4. Economic aspect

Blasting is not the only means of extracting hard rock: in open-cast areas, the hydraulic rock breaker (BRH) or ripper can be used, while underground, the tunnel boring machine (TBM) and point-attack machine can be used. However, these mechanical means can only be used if the rock material has low abrasiveness and moderate mechanical strength.

Blasting plays a major role in public works and open-cast mining, whereas it is only a marginal part of the overall cost of a mining or underground project.

Site economics are directly linked to safety and environmental constraints. These limits are expressed in terms of vibration, noise and excess pressure thresholds, as well as safety levels.

Optimizing the granulometry of a shot, for example, can mean reducing the safety margin with regard to the variability of the mass...