Glossary

Glossary
- A
- B
- C
- D
- E
- F
- H
- I
- L
- M
- O
- P
- R
- S
- T
- V

A

Abandoned: An abandoned hole is no longer intended for drilling, dipping, charging or timing. As-built data can still be added to an abandoned hole.
Accurate Model: A strata surface (roof/floor) constructed using survey and wireline data to create a model that can be reliably used as a design surface for the placement of charge.
ANFO: Ammonium Nitrate Fuel Oil, which is a widely used bulk industrial explosive. ANFO is highly effective and cost-efficient for use in blasting operations in mining, quarrying, and construction. It is valued for its stability, ease of use, and ability to provide consistent and powerful detonation. ANFO is typically used in dry conditions, as its performance can be significantly reduced in the presence of water.
As-drilled Hole: A hole with any measured drill properties that differ from design properties is considered to have an as-drilled status. Where the measured properties are not complete, the hole inherits design properties. These inherited properties are not used to report on quality, which is why many quality reports do not contain the complete set of drill holes from the particular pattern.

B

Backfill: Material used to refill an excavation with material such as soil, rock, or tailings, particularly after blasting.
Bench: A horizontal, step-like excavation surface in open-pit mining and quarrying. Benches are created as successive layers or steps are removed during the mining process, providing access to deeper ore deposits. The design of a bench includes considerations of height, width, and slope, which are crucial for stability, safety, and efficient operation. Benches allow for the safe and organised removal of material, facilitate equipment access, and provide working platforms for drilling, blasting, and hauling operations.
Blast Pattern: A blast pattern is a group of holes that belong to any charge pattern. Use a blast pattern to group holes from separate charge patterns so that the holes can be blasted at the same time.
BlastPad: Windows tablet application for field data capture with DataBlast Pro.
Booster: A high-explosive component used to amplify the initiation signal from a detonator to the main explosive charge. Boosters are placed within the explosive column, typically between the detonator and the main charge, to ensure a reliable and powerful detonation of the main explosive material. They are designed to transfer the detonation energy efficiently and effectively, thereby ensuring that the entire explosive column detonates as intended. Boosters are essential in blasting operations where the main charge is less sensitive and requires additional energy to achieve full detonation.
Breakthrough: When a drill hole intersects an existing cavity, void, or previously drilled hole. This occurrence can lead to challenges in maintaining hole stability and achieving accurate blasting results. Breakthroughs can complicate the drilling process, potentially causing loss of drilling fluids, difficulties in controlling the blast, and increased safety risks.
Broken Ground: Rock or soil that has been naturally or artificially fractured, loosened, or disturbed. Broken ground can result from previous blasting operations, natural geological processes such as faulting and weathering, or construction activities.
Burden: The horizontal distance between a blast hole and the nearest free face or the distance between adjacent rows of blast holes.
Burden Checking: A calculation that displays the minimum distance from selected holes to a triangulated face profile. This process involves measuring the distances, adjusting the blast pattern if necessary, and ensuring that the burden is within the optimal range for safe and efficient blasting operations.

