Evaluation of fragmentation is an indispensable step in the optimisation of blasting. The various techniques for analysing blast fragmentation have their inherent issues causing various degrees of accuracy. Hence, each method is suitable for some specific purposes. This study evaluates and compares the particle size distribution of FYS granite aggregate quarry using WipFrag digital image processing software and the Kuz-Ram empirical model. Three different blasts of the quarry performed with the same design were analysed using the two methods. Blast design parameters were obtained and evaluated as inputs for the Kuz-Ram model. Muckpile images were captured and uploaded into computer for WipFrag analysis. The results of the fragment size distribution obtained from Kuz-Ram significantly vary with that of the WipFrag but follow the same trend. The three results from WipFrag are in a very close range. The uniformity index of Kuz-Ram was 1.26 while the WipFrag analyses put the same as 1.11, 1.16 and 1.12 for the three blasts, respectively. The Kuz-Ram model only gives idealistic results due to the variation in the structural characteristics of the rocks. However, the model is good for preliminary evaluation of blast design. A new factor was introduced as an indicator of blast fragmentation efficiency.

Purpose. To develop comprehensive models for predicting the pH and electrical conductivity of surface water in Maiganga coal mine and environs affected by mining activities. Methodology. The research utilizes a combination of in-situ measurement, laboratory analysis, modeling technique using Ansys Workbench and Linear Regression for predicting the content of pollutants. In-situ measurement/data collection in the upstream and downstream were carried out to evaluate the potential impact of mining activities on surface and ground water quality. Electrical conductivity and pH were measured on the samples that were collected using Oakton 5/6 pH meter and TDS/EC meter. Findings. According to the results, the regression statistics model of pH and electrical conductivity (EC) shows that the predicted values have a pH range of 4.7–7.05 and a mean pH value of 5.5. In contrast, while the EC ranges from 454.52 to 2,720.68 s/cm (EC) with a mean value of 905 µs/cm of the downstream flow which is completely dependent on the mine inlet (pH-in and EC-in). The findings show a direct correlation between surface water pH, electrical conductivity, and mining activities in the Maiganga coal mine area and their detrimental effects on the ecosystem and water quality. Originality. The results were obtained directly from the mine site during field visit and can be compared to data from active coal mine sites. Practical value. The detrimental effect of the results of mining activities can be controlled if monitoring sensors are introduced at mines’ effluent outlet to alert the mine management of possible danger in real time.

Blasting is the predominant technique employed for various applications and purposes for hard rock excavation. Blast energy from explosives cannot be fully utilized for rock fragmentation. The unused energy generated has adverse environmental impacts that may lead to human discomfort and damage to structures. Such unused or surplus blast energy may cause ground vibration, flyrock and airblast. Effective blasting plans should anticipate and reduce potential adverse impacts by estimating the expected vibration level. Factors like the geological condition of the site, the type and amount of explosives used, and the blast pattern play a significant role in determining these harmful effects. This study aims to establish the specific site constants (k, β) for Lafarge Quarry in Kanthan to predict blast-induced vibration and safe distance. The study estimates the site constants and applies them to assess vibration levels for a given distance and maximum instantaneous charge (Q). Ten different and independent blast events were investigated, with each blast's maximum charge per delay evaluated. Peak Particle Velocity (PPV) readings were taken using an Instatel MiniMate Plus, located 600 meters from the blasting area, and the scaled distance (SD) was calculated for each event. Regression analysis evaluated the site-specific constants (k and β) as -1.66 and 2,262, respectively, demonstrating that fixed numerical constants cannot universally predict blast-induced vibration due to varying global geological conditions. A predictive model was developed for the studied quarry based on these constants, and the model provides vibration predictions that are more accurate and closer to the actual measurements than those produced by the Australian Standards. This work confirms the previous works that blast constants are site-specific and depend on the geological conditions of the studied area..

Remote sensing is an essential tool for gathering vital information for the mining industry. With the latest advances in the field of remote sensing and the invention of software such as GIS (Geographic Information Systems), it is now the task of researchers to come up with different approaches of finding minerals that can reduce the cost of exploration. This research applied remote sensing techniques to Landsat 8 satellite imagery to extract geological information in southern Kelantan, Malaysia. The results produced images such as single band combination (RGB 6,5,2 and 5,4,2), band ratio (RGB 4/2, 6/7, 6/5) and principal component analysis (RBG from PC 123). The spatial survey revealed that the NE-SW line patterns and igneous rock distributions controlled the occurrence of the gold deposits. The generated map highlighted 2.40% of the total area as high potential zones recommended for further exploration.