Standard Drill and Blast Process

Drill and Blast is essentially a repetitive, cyclical batch process. Complexity arises when groups of drill holes (that is, 'patterns') change during the process. For example, on many sites, the design drill pattern does not exactly match the initiation pattern that is finally fired.

The following diagram shows the six main steps for the drill and blast process.

The final result of each step is:

• Drill Pattern Design—The drill pattern design is distributed.
• Drilling Operations—Drilling is completed.
• Blast Hole Preparation—Blast holes are ready for charging.
• Charging Operations—Blast holes are charged and tied in.
• Initiation—The blast is fired.
• Analysis and Reconciliation—The blast is reconciled and site data updated.