C

Charge Loading: The process of placing explosive materials into drilled holes in preparation for a blast. This involves carefully inserting the correct amount and type of explosives, along with any necessary primers, boosters, and stemming materials, into each hole according to the blast design.
Charge Density: The amount of explosive material packed into a given volume within a blast hole. It is typically expressed in units such as kilograms per cubic meter (kg/m³) or pounds per cubic foot (lb/ft³). Charge density is a critical factor in blasting operations, as it influences the intensity of the explosion and the effectiveness of rock fragmentation. Higher charge density can lead to more powerful blasts, while lower charge density might be used for more controlled or precise blasting.
Charge Pattern: A charge pattern is a group of holes with the same drill diameter that belong to any drill pattern. Use a charge pattern to group holes that be charged in the same way. A charge pattern can only have one charge rule.
Charge Rule: When applied to charge patterns, charge rules create hole-specific load definitions describing all the explosive and inert decks and the in-hole initiation system for all holes in the charge pattern. Charge rules are derived from charge standards. Local copies of charge rules are saved against charge patterns to prevent subsequent changes to the charge standard altering the charge detail. Because charge rules are drill-diameter specific, all holes in a charge pattern needs to have the same diameter blast hole. This is a safety requirement, because minimum stemming for flyrock control is directly related to blast hole diameter.
Charge Standard: The site standards for how blast holes are charged are documented in the charge standards. These charge standards are templates for the charge rules applied to holes in charge patterns. They are drill-diameter specific and describe all the explosive and inert decks and the in-hole initiation system.
Collar: The point where the drill hole begins at the surface. The collar is important because it serves as the starting point for drilling operations and often requires stabilisation to prevent collapse or sloughing of material into the hole. The design collar position is generally a projection from the design charge toe position although other methods for creating this are valid.

D

Deck

A section within a blast hole that is either loaded with explosive material or left empty (decked) with inert material, creating a separation between explosive charges. Decking is used to control the timing and distribution of explosive energy within a single hole, allowing for more precise fragmentation and reduced ground vibration. Multiple decks can be created within a single blast hole, with each deck being individually initiated to achieve the desired blast sequence and results. Decks are particularly useful in complex blasting operations where different segments of the hole need to be blasted at different times or with varying amounts of explosive energy.

Delay

The intentional time interval between the detonation of individual explosive charges within a blast pattern. Delays are used to control the sequence of explosions, optimising rock fragmentation, reducing ground vibrations, minimising flyrock, and enhancing overall blast efficiency. By staggering the detonation times, the energy from each charge can be more effectively utilised to break the rock, and the movement of blasted material can be directed more precisely.

Design Hole

A hole design in DataBlast Pro includes at least the following properties:

ID—The identification name for the hole, which must be unique within the drill pattern
Parent drill pattern
Collar location in X, Y, Z format
Drill toe location in X, Y, Z format
Bearing, angle and drill depth—Calculated from the design collar and toe locations

Detonating Cord

A flexible, cord-like explosive used to transmit a detonation wave from one explosive charge to another. It consists of a core of high-explosive material, usually pentaerythritol tetranitrate (PETN), encased in a protective outer layer. Detonating cord is used in blasting operations to ensure simultaneous or sequential detonation of multiple charges, providing precise control over the blasting sequence.

Detonator

A device used to initiate the explosive reaction in a blast. It provides the necessary stimulus to ignite the main explosive charge within a blast hole. Non-electric detonators use shock tubes or other non-electric means for initiation. Electronic detonators offer programmable timing for precise control over the blast sequence.

Dip

The angle at which a rock layer or geological formation inclines relative to the horizontal plane. It is a crucial measurement in geology and mining as it helps in understanding the orientation of the rock layers. Accurate dip measurements are essential for planning drilling and blasting operations, as they influence the design of the blast pattern, the stability of the rock after blasting, and the effectiveness of the excavation process.

Drill Cuttings

Rock fragments produced during drilling.

Drill Duration

The total time taken to complete the drilling of a single hole or a set of holes during a drilling operation. This time encompasses all activities from the initial setup, actual drilling, to the final withdrawal of the drill bit.

Drill Machine Depth

The measured depth of a hole as recorded by the drilling machine during the drilling process. This metric indicates how deep the drill bit has penetrated into the ground or rock from the surface. This depth may be overwritten in a drill log or by entering a dip depth.

Drill Navigation System

The system integrated with the drill to assist in the placement of the drill and the recording of the as-drilled hole data. DataBlast Pro supports sending drill designs to Leica, Atlas, MiPlan, CAT, WencoLite, WencoMine, Modular, Carlson, Flanders and Jigsaw drill systems.

Drill Pattern

The drill pattern is the core pattern type for drilling management. All holes must belong to a drill pattern. A hole cannot belong to more than one drill pattern.

