DetNet has revised its blasting equipment at the Sibanye-Stillwater DigiMine at the Wits Mining Institute to the latest BlastWeb II version. This will allow researchers and students to learn about the application of leading-edge wireless CyberDet detonators, while also introducing them to the new features of the latest generation blasting equipment with an improved build and enhanced safety and detonator capabilities.
This forms part of their ongoing partnership with the Sibanye-Stillwater digital mining laboratory (DigiMine) at the Wits Mining Institute
According to DigiMine head Dr Ahsan Mahboob: “This initiative is paving the way for further research and training and highlights the importance of ‘collabovation’ – combining both collaboration and innovation – between academia and industry. As a flagship initiative of the WMI, we partner with many companies in the private sector to expose our students to the advanced digital aspects of mining technology”.
“Our research at DigiMine encompasses various aspects of technology to evolve the smart mine of the future,” said Dr Mahboob. “DetNet’s electronic initiation technology is an important part of modern blasting systems that makes mining safer while promoting sustainability and productivity.”
The use of BlastWeb by postgraduate researchers at DigiMine allows them to explore possible avenues of integration with related mining systems, advancing the ecosystem for 21st century mining, he said. “There are opportunities, for instance, to link blasting technologies to real-time geotechnical modelling to analyse post-blast rock stability – an important factor in making mining operations safer,” he commented.
The training provided by DetNet also allows undergraduate students in Wits University’s School of Mining Engineering to be exposed to the latest blasting technologies in preparation for their careers in the sector.
According to Vinesh Naidoo, DetNet’s global market support manager, much of the learning on blast application and design is based on traditional technologies like Shocktube and electric detonators. With mining’s focus on safety and efficiency, it is important that new entrants to the industry are exposed to the benefits of electronic detonators and the advanced initiation systems that control blasting.
“Through our BlastWeb II version we embrace complex blast designs that deliver optimal results for miners, while also testing each detonator and blast from surface – ensuring a safe and accurate blast with no misfires,” explained Naidoo.
Further, Ntombifuthi Mathebula, a senior mining engineer at DetNet, conducts the training of researchers at DigiMine. As a past graduate of the Wits University herself, she noted that the students valued the opportunity to witness some of the latest technology in the field of blasting first-hand.
“At DetNet, we appreciate the opportunity to share our capabilities with students who are preparing for their careers in a fast-changing sector,” said Mathebula. “It is important for the mining industry that new entrants help to continuously improve operations by bringing new insights based on evolving digital and other leading technologies.”
Dr Mahboob noted that access to BlastWeb II also assists students in their studies, as they learn more effectively by seeing and using a blasting system in practice.
DetNet first donated its BlastWeb I system in 2019 to the Sibanye-Stillwater DigiMine and, over the years, has trained postgraduate students in its application.
