High productivity mining is the key to the financial success and stability of modern mines. This can be achieved through the use of new technologies, the development of innovative work practices and
optimisation of the mining method to suit the mining environment.
Big Bell Mine is a 1.7 Mtpa longitudinal sublevel caving operation at a head grade of 3.14 g/t. Annual production is 170 000 ounces of gold. The selection and implementation of bulk emulsion explosives was seen as the logical progression from blow loaded ANFO for the high tonnage rate required from the longitudinal sublevel cave.
Prior to the implementation of bulk emulsions an investigation was
required to examine the technical and financial benefits available with the introduction of bulk emulsion. This paper examines the review process and the successful implementation of bulk emulsion explosives at Big Bell.