Development of an empirical model for predicting the effects of controllable blasting parameters on flyrock distance in surface mines

Prediction of flyrock distance has a remarkable role in reduction and control of blasting accident in surface mines. In this paper, at first a new empirical equation for predicting flyrock distance was developed using dimensional analysis. The equation extended based on controllable blasting parameters that compiled from 150 blasting events in Sungun copper mine, Iran. Then, flyrock phenomenon is simulated using this equation and Monte Carlo (MC) method. Results showed that MC is a good means for modeling and assessing the variability of blasting parameters. Finally, sensitivity analysis was conducted to analyze the effects of the controllable blasting parameters on flyrock distance. Based on correlation sensitivity, the most effective parameters were powder factor, stemming and burden. Finally, it should be noted that the proposed flyrock equation and obtained results are site-specific; it should be used only in the Sungun copper mine, and it should not be used directly in other surface mines.

► The paper represents a new empirical equation in order to predict flyrock distance.
► The equation is developed based on controllable blasting parameters.
► The equation is used for stochastic modeling of flyrock by Monte Carlo (MC) method.
► MC is found as an efficient tool in modeling the variability of blasting parameters.
► Powder factor is found to be the most effective parameter on flyrock distance.