“Mines can save costs while enhancing safety, by applying the latest technologies in digital blast initiation,” said BME’s General Manager Technology and Marketing Nishen Hariparsad. This was one of the key points of a webinar hosted by blasting experts BME recently, where specialists highlighted the advances made by the company’s leading AXXIS™ initiation system.
With a focus and emphasis on safety, Hariparsad introduced the topic of discussion for the webinar, which was the company’s digital initiation system, AXXIS™. The webinar showcased the features and benefits of the electronic initiation system used in mine blasting. The AXXIS™ system boasts safety, precision, and accuracy, and has been designed and developed over time to create a safe and accurate initiation system for blasting within the mining environment.
Cost savings for mines
One of the greatest benefits posed by the AXXIS™ system is its ability to contribute to cost savings within the mine. Hariparsad noted that the mining industry’s reliance on electricity is well-known, and many mines are seeking a means of reducing dependency on diesel generators.
“One fundamental benefit of using our AXXIS™ electronic blasting system is through electronic initiation,” he said. “It is one way of contributing to mining companies consuming less energy. Having an accurate blast that is predictable and consistent makes the entire mining process much easier and more efficient. And efficient operations reduce mining costs.”
“Through game-changing innovation, AXXIS™ creates not only smarter blasts but safer blasts that put control in the hands of the operator,” said BME Global EIS Development Manager Andries Posthumus. “With our team of dedicated electronic and blast specialists and years of experience in designing electronic initiation systems, we have created a world-class initiation system that helps clients achieve the best possible blast outcomes.”
Tom Dermody, BME’s International Manager Technology and Field Services, emphasised that the fundamentals of AXXIS™ are based on safer technology.
“An important part of the safety features offered by AXXIS™ is that the system is flexible,” said Dermody. “With this flexibility, we can simulate what’s going to happen ahead of time. Simulations are extremely beneficial in allowing us to predict possible outcomes of a blast, and further manage those outcomes. While we always aim for the best possible outcome, an important part of the simulation is understanding and proactively preparing for what’s actually going to happen.”
According to Posthumus, a vital facet in achieving safety was blending traditional blasting techniques with modern, data-driven technology.
“Enhancing and delivering on our safety procedures, our detonators are designed with a dual basis of safety,” he said. “Dual capacitors are used to split the systems safety technology in two. The dual capacitor system is used for communication and testing of the detonator, whilst limiting its stored energy to prevent initiation. Only in firing mode is the firing capacitator calibrated and charged for blasting.”
When considering scenarios such as the need to postpone a blast, Dermody stated that the detonator will bleed its energy to de-energise. This is done by disarming the sequence through the commander and can take about 30 seconds to 35 seconds. This not only contributes to the overall functionality of the AXXIS™ system but also offers dependability and safety for all users.
Easy integration into existing operations
Speaking on the development of BME’s electronic detonators, Posthumus noted that development began in 2003. With expansion and growth in mind, the system was continuously enhanced, leading to its local and international success. Today, the AXXIS™ digital initiation system provides users with several benefits, including safety, accuracy, flexibility, and integration.
One of the aspects of the AXXIS™ system that was noted in the webinar was its ability to adapt to different environments and temperatures.
“The system can withstand operations in different environments, ranging from extremely hot temperatures to cooler temperatures,” Dermody added. “This makes it ideal for use in the regions where we are present across the globe.”
A part of enhanced operationality is the need for integration. A key part of the technological design of the system is to integrate the tool with existing systems, such as blast software and different mine systems, that are used by customers.
“Our software has been designed to access important information directly, so we can interact easily with existing interfaces making operations and costs more feasible for the mine,” said Dermody.
