The Wits Mining Institute (WMI) has demonstrated to students and media the latest blasting initiation technology it is using in its simulated DigiMine as part of practical learning for students and in researching safer blasting practices.

The technology, which comprises the new-generation BlastWeb II system, as well as wireless detonators, has been supplied by electronic initiation company DetNet, which WMI has a long-standing collaborative partnership with.

The new blasting initiation system introduces various feature and functionality upgrades to its predecessor BlastWeb I, notably in terms of communication, monitoring, safety, security and integration with other systems in the mine.

Notably, some of the new features include centralised blasting from a control room, increased detonator capacity and accommodation for both wired and wireless detonators – the latter of which eliminates the need for surface wires and additional infrastructure.

The system also supports remote monitoring and reporting, all while being smaller in size than its predecessor and using magnetic transmissions for communication to ensure omni-directional coverage.

DetNet senior mining engineer Ntombifuthi Mathebula explained that each blast control unit of the BlastWeb II system had six channels, with one channel connecting up to 400 electronic detonators for a total capacity of 2 400 detonators.

DetNet first donated its BlastWeb I system to DigiMine in 2019 to train postgraduate students in its application and equip the future workforce with appropriate and practical skills based on real mining conditions.

DigiMine head Dr Ahsan Mahboob said exposing academics and future engineers to new technology was vital for mitigating against fall-of-ground incidents, which were still the primary cause of fatalities in the mining sector.

He emphasised the importance of collaboration and innovation among academia and industry to devise safer solutions for the sector, as well as other sectors that required detonation such as construction.

Mahboob said the BlastWeb II system, in particular, helped students to learn about the advanced digital aspects of mining technology, as well as contribute to more technology development, as DetNet plans to expand on the technology’s functionality with input from WMI.

“DetNet’s electronic initiation technology is an important part of modern blasting systems that makes mining safer while promoting sustainability and productivity,” he added.

Notably, the use of BlastWeb by postgraduate researchers in the simulated mine conditions allowed them to explore possible avenues of integration with related mining systems such as ventilation and gas reticulation.

For example, post-blast conditions are often unsuitable for workers owing to dust and gases, delaying their return underground; however, integrated systems can allow for enhanced monitoring functions, real-time data generation and alignment between processes.

There are also opportunities to link blasting technologies to real-time geotechnical modelling to analyse post-blast rock stability. Advanced numerical modelling and simulations can optimise geotechnical conditions post-blast.

DetNet global market support manager Vinesh Naidoo advocated for more entrants in the mining industry to become aware of the benefits tied to electronic detonation and the advanced initiation systems available that can control blasting.

“[With] BlastWeb II, we embrace complex blast designs that deliver optimal results for miners, while also testing each detonator and blast from surface to ensure a safe and accurate blast with no misfires,” Naidoo stated.

Mahboob added that the more precise blasting offered with the BlastWeb II system ensured more efficient use of resources and less waste, as well as lower vibration, which may lead to seismic activity.

University of the Witwatersrand Faculty of Engineering and Built Environment Dean Thokozani Majozi lauded the support of DetNet in continuing to make mining safer in a tangible and impactful manner.

He pointed out that the university continuously enhanced undergraduate programmes by incorporating data-driven decision-making and digital technologies, which was often greatly owing to industrial partnerships.

He mentioned the importance of a smoother transition of students into the workforce, since there was often a gap between the theoretical knowledge of the academic sphere and the practically applied skills in the workplace.

“The goal is to ensure research that changes lives and make positive impacts beyond academic publications.”

The WMI’s DigiMine, which was launched with multinational miner Sibanye-Stillwater in 2018, is currently focused on developing and simulating wireless communication systems, three-dimensional modelling, system integration, green energy technologies, precise blasting and cybersecurity for mines.

Some of its latest innovations include using LED lights for communication instead of 4G or 5G networks, with the lights serving as points of connection for other devices underground. The DetNet wireless detonators can also use this form of communication to relay information to surface, which negates the need for traditional communication methods.

In particular, Mahboob aimed to have the DigiMine help to develop a cybersecurity framework for the mining sector, as these systems became more intelligent and susceptible to interference.