically downward. Figure 3 In the embodiment, drilling is performed from the lower tunnel 2b towards the upper tunnel 2a, whereby the drilling direction D is vertically upwards. The drilling sector 8 comprises a slot 13 for creating an initial volume for the rock material that expands during blasting. The slot 13 may comprise a borehole of larger diameter and may be drilled in a manner similar to the embodiment of FIG. Figure 2 and Figure 3 Indicated by a larger line width. Figure 2 and Figure 3 It is further disclosed that the slot 13 can be divided into several partial slots 13a and 13b. The first partial slot 13a is blasted in priority to the second partial slot 13b located vertically above it. By blasting the first partial slot 13a toward the lower roadway 2b, the blasting of the first step-shaped mining face ring 14a is initiated. When the first partial slot 13a is blasted, the lower roadway 2b serves as an initial free space 15a capable of receiving the volume of the expanded rock material 16 of the first partial slot 13a. The expanded rock material 16 is Figure 2 and Figure 3 The blasting is simplified by dashed lines. Blasting is performed vertically downward along the blasting direction B, with gravity G helping to move the blasted rock material toward the initial free space 15. After the blasted and expanded rock material 16 is cleared from the lower tunnel 2b, the second local slot 13b can be blasted. The blasting and clearing process continues in the local blasting section. The volume of the local blasting section in its solid, unblasted state and in its expanded state after blasting is calculated or estimated. The volume of the expanded rock material is compared to the volume of the free space 15 capable of accommodating the expanded rock material. The apparatus disclosed in this document is implemented to perform the aforementioned calculations, estimates, and comparisons.

[0065] Figure 4a Disclosed are two horizontal tunnels 2a and 2b which are arranged vertically one above the other and a drill sector 8 having several boreholes 17 drilled therebetween. Figure 4b The progress of the bench face excavation process in several successive bench face rings 14a-14f is shown in a simplified side view. The excavation process gradually advances forward along the excavation direction E from the first bench face ring 14a.

[0066] Figures 5a-5c In a simplified manner, the previous Figure 4b The principle of dividing the bench-shaped mining face ring 14a-14f shown in FIG into several local blasting sections, these local blasting sections can be blasted according to the designed blasting sequence, which defines the blasting order of these local blasting sections. Figure 5a In the first local blasting section 18a, blasting is performed along the blasting direction B toward the lower tunnel 2b. Figure 5b In the embodiment, after the rock material from the first local blasting section 18a is cleared from the lower tunnel 2b, the second local blasting section 18b having a larger volume can be blasted along the blasting direction B toward the lower tunnel 2b. Figure 5cIn the example, third blasting section 18c of first bench-shaped mining face ring 14a can be blasted together with fourth local blasting section 18d of second bench-shaped mining face ring 14b along blasting direction B. As excavation progresses further along excavation direction E, the volume of local blasting sections 18 can increase individually due to the simultaneous increase in the volume of free space. The apparatus disclosed herein can be used to assist in dividing a bench-shaped mining face ring into appropriate local blasting sections and determining which local blasting sections to blast in each blasting phase.

[0067] It is also possible to leave the uppermost local blasting section of each bench-shaped mining face ring 14 (such as the third local blasting section 18c shown) so that it is blasted only in the final stage, whereby the rock layer 19 ( Figure 5b The blasting of the rock layer 19 is performed in a single blast (shown in dotted lines) to allow operations in the upper tunnel 2a until then.

[0068] Figure 6 It is disclosed that the boreholes 17 of the drilling sector 8 can be charged with explosive material from the upper tunnel 2a using a charging device 20 (such as a charging vehicle). Under the control of a control unit provided with charging data, the charging device 20 can automatically perform charging. The charging data can be stored in the device 9 and transmitted to the charging device 20. For example, the charging data can include data on the amount of explosive material in each borehole 17, the depth of the explosive material, and the delay time of the detonator. The charging device 20 can accurately deliver the explosive material and detonator to the designed depth within each borehole 17.

[0069] After each blast, a stockpile 21 of blasted rock material is produced. The resulting free space 15 can be emptied by means of a mining loader 22 operating at the lower drift 2b.

