Analysis and improvement of the fragmentation quality of blasted rock using digital image processing: the case of the Kef Lahmer quarry, N-E Algeria

The mining industry plays a significant role in the extraction and processing of various ore materials (phosphate, copper, iron, gold, aggregates and others), contributing to industrial and economic development. Rock fragmentation is a fundamental operation and a complex element in mining activities influenced by multiple parameters, including geological and geometric factors, explosive load parameters, and others related to the details of the execution of the blasting plan. The effectiveness of blasting depends on factors such as the geological structure, volume, optimal size of rocks to be blasted, and compliance with safety conditions. To achieve desirable outcomes, it is crucial to make informed decisions regarding the types and quantities of explosives to be used, along with other principal parameters of drilling-blasting design. Continuous evaluation of rock fragmentation is essential for optimizing blasting plans by contributing to the improvement of the quality-price ratio under favorable environmental and safety conditions. This study aims to analyze and enhance the quality of rock fragmentation resulting from blasting activities in the Kef Lahmar-Setif limestone quarry (northeast Algeria), which is characterized by significant rock mass fracturing. This fracturing will be carefully analyzed in order to arrive at an accurate blasting plan for the structure of the studied rock massif. As the aim of the research is to optimize the blasting plan to generate maximum gas pressure and minimize shock pressure due to the existing fractures in the rock mass. in order to test this hypothesis, we conducted several blasting tests by modifying the charge rate of the explosives used (Anfomil and Marmanite III), while maintaining the same parameters in the blasting plan for each test. The goal was to achieve optimal fragmentation. The particle size of the blasted rock pile was analyzed using WipFrag software, which utilizes image analysis techniques.

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Opracowanie rekordu ze środków MNiSW, umowa nr POPUL/SP/0154/2024/02 w ramach programu "Społeczna odpowiedzialność nauki II" - moduł: Popularyzacja nauki (2025).