Drilled Depth

The drilled depth of a hole is determined from the following values, with the dip depth having the highest validity:

Design drill depth
Whether the Flag as Drilled status is set—Holes with this status but no further depth records do not contribute to accurate drill depth reports.
Drill machine depth record
Drill log depth record
Dip depth—Physical measurement of the hole taken by a drill operator.

E

Echelon: An echelon pattern refers to the staggered or offset alignment of drill holes, which helps to distribute the explosive energy more evenly across the blast area. This arrangement can improve fragmentation, reduce vibration, and enhance overall blast efficiency. The echelon pattern is often used to optimise the breakage and displacement of rock, especially in large-scale blasting operations.
Emulsion: A type of water-in-oil explosive mixture used in blasting operations. It consists of tiny droplets of water-based solution (containing oxidisers such as ammonium nitrate) dispersed within an oil-based fuel phase. Emulsion explosives are known for their high stability, safety during handling, and superior explosive performance. They are often used in mining and construction due to their water-resistant properties and the ability to customise their sensitivity and strength for different blasting requirements. Emulsion explosives can be pumped into blast holes and are effective in wet conditions.
Explosive Deck: A section within a blast hole that is loaded with explosive material. In a multi-decked blast hole, explosive decks are separated by inert material such as stemming to control the timing and sequence of the explosion. Each explosive deck is designed to detonate at a specific time, optimising the fragmentation of the rock and minimising ground vibrations.

F

Firing Pattern: A firing pattern is a group of holes from one or more entire authorised initiation patterns, and for which safety information can be calculated and displayed.
Firing Simulation: A virtual test of how a blast will proceed. This simulation helps to visualise the sequence of explosions and the timing of detonations.
Flyrock: The rock fragments that are ejected beyond the blast area during a blasting operation. These fragments can be propelled by the explosive force and pose significant safety risks to personnel, equipment, and structures in the vicinity. Flyrock is an unintended consequence of blasting and can occur due to overcharging, improper burden and spacing, or geological anomalies.
Fragmentation: The process of breaking rock into smaller pieces as a result of blasting. Effective fragmentation is a key objective of blasting operations, as it facilitates easier handling, transportation, and processing of the rock. The degree of fragmentation depends on various factors, including the type and amount of explosive used, the blast design, rock properties, and the placement of drill holes. Proper fragmentation enhances the efficiency of subsequent operations, reduces energy consumption, and minimises the need for secondary breaking.

H

Hole Angle: The inclination of a drill hole from the vertical; that is, the angle in the Z plane between the hole collar and the hole toe.
Hole Bearing: The horizontal direction of a drill hole; that is, the angle in the X/Y plane between the hole collar and the hole toe.
Hole Filter: A feature in DataBlast Pro that dynamically filters the display of holes in the Viewport.

I

Inert Deck: A section within a blast hole that is filled with non-explosive material, such as gravel, sand, or stemming, rather than explosives. The purpose of an inert deck is to separate explosive charges within the same hole, control the timing and distribution of the explosive energy, and enhance the overall fragmentation process. Inert decks help to manage the effects of the blast, reduce ground vibration, and ensure that the explosive energy is used more efficiently for breaking rock.
Inhibited: An inhibited drill hole requires special treatment due to its location in reactive ground or its exposure to adverse conditions, such as high temperatures or the presence of water. Inhibited holes are typically charged with explosives that have added inhibitors to prevent premature detonation or chemical reactions. These inhibitors help ensure the safety and effectiveness of the blasting process by mitigating the risks associated with the specific environmental challenges of the hole.
Initiation Pattern: An initiation pattern is a group of holes belonging to any blast pattern or charge pattern. Use an initiation pattern to group holes for initiation sequencing.
Initiation System: The setup used to detonate the explosives, which can be electronic or non-electric.
Inventory: The management and tracking of explosive materials, accessories, and related supplies used in blasting operations. This includes maintaining accurate records of quantities, storage locations, usage, and replenishment of items such as explosives, detonators, detonating cords, primers, and other blasting agents. Effective inventory management ensures that there are sufficient materials available for planned blasting activities, complies with safety and regulatory requirements, and helps in optimising the costs and efficiency of blasting operations.