[0070] Figures 7a to 7c The blasting of the slot 13 for the initial first bench-shaped mining face ring 14a is shown. The slot 13 may comprise boreholes belonging to several parallel drill hole sectors 8, since this may create sufficient space for subsequent blasting of the slot 13. Figure 7a In the process, the first bench-shaped mining face ring 14a is charged by means of the charging device 20, and thereafter, the first local slot 13a is blasted, thereby forming a stockpile 21 on the lower tunnel 2b. Figure 7b In the process, the stockpile 21 is dragged away and a larger free space is created, which includes the volume of the lower tunnel 2b and the solid volume of the rock material of the first partial slot 13a. Figure 7cIn the process, the explosive in the second partial slot 13b is ignited, and a new stockpile 21 is formed. After the stockpile 21 has been removed again, the third partial slot 13c can be blasted together with one or more additional partial blasting sections 18, since there is sufficient free space for the blasted and expanded rock material. The device disclosed in this document allows the size of the partial blast volume to be estimated.

[0071] Figure 8 The present invention discloses that a designer 10 can use the device 9 when designing a charge and blasting design 23 in an office. The design work can be performed in a computer-assisted manner. In other words, the designer 10 can provide parameters, selections, and control commands through a user interface (UI), thereby cooperating with the device 9, which includes a data processing device 24. At least one computer program product 25 is input into or read from the device 9 and can be executed by the data processing device 25. The computer program product 25 can be recorded on a non-transitory computer-readable medium and includes program instructions for implementing the various operations performed by the data processing device 24. Required data can be input into the data processing device 24 as individual data elements or read from one or more storage devices. The data processing device 25 includes one or more processors or corresponding devices. Therefore, the data processing device has sufficient processing power to perform the required calculations and estimates of rock volumes, and can also make required comparisons based on the instructions of the computer program product and input parameters. The device 9 also includes a data communication device 26 for communication between the device and one or more servers, control units, memory units, and other electrical devices. Thus, the device 9 can receive data 27 regarding the realized borehole, data 28 regarding the initial free space, data 29 regarding the ore body, and any other data relevant to the design of the charge plan. The device 9 can assist the designer 10 by providing auxiliary information 30, such as recommendations regarding the amount of explosive material and the depth to which it should be installed within the realized borehole. The device 9 can automatically or under the control of the designer 10 perform checks to verify that the dimensions of the blasting section planned by the designer 10 are appropriate for the currently available free space during blasting. If not, the device 9 can provide the designer 10 with a warning or notification to that effect. The device 9 can also provide recommendations on how to modify the charge plan and how to avoid undesirable situations during the blasting phase. For practical planning, the device 9 can present, on one or more display devices, an optional view 31 of the charge plan, along with the boundaries of the realized borehole sector and the ore body. Figures 10a to 13bAn example of such a display view 31 is disclosed in . The apparatus 9 can transmit the results of the design work not only to the display device 11, but also to a memory device and, via the data communication device 26, to a charging device, or to any other location where charge and blast data are needed. In this way, the designed charge and blast plan 23 can be displayed, stored, and transmitted to the desired location.

[0072] Figure 9 is a simplified diagram illustrating the expansion of rock material during blasting compared to the free volume intended to receive the blasted rock material. An apparatus can calculate or estimate the volume of rock material in a solid state in response to a design of a localized blasting section defined by a designer. For example, the designer can visually define the dimensions of the localized blasting section on a display device. The designer can move the boundary lines on the display device, and the apparatus can estimate the updated volume. The apparatus can also calculate or estimate the volume of the expanded blasted rock material in response to the estimated solid volume and data regarding the magnitude of expansion of each rock type being excavated. Additionally, the volume of available free space is calculated or estimated, as the free space gradually expands as the blasting process in the localized blasting section progresses.

[0073] Figure 10a A side view 31a of the charge arrangement seen in the longitudinal direction of the tunnels 2a and 2b is disclosed.

[0074] The side view includes a representation of the realized drill holes 17 in a sector pattern 8 and relative to the contours of the horizontal tunnels 2a, 2b and the boundary 32 of the ore body. The boundary 32 is shown in dashed lines. As can be seen, the realized drill holes 17 are oriented in the drill hole sector 8 according to the boundary 32 and its length. Figure 10a In FIG, a first bench-shaped mining face ring 14a is shown, which includes a slot 13 having a first local slot 13a. The first local slot 13a is the initial first local blasting section to be blasted.

