The Asia Miner

APR-JUN 2017

The ASIA Miner - Reporting Important Issues to Mining Companies in the Asia Pacific Region

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50 | ASIA Miner | Volume 14 • Issue 2 | 2017 AUSTRALIAN developed blasting innovation BLASTBOSS™ is set to transform the drill- ing and blasting process, allowing industry operators to achieve better blasting results while using significantly less explosives. The internationally patented technology reduces the amount of explosives required in blast holes by using contained and controlled hy- draulic energy to optimise and redirect the blast wave forces generated by ammoni- um nitrate explosives, delivering better rock breaking results. The launch of BLASTBOSS technology is set to positively impact the mining, quarry- ing and construction industries by greatly reducing the cost per blast and maximising production through increased operational, processing and transportation efficiency. BLASTBOSS is available as individual components or a combined system sup- plied as powdered water barriers (DRY- SHOT™), plasma decks (SHOCKWAVE™), powdered deck separators (DEKSHIELD™) and blast hole wall stabilisers (HOLE- GUARD™). BLASTBOSS was developed during a three-year program including six months of intensive testing and trials at number of international sites including Chile, Canada, Malaysia and Australia. Inventor and CEO David Handel says inter- national trials of the product have produced significant results. "Extensive trialling across various international locations has shown this new technology's potential to transform the global and Australian blasting industries and we are really excited to introduce it to the global market. "During a trial in Chile, BLASTBOSS re- duced explosives used by 25% and in- creased production by 20% with overall more even rock fracture, which effectively makes every fifth blast cost free. "Environmentally speaking, we noted that BLASTBOSS technology creates sig- nificantly less vibration, dust, noise and manages fumes, which makes for a safer, cleaner and more environmentally friendly worksite. "The combined results of our domestic and international trials have left us assured that BLASTBOSS is capable of transforming the blasting industry by providing an innova- tive, effective and efficient blasting solution that reduces costs, increases productivity and safety, and protects the environment, he said. David Handel, who has more than 30 years of experience in the mining, quarrying and civil engineering industries, says when evaluating possible blast dust suppression solutions he saw a need to re-evaluate tra- ditional drilling and blasting methods, after investigating current practices used in the industry. "Traditional blasting methods present many challenges to industry operators, in- cluding the requirement for large volumes of explosives and quality stemming rock, wasted energy from poor blast results, excessive noise and vibration, and water contamination of explosives. We saw the need for innovation of current drilling and blasting processes and worked with leading chemists, physicists and engineers to de- velop BLASTBOSS ." HEXAGON Mining has acquired Australian technology company MiPlan. Based in Perth, Western Australia, MiPlan develops mobile software applications for field data collection, fleet management, production management and reporting. The company has a proven track record of increasing mine productivity and providing a rapid return on investment. Hexagon Mining president Hélio Samora said MiPlan's solutions suite would be a formidable addition to the company's technology portfolio and significant news for customers of both companies. "Safer, more productive mines depend on making sense of their data," he said. "MiPlan's range of apps represents a scalable, re- al-time mobile production management solution." Hélio Samora said MiPlan's unique and comprehensive MiiNT platform was particularly significant for Hexagon Mining custom- ers. MiiNT supports the data management, analysis, and reporting needs of any sized operation. The solution streamlines data flows between traditionally disparate systems and departments, simplifies on-demand data interrogation, trend analysis, and reporting over live operational data. He added that blast engineers would welcome the addition of Mi- Plan's MiD&B; application, which would provide immediate enhance- ments to Hexagon Mining's blast design solution. "This will close the loop on design, field data capture, reconciliation, and reporting." The MiFleet solution will enhance Hexagon Mining's operational offerings and appeal to a wider variety of mining operations. It will deliver lightweight fleet management capability with near real-time infield feedback. "Applied to our unparalleled suite of technologies for planning, op- erations, and safety, these solutions will empower our customers to act – not react – on real-time data at any stage of the mining value chain, no matter their location," said Hélio Samora. "The acquisition is 100% aligned with our strategy of providing solu- tions that are easy to use, easy to implement, and easy to support." MiPlan managing director Robert Daw said, "It is a fantastic out- come for our existing and future clients, not to mention the MiPlan team. The range, experience, and calibre of the Hexagon group will contribute to the continued improvement of our existing offerings and provide a great platform for the next generation of solutions that mining businesses need to stay competitive. "An acquisition by Hexagon held great appeal from the beginning due to our complementary solutions delivering immediate benefit to the market. It is also a big leap forward in our vision of aligned mines." MiPlan acquired by Hexagon Mining Blastboss founder and CEO David Handel at an international trial of the technology. Revolutionising the blasting process

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