L

Lithology: The study and description of rock types. Different rock types respond differently to drilling and explosive forces. Understanding the lithology of a site helps in designing effective drilling patterns, selecting appropriate explosives, and predicting the behaviour of the rock during blasting.

M

Magazine Keeper: A designated individual responsible for the management, security, and maintenance of a storage facility (magazine) where explosives and related materials are kept. The Magazine Keeper ensures that all safety regulations and legal requirements are strictly followed, including proper inventory management, secure storage, and controlled access to the explosives. Their duties include regular inspections, record-keeping of the quantities and types of explosives stored, and ensuring that only authorised personnel have access to the magazine.
Mine Block: A specific, three-dimensional section of a mine that is planned and designated for extraction. A mine block represents a volume of ore or rock that has been defined based on geological data, economic considerations, and engineering designs. Each mine block is evaluated for its mineral content, quality, and feasibility of extraction, and is typically part of a larger sequence of blocks that are systematically mined to maximise resource recovery.
Modal Screen: A screen in DataBlast Pro that can be moved to another monitor.

O

Overdrill: Distance between the design charge toe and the design drill toe.

P

Poisson’s Ratio: A measure of the deformation of a material in directions perpendicular to the direction of loading.
Powder Factor: The amount of explosive required to break a specific volume or mass of rock. It is typically expressed as the weight of explosive per unit volume (for example, kilograms per cubic meter) or per unit mass (for example, pounds per ton) of rock to be blasted. The powder factor often increases if a fixed stemming is loaded. As the hole increases in length, the proportion of the hole loaded with explosives increases and consequently so does the powder factor.
Pre-splitting: A controlled blasting technique used to create a smooth, stable wall or surface in rock excavation projects. It involves drilling a row of closely spaced, lightly loaded blast holes along the desired final excavation boundary and then detonating these holes before the main production blast. The purpose of pre-splitting is to create a fracture plane that helps to prevent the propagation of cracks beyond the planned excavation line, thereby minimising damage to the remaining rock mass and improving the stability and safety of the excavation.
Primer: A small, sensitive explosive device, consisting of a detonator and an explosive charge, used to initiate a larger, more stable explosive charge. Primers are designed to detonate under specific conditions, such as impact, heat, or an electric charge, and are typically placed within or adjacent to the main explosive material. The function of a primer is to provide the initial energy needed to trigger the main explosive reaction, ensuring reliable and controlled detonation.
Probe Hole: A hole drilled beyond normal design depth to investigate underlying structures. Probe holes are often used to identify voids and cavities from underground workings or to identify geological boundaries. Probe hole depths are not included in accurate drill depth reports.
Property Grid: A software user interface element displaying properties of selected items.

R

Reactive: Reactive ground describes geology that undergoes spontaneous exothermic reactions when exposed to air or nitrates. A hole is reactive if it intersects this geology.
Reaming: The process of enlarging a drill hole.
Redrill: The process of drilling a new hole close to an existing hole that was not drilled correctly or did not meet the desired specifications. This can occur when the initial drilling operation results in a hole that is misaligned, too shallow, too deep, or otherwise unsuitable for the intended purpose. Redrilling ensures that the blast pattern and overall drilling plan are maintained accurately.
Reporting Pattern: A reporting pattern is a grouping of holes for purposes other than that used by drill patterns, charge patterns, blast patterns or initiation patterns. For example, use a reporting pattern to group holes from multiple drill patterns that were previously 'cut-off'.