[0075] Figure 10b A top view 31b is disclosed, which can be simultaneously presented to the designer on a display device. Top view 31b includes a representation of the starting points of realized drill holes 17 belonging to several parallel drill hole sectors, namely, sectors 1 through 4b, of the first bench-shaped mining face annulus 14a. As can be seen, the first partial slot 13a includes several drill holes 17 that are part of several adjacent sectors, namely, sectors 1 through 3b. These drill holes, with their black fill, indicate that they are not blast holes, but rather bore holes of larger diameter, constructed to provide space for the first blast section.

[0076] The designer can collaborate with the device to determine, for example, the vertical dimensions of the first partial slot 13a. The device will notify the designer if the volume contained is too large and may provide recommendations. Upon approval by the designer, the device can determine the amount of explosive material required to blast the first partial slot 13a. The device can also determine the insertion depth of the explosive material for each blast hole in the first partial slot. Furthermore, the device can determine the delay time for the explosive material inserted into the blast hole to control the ignition of the explosive.

[0077] Figure 11 A side view 31a of a first bench-shaped mining face ring 14a is disclosed. This first bench-shaped mining face ring 14a is divided into several blasting sections 18, 13a, 13b, 18e, 18f, and 18g. A first local slot 13a is present, and a second local slot 13b is located above it. Local slots 13a and 13b are blasting sections 18 that are detonated before other blasting sections 18e, 18f, and 18g. Designers can collaborate with a device that assists in design work to set the boundaries of blasting sections 18e, 18f, and 18g. The boundary lines can be moved on a display device, and the device updates the estimated volume of the blasting section 18. Therefore, design work is intuitive.

[0078] Figure 12b As an example, it is disclosed how to display in the presentation of the top view 31b Figure 11 shown in and Figure 12a For example, if the upper boundary line 33 of the blasting section 18e is moved vertically upward or downward, or if its orientation is modified, the device assisting the designer can update the volume estimate and also the charge and height position of the explosive within the borehole 17.

[0079] Figure 13a and 13b Published previously Figures 10a-12b Displays 31a and 31b of blasting sections 18h for a second bench-shaped mining face annulus 14b following the first bench-shaped mining face annulus 14a are shown. In this example, the designer can also modify the boundaries of blasting sections 18h, and the device provides the designer with auxiliary data for making these modifications and decisions. Once the design is approved by the designer, the device can calculate, for example, the amount of explosive material, insertion depth, ignition sequence, and delay.

[0080] The drawings and the related description are intended only to illustrate the idea of the invention. The invention may vary in its details within the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A device (9) for assisting in the design of charging and blasting of downwardly directed or upwardly directed boreholes (17) of a plurality of vertical step-shaped mining face rings (14) in step-shaped mining face excavation in an underground mine, the device (9) comprising at least one data processing device (24); And among them, Each step-shaped mining face ring (14) includes at least two drill hole fan-shaped areas (8), and the drill hole fan-shaped areas (8) are provided with a plurality of drill holes (17); It is characterized by: The device (9) is provided with data (27) about the realized boreholes drilled for the bench-shaped mining face and data (28) about the initial free space at least partially located below the bench-shaped mining face; The device (9) is configured to divide an initial first bench-shaped mining face ring (14a) into a plurality of blasting sections (13a, 13b, 18), the plurality of blasting sections being configured to blast with a plurality of local blasts toward the available free space (15) including at least the initial free space (15a); The apparatus (9) is configured to estimate the volume of rock material in a selected blasting section (13a, 13b, 18) in a solid non-blasted state and in an expanded state after blasting; The device (9) is configured to estimate the volume of the available free space (15) at the first bench-shaped mining face annulus (14a); The device (9) is configured to compare the volume of the selected blasting section (13a, 13b, 18) in the expanded state after the blasting with the volume of the available free space (15), and the device (9) is configured to indicate when the selected blasting section (13a, 13b, 18) fits into the available free space (15) in the expanded state after the blasting based on the comparison.

