The Mandela Mining Precinct, in collaboration with the CSIR, is spearheading a groundbreaking study to explore alternative rock-breaking methods that could revolutionise the South African mining industry by replacing explosives-based techniques.
Drilling and blasting with explosives have long been the standard in rock-breaking for underground construction projects such as tunnels and caverns. However, this approach presents significant safety and environmental challenges, including the production of toxic fumes, ground vibrations, and dust.
“Shifting to explosives-free methods could significantly improve operational efficiency by allowing continuous operations, thereby eliminating the downtime typically required for additional ventilation to clear blast fumes, says MMP Mechanised Mining Systems Programme Manager, Martin Pretorius.
For the successful application of non-explosive rock-breaking methods within the South African mining industry (SAMI), a technology readiness assessment is vital to ensure effective industry adoption. Pretorius explains that “A technology readiness assessment is a systematic, evidence-based process that evaluates the maturity of technologies—whether hardware, software, or processes—critical to the performance of a larger system or the achievement of key objectives in an acquisition program, including considerations of cost and schedule.”
The study will begin with a comprehensive literature review to identify critical performance parameters, allowing for a comparative analysis of various non-explosive rock-breaking technologies. This will be followed by a functional analysis of rock-breaking systems, conducted in consultation with subject matter experts, including suppliers of rock-breaking technology and potential end-users, to pinpoint the key functional performance parameters for breaking rock using specific technologies.
Once the standards for technology performance verification are established, the technology readiness assessment will be applied to the Rockeater technology, offering a detailed evaluation of its potential for industry-wide implementation.