S

Scaled Depth of Burial (SDB): An empirical measure of blast energy confinement, described as the ratio of the stemming material to the amount of explosive material within a space equivalent to ten hole diameters.
Seismic Wave: A wave of energy that travels through the earth as a result of blasting.
Sent-to-Drill Status: A status indicating that holes have been locked for drilling, preventing further design changes.
Setout Collar: The collar position determined by survey setout or calculated by the on-board drill navigation system. This position is the point on the actual drill bench surface projected from the design drill toe position. The setout collar, where it exists, replaces the design collar as the target to which to compare the measured collar.
Shotfirer: A trained and certified professional responsible for the preparation, placement, and detonation of explosives. The shotfirer's duties include designing blast patterns, drilling blast holes, loading explosives, setting up initiation systems, and ensuring that all safety protocols and regulations are followed. They are responsible for ensuring that the blasting operation is carried out safely and effectively, minimising risks to personnel and property, and achieving the desired rock fragmentation and excavation outcomes.
Spacing: The distance between adjacent holes within a row in a drill pattern.
Standoff: The distance between the bottom of the blast hole (the toe) and the target depth of the explosive charge, leaving a portion of the hole uncharged. This uncharged section at the bottom helps to control the fragmentation process and reduce the risk of flyrock, excessive ground vibration, or damage to the remaining rock structure.
Stemming: The process of filling the top portion of a blast hole with inert material, such as crushed rock, gravel, or sand, after the explosive charge has been placed. Stemming confines the explosive gases within the hole, increasing the efficiency of the blast by directing more energy into the surrounding rock. This confinement reduces the risk of flyrock and excessive airblast and enhances fragmentation.
Stratum: (Plural: strata). Distinct layer of rock or soil with consistent characteristics that can be observed in geological formations. Strata refer to the different layers of material that are encountered as drilling progresses. Each stratum can have unique properties such as hardness, composition, and density, which can influence drilling techniques and blasting strategies.
Subdrill: The additional depth drilled below the intended floor or grade level of the blast. The purpose of subdrilling is to ensure that the entire rock mass is adequately fragmented, avoiding any unbroken rock at the bottom of the blast hole. Subdrill is measured as the extra length added to the drill hole below the planned excavation or bench level.
Subgrade: The distance from the bottom of the drill hole to the intended grade or bench level. Subgrade drilling, like subdrilling, involves extending the drill hole below the planned floor level, but subgrade is measured perpendicular to the grade surface.
Surface: A representation of the topography or other layers in a drill pattern, which can be added and assigned in DataBlast Pro.
Swebrec: The Swebrec function is a mathematical model used to describe the size distribution of fragmented rock resulting from blasting. The Swebrec function is named after the Swedish Blasting Research Centre (SveBeFo) and is widely used in the mining and quarrying industries to predict and analyse the outcome of blasting operations. This function helps in understanding how the energy from explosives is distributed and utilised during a blast, allowing for better control and optimisation of the fragmentation process.

T

Timing Contour: Lines representing equal timing intervals on a blast map.
Toe: The deepest point of the hole, where the drill bit stops. The location of the toe is critical for determining the depth of the explosive charge and ensuring that the entire length of the hole is effectively utilised for blasting.
Trunk Line: The line of detonating cord or other initiation system that connects multiple blast holes in a blasting operation. The trunk line is used to transmit the detonation signal from the primary initiation point, such as a blasting machine or detonator, to each of the individual blast holes.

V

Vibration: Ground movements caused by the energy released during a blast. These seismic waves can propagate through the earth and potentially impact structures, equipment, and personnel in the vicinity. Monitoring and controlling blast-induced vibrations are critical to ensuring safety and minimising damage to nearby buildings, infrastructure, and sensitive environments. Effective blast design, including the use of delays and precise charge placement, helps manage and reduce vibration levels, ensuring compliance with regulatory standards and protecting surrounding areas.
Viewport: The main display area in DataBlast Pro where drill patterns are visualised.