India’s Council of Scientific & Industrial Research – Central Institute of Mining and Fuel Research (CSIR-CIMFR) has successfully conducted the country’s first trial blast for the dozer push mining method.
This innovative approach aims to enhance safety and operational efficiency in mining processes by utilising unmanned, automated machinery.
The trial was conducted at the PEKB (Parsa East and Kanta Basan) coal mine in central India by Adani Natural Resources. It involved drilling of 108 holes using an automated drill machine, followed by cast/throw blasting using 60 tons of bulk emulsion explosives.
Dozer Push Mining offers a viable alternative to the conventional truck-shovel mining technique or shovel-dumper and dragline methods, noted CSIR-CIMFR officials. It provides improved efficiency by enabling faster coal recovery, reduces delays caused by adverse weather conditions, is highly cost-effective, and minimizes the risks associated with traditional methods.
The first trial demonstrated successful drilling and charging operations, precise detonation with minimal environmental impact, and effective material movement using automated machinery. The second phase will involve conducting eight to 10 additional trial blasts to refine the blast design further.
Final recommendations will focus on optimising the method for widespread implementation.
Source: Government of India