2. The device according to claim 1, characterized in that The apparatus (9) is further configured to assist in designing a slot (13) for the first bench-shaped mining face ring (14a), and to assist in dividing the slot (13) into at least two partial slots (13a, 13b) one above the other, wherein a first partial slot (13a) is closest to the initial free space (15a), and the blasting sequence of the first partial slot (13a) is prioritized over a second partial slot (13b) located vertically above the first partial slot (13a); And the device (9) is configured to estimate the volume of the rock material of the first partial slot (13a) in the expanded state after the blasting, and is configured to compare the estimated volume with the volume of the initial free space (15a).

3. The device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that The device (9) is configured to provide at least two selectable views (31, 31a, 31b) of the first step-shaped mining face ring (14a) at different viewing angles on a display device (12); And the device (9) is configured to define and present the blasting sections (13a, 13b, 18) of the first step-shaped mining face ring (14a) in response to instructions input to the device (9).

4. The device according to claim 3, characterized in that The device (9) is configured to present the borehole (17) in at least one of the views (31, 31a, 31b) relative to the following limiting elements: the outline of a horizontal lower tunnel (2b) serving as the initial free space (15a); the outline of a horizontal upper tunnel (2a), which serves as a passage for charging and includes the opening of the borehole (17); and the boundary line (32) of the ore body at the first step-shaped mining face ring (14a).

5. The device according to claim 3 or 4, characterized in that The device (9) is configured to provide a top view (31b) and a side view (31a) of the drill hole (17) of the first step-shaped mining face ring (14a) on a display device (12); wherein the top view (31b) includes a presentation of the starting point and angular projection of the drill hole (17); And wherein the side view (31a) includes a representation of the drill hole (17) in a fan-shaped pattern (8) and relative to the outline of the horizontal tunnel (2a, 2b) and the boundary (32) of the ore body.

6. Device according to any one of the preceding claims 1 to 5, characterized in that The device (9) is provided with realized data (27) regarding the drill holes drilled for the first bench-shaped mining face ring (14a); and The realized data (27) includes properties of the rock material drilled in the borehole (17) surrounding the first bench-shaped mining face ring (14a), whereby the device (9) is configured to take the rock data into account when estimating the expansion of the rock material in each blasting section of the first bench-shaped mining face ring (14a).

7. Device according to any one of the preceding claims 1 to 6, characterized in that The device (9) is configured to provide a designer (10) with a suggestion for setting the boundaries of the selected blasting section (13a, 13b, 18) based on the comparison performed so that the volume of the selected blasting section in the post-blasting state matches the available free space (15).

8. Device according to any one of the preceding claims 1 to 7, characterized in that The device (9) is configured to determine the charge depth of the drill hole (17) for the first bench-shaped mining face ring (14a) based on the realized drilling data (27) of the drill hole and set the boundary of the blasting section.

9. A method for charging and blasting a plurality of drill holes (17) for assisting in the design of vertical bench-shaped mining face rings (14) in the excavation of a bench-shaped mining face in an underground mine; And among them, Each step-shaped mining face ring includes at least two drill hole fan-shaped areas (8), and the drill hole fan-shaped areas (8) are provided with a plurality of drill holes (17); It is characterized by comprising the following steps, using at least one data processing device (24) during the design process; Receiving data regarding realized boreholes drilled for the bench-shaped mining face (27); Receiving data (28) regarding an initial free space at least partially beneath the bench-shaped mining face; Assisting in dividing the initial first bench-shaped mining face ring (14a) into a plurality of blasting sections (13a, 13b, 18), the plurality of blasting sections being configured to blast with a plurality of local blasts toward the available free space (15) including at least the initial free space (15a); estimating the volume of the rock material in the selected blasting sections (13a, 13b, 18) in a solid, non-blasted state and in an expanded state after blasting; estimating the volume of the available free space (15) at the first bench-shaped mining face annulus (14a); comparing the volume of the selected blasting section (13a, 13b, 18) in the expanded state after the blasting with the volume of the available free space (15); and based on the comparison, indicating when the selected blasting section (13a) is suitable for the available free space (15) in the expanded state after the blasting.

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