Gomes-Sebastiao, G.L.De Graaf, W.W. (Wolter)2017-08-292017-08-292017-04Gomes-Sebastiao, G.L. & De Graaf, W.W. 2017, 'An investigation into the fragmentation of blasted rock at Gomes Sand', Journal of the Southern African Institute of Mining and Metallurgy, vol. 117, no. 4, pp. 321-328.0038-223X (print)2225-6253 (online)10.17159/2411-9717/2017/v117n4a2http://hdl.handle.net/2263/62137Gomes Sand is a quarry operation that produces sand and aggregate for the construction industry. The quarry is experiencing inconsistencies in the fragmentation and poor pit conditions as a result of poor drilling and blasting practices. This results in excessive downtime in the load and haul and crushing processes. A benchmarking exercise of the blasting practices was conducted to evaluate the effect of the inconsistency on the mining cycle. After changes in the blasting practices the downtime was reduced, which improved the crushing plant utilization by 4.9%. The improved blasting practices and more consistent fragmentation decreased the average number of loads lost each month due to jaw crusher blockages from 9.2% to 3.9% of plant throughput. The change in blasting practices also improved pit conditions.en© The Southern African Institute of Mining and Metallurgy, 2017DrillingElectronic delay detonatorsBlasting practicesFragmentationCommunitionCrusher throughputEngineering, built environment and information technology articles SDG-04SDG-04: Quality educationEngineering, built environment and information technology articles SDG-08SDG-08: Decent work and economic growthEngineering, built environment and information technology articles SDG-09SDG-09: Industry, innovation and infrastructureEngineering, built environment and information technology articles SDG-12SDG-12: Responsible consumption and productionEngineering, built environment and information technology articles SDG-15SDG-15: Life on landArticle