Conference Proceedings
International Mining Geology Conference Proceedings 2026
Conference Proceedings
International Mining Geology Conference Proceedings 2026
Implementing blast movement monitoring – a case study from Chatree Gold Mine
Chatree Gold Mine in central Thailand is characterised by narrow, discontinuous epithermal quartz veins where ore control is highly sensitive to blast-induced movement. Following a six-year operational shutdown, the mine recommenced operations in 2024. During this restart phase, ore boundaries were marked using bamboo poles, providing only a guide to ore position. Mineralisation itself is not visually distinguishable in the field; however, dykes are identifiable and cross-cut mineralisation, providing visual reference that can be used to validate the accuracy of blast movement monitoring (BMM) offsets. BMM had been used prior to the mine’s temporary closure and its 2025 reinstatement aimed to quantify movement and evaluate the technical and financial benefits of a measured approach. Nine ore blasts were monitored with 148 sensors, achieving a 96 per cent detection rate. A campaign mill trial was conducted to assess geological performance under controlled conditions. Across the monitored blasts, use of BMM generated an estimated US$4.52 million in additional value, reaching payback in fewer than three blasts. Financial year-to-date reconciliation shows that ounces milled are within 1 per cent of grade control (GC) predictions, confirming that BMM adjusted dig lines accurately represent ore boundaries. The tonne and grade variance approximately 10 per cent higher tonnes and 10 per cent, lower grade has been reviewed in detail. Of this variance, approximately 6 per cent represents claim over GC tonnes, likely reflecting spotting, digging and blasting related dilution. The remaining approximately 4 per cent is attributed to operational misallocation. Misallocation in this context refers to trucks tipping material to an incorrect destination. Material movements are currently tracked using spotters and truck sheets, and the additional tonnes were not recorded as being moved from the pit to the run-of-mine (ROM). A fleet management system will be introduced in 2026 to improve truck destination tracking and reduce misallocation risk.BMM has delivered measurable improvements in ore control performance. Next steps will focus on evaluating ore movement analysis tools, including Hexagon blast movement intelligence (BMI) and AI approaches, to determine whether their benefits outweigh their cost and workflow impact. Integration with fleet management is noted as supporting operational improvement.
Contributor(s):
O Phongphanngam and R Gray
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- Published: 2026
- Pages: 4
- PDF Size: 0.843 Mb.
- Unique ID: P-05262-F1H2Y4