On this project, lests move and write the next chapter four about data we have collected based on

methodologies mentioned. Now Collect the data on each:

CHAPTER ONE
1.0. INTRODUCTION
1.1. BACKGROUND OF THE STUDY
Blast-induced rock movement is the unintentional displacement of rock material resulting from
blasting operations. While blasting being a major key technique to break rocks and access ore,
improper blast design can lead to vibration and rock displacement beyond the intended
excavation boundaries (Ebrahimi, 2013). This movement often result in the mixing of waste rock
or low-grade material with valuable ore, a phenomenon known as ore dilution. Ore dilution
reduces the overall grade of mined material and effectiveness of the mineral recovery.

Globally, mines have adapted different strategies to reduce the impact of blast-induced rock
movement on ore dilution. These strategies include optimizing blast design, improving drilling
techniques, and conducting real-time monitoring to adjust blasting methods as needed. The
primarily aim of these measures is to control fragmentation, minimize waste material, and
improve recovery rates, ensuring that targeted material are mined and processed effectively.

Studies from mines such as Ahafo Gold Mine and Grasberg highlight the impact of poor blast
design on dilution and unintended movement. For instance, between 2007 to 2008 Ahafo mine
employed bamboo sticks and poly pipes to measure blast movements. However, this method
proved unreliable for ore block adjustment. Thus, the mine implemented the study of blast
movement monitors (BMM) to help minimize ore loess and dilution. Prior to adopting BMMs,
the faced significant dilution due to inaccurate blast designs and ore displacement beyond mining
boundaries. By utilizing real-time data from BMMs, Ahafo mine was able to track rock
movements, optimize blast designs, and reduce dilution to approximately 7-10%. While tools
like blast movement monitors (BMM) and PVC pipes are used to measure rock displacement,
they do not control or prevent dilution but only track the movement of material.

North Mara Gold Mine located in the Tarime District of the Mara Region in Tanzania, is
currently experiencing high dilution levels at Nyabigena open pit Mine. These levels exceed the
allowable threshold of 10% or lower, primarily due to blast-induced rock movement. This

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project aims to evaluate the relationship between blast-induced rock movement and ore dilution.
By solving this problem, it will help maintain effectiveness in mining operations and if not
addressed, production can be affected, creating inaccuracies in the extraction process that will
lead to unintended mixing of the ore and waste material as explained above.

1.2. PROBLEM STATEMENT

Dilution at Nyabigena Pit is much higher than the allowable dilution 10% or lower. Currently
dilution of about (40%) is being achieved after blasting and during mining of ore making it
exceeding threshold level. This excessive dilution is primarily resulted from poor blast design
leading to uncontrolled rock displacement. The current existing protocols of using blast
movement monitors and Polypipes for monitoring rock movement may not adequately serve the
displacement of rock material and do not address the root cause of dilution, thus the problem lies
to the design and execution of blasting operation. In order to address these issues, the Mine seeks
to identify effective strategies to optimizing blast designs to minimize dilution to acceptable
levels (10% or lower).

1.3. OBJECTIVES
1.3.1. MAIN OBJECTIVE
To evaluate blast-induced rock movement and it’s impact on ore dilution at Nyabigena Open Pit

1.3.2. SPECIFIC OBJECTIVE

 To evaluate blast induced rock movement done by the current practices

 To analyze the impact of ore dilution at Nyabigena Pit

 To Suggest the optimal strategy to minimize ore dilution

1.4. SCOPE OF THE STUDY

As dilution being one of the significant challenges faced during mining, this project focuses on
understanding lasting impact pf rock-induced movement and ore dilution at Nyabigena Pit, the
project will primarily analyze how current blasting practices influence the displacement of rock
material that affecting ore quality and recovery rates and give insight on possible way of
managing ore dilution.

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 1.5. SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY
The study will focus on understanding the impact of rock induced movement and ore dilution.
The study will evaluate how displacement of rock material during blasting affects ore recovery.

1.6. METHODOLOGY PHASES

Phase 1: Design

In this phase, data will be collected from charging and plan sheets, including parameters such as
hole spacing, burden, charge weight, and timing. Designed data (e.g., hole depth, charge weight)
will be compared with actual field data to identify discrepancies and suboptimal blast design
parameters contributing to excessive rock movement.

Phase 2: Pre-blast and Post-blast

This phase involves collecting data before and after blasting to evaluate rock displacement and
fragmentation efficiency.

 Pre-blast:
o Initial positions of ore and waste material will be recorded using GPS and
mapping software.
 Post-blast:
o Measuring the extent of rock displacement.
o Capturing images of fragmented material and use WipFrag software to analyze
the size distribution.

Phase 3: Analysis and Recommendations

In this phase, the collected data will be analyzed to identify correlations between blast design
parameters and dilution levels. Statistical analysis using Excel or SPSS will be performed to
determine key factors influencing dilution. Additionally, literature and case studies from other
mines will be reviewed to identify best practices for blast design optimization. Based on the
analysis, revised blast designs will be proposed to minimize ore dilution to 10% or less.

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 1.7. Field work
A field work will involve direct collection of data on site and the following activities will be
involved.

1.8. Data collection methods

1.8.1. Ore and Waste Mapping

Surveying will provide insight into how the ore and waste are distributed before and after
blasting. GPS will help track blast patterns and measure displacement of rock materials and will
help assess the effectiveness of the current blasting patterns applied on site in controlling ore
dilution.

1.8.2. Blast pattern data

These are Blast design parameters (hole spacing, burden, charge weight, delay) will be obtained
through three phases, the design phase, pre blast and post blast.

1.8.3. Design phase

In design phase I will obtain data though charging and plan sheets present at site to know
designed data such as designed depth, designed charge, redrilled holes, hole diameter and
compare them with the actual data which I will obtain practically in field.

1.8.4. Pre-blast and Post-blast

1. Pre-blast Phase: Initial positions of ore and waste material will be recorded using GPS.
2. Post-blast Phase: Rock displacement and fragmentation will be measured using BMM,
GPS, and WipFrag software.

Fragmentation size distribution

After blasting a camera will be used to capture an image of fragmented material in post-blast and
a software will be used to analyze the size distribution to determine efficiency of blasting process
and assess whether fragmentation contribute to dilution.

1.9. Data analysis

 GPS tools will be used to track and map the blast patterns and movements.

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  Geological mapping software will be used to analyze ore and waste distributions and
identify areas of high dilution.
 WipFrag image analysis software will be used to evaluate post-blast fragment size and
distribution.
 Statistical analysis using Excel will be used to the relationship between blast designs and
dilution levels.

1.10. Expected Results

The results for this methodology include an evaluation of how the current blasting designs
contribute to excessive dilution and an analysis of fragmentation efficiency. Also, the results will
involve quantifying the current dilution levels (which are around 40%) and identifying areas with
significant dilution that require targeted improvements. Lastly is to implement a set of best
practices to control ore dilution that will lower up to 10% or less.