Explosives and blasting solutions company Orica released a new integrated digital solution for the quarry market to streamline and improve blasting operations, in April.

BlastIQ Quarry is a smart solution that exploits the power of digital technologies to help quarry operators improve their drill and blast activities in near real time. Developed by Orica Digital Solutions, BlastIQ Quarry allows quarry operators to design blasts according to performance objectives and presents drill and blast insights for continuous blast enhancement.

Developed based on customer feedback and deep blasting experience in quarry operations, the smart digital blast optimisation platform delivers instant pre- and post-blast insights. Instead of manually handling paper- based information, operators can now also collate their data digitally and derive insights to inform their drill and blast performance.

Orica blast design and execution for digital solutions head Cu Luu details the key benefits of the new blast control solution, saying: “Overall, BlastIQ Quarry is a powerful and comprehensive solution that can help quarries improve the efficiency of their drill and blast operations, reduce overall cost, ensure data accuracy, drive productivity, and maintain regulatory compliance. Its integrated and connected components provide a complete solution that delivers real results and drives continuous improvement for the industry.”

Complementary applications to enable a synergistic workflow include the SHOTPlus blast design and modelling software; BlastIQ Mobile Lite which enables operators and engineers to access blast designs and hole conditions from the palm of their hands; and BlastIQ Insights, which allows for the tracking of key performance indicators and comprehensive document storage.

“These technologies work together to offer customers improved productivity with blast loading instructions and rules being instantaneously and digitally communicated to field operations to ensure the right explosive product and quantity is used at the right place and initiated at the right time.”

Moreover, improved in-field blast quality control and assurance can be further achieved using the new BlastIQ Mobile Lite application through the efficient capture of auditable data direct from the bench. Blasthole condition, captured in near real time, allows data to be shared between operations and engineering personnel from anywhere, empowering rapid decision-making and improved operational efficiencies.

Orica notes that the new BlastIQ Quarry solution integrates seamlessly into existing operational systems and processes, and can significantly improve blast quality control, eliminate rework, and reduce excess drilling and explosives consumption.

It affords quarry operators the opportunity to confidently improve their drill and blast activities, ensuring the long-term success of their quarry operations.