Aggregate News
Blasting & Fly-rock
According to the abstract of “Flyrock phenomena and area security in blasting-related accidents”, an article written by Vladislav Kecojevic and Mark Radomsky:
In both the mining and construction industries, blasting is the predominant method for fragmentation of consolidated mineral deposits. The blasting process, however, remains a potential source of numerous hazards to people and surrounding objects. This paper presents the results of the research study on flyrock phenomena and blast area security related accidents in surface mining. The study revealed that a total of 45 fatal and 367 non-fatal accidents in coal, metal and non-metal surface mines had occurred between 1978 and 1998 where the primary causes were the lack of blast area security, flyrock, premature blast, and misfires. The lack of blast area security and flyrock accounted for 281 (68.2%) accidents. Investigations of flyrock accidents have revealed one or more of the following contributing factors: discontinuity in the geology and rock structure, improper blasthole layout and loading, insufficient burden, very high explosive concentration, and inadequate stemming. The study also shows that accidents due to lack of blast area security are caused by failure to use appropriate blasting shelter, failure to evacuate humans from the blast area, and inadequate guarding of the access roads leading to the blast area. The research results should have a positive impact on hazard awareness, prevention, and safe blasting practices in mining and construction industries.
Quarries use explosives to loosen the rock for aggregate operations. The operators typically hire explosive experts (such as Conspec) to prepare, execute and monitor the blast with public safety as an utmost concern.
Flyrock “Emissions” Exclusion Zone Minimums
The Government of Ontario has not established a minimum safety zone for flyrock and leaves it to aggregate companies to calculate and recommend.
Flyrock Exclusion zones in other parts of the world are:
|
Country |
Safe Blasting Exclusion Zone |
|
Texas, USA |
400m |
|
Australia |
400m |
|
New Zealand |
500m |
|
Nova Scotia, Canada |
800m |
|
Ontario, Canada |
0m |
Source CRC Rockwood recommends a 500m flyrock exclusion zone
Want to see an example of quarry blasting? Check-out these videos:
Fire-in-the-hole (youtube) / Fire-in-the-hole (vimeo) (original sound)
Don’t Drink the Water (vimeo) (music)
NEWS – Quarry Blasting & Fly-rock
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Date yyyy-mm-dd |
Posted By |
Article Link |
Comment |
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2021-12-03 |
WPLG Local 10 (USA) |
Constant blasts from nearby quarry shake Miramar houses and is it causing cracks?
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Miramar, Broward County, Florida, USA |
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2020-09-20 |
9news.com.au (AUS) |
Dangerous blast at Albury Quarry sends rock hurtling towards onlookers
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Liz Daniels - Video, 275m |
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2019-05-30 |
Aggman.com |
Tennessee quarry blast sends fly rock onto nearby highway, hitting vehicle |
Kerry Clines |
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2019-03-29 |
Youtube / CRC Rockwood Hidden Quarry |
CRC explains the need for a 500m flyrock exclusion zone (6 mins) |
Concerned Residents Coalition (CRC) Rockwood |
|
2019-02-05 |
Australia’s Mining Monthly |
- flyrock struck and damaged three light vehicles parked in the designated blast exclusion zone 300m to 340m from the blast site. |
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2019-01-30 |
Cos-mag.com |
- Dyno Nobel Canada fined (19-Sep-2016) |
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2018-05-16 |
BayToday.ca |
- Jeff Turl Birch’s Road quarry, West Ferris area, North Bay |
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2018-01-26 |
Lake Country Calendar (BC) |
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2017-10-21 |
Mankato Free Press (MN, USA) |
Mark Fischenich |
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2017-08-08 |
Mankato Free Press (MN, USA) |
Quarry blast showers neighborhood with rocks: Bowling ball sized stones created close calls |
Mark Fischenich |
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2016-12-16 |
AggregateResearch.com |
(subscription) |
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2016-09-28 |
SisKinds.com |
Failure to Notify brings $150,000 Fine Despite no Damage to Property |
Paula Lombardi - fly-rock |
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2016-09-22 |
Thechronicleherald.ca |
Amanda Panacci - fly-rock |
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2016-09-14 |
NorthBayNipissing.com |
- fly-rock |
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2015-11-20 |
Government of Ontario |
Drilling and Blasting Contractor fined $60,000 for Fly Rock Discharge and Failing to Report Incident
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Ministry of Environment |
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2015-08-25 |
CBC News Newfoundland & Labrador |
- blast from 250m away |
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2015-06-08 |
Youtube / CRC Rockwood Hidden Quarry |
Bill Hill at mark 3:50 |
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2014-07-23 |
Timminspress.com |
Len Gillis |
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2014-05-08 |
Inside Ottawa Valley / Arnprior Chronicle-Guide |
Derek Dunn |
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2013-12-10 |
Concerned Residents Coalition (CRC) |
William (Bill) Hill [wait for .pdf to load] |
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2008-09-25 |
AggregateResearch.com |
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2008-09-25 |
Aero News Netowrk |
Quarry Blast Sends Rocks Into The Air, And Onto Parked Planes |
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2007-08 |
Comment |
Friends Addressing Concerns Together in McNab-Braeside (FACT MB) |
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2005-10-19 |
College of Earth and Mineral Sciences, Mining Engineering Program, The Pennsylvania State University, 154 Hosler Building, University Park, PA 16802, USA |
Flyrock phenomena and area security in blasting-related accidents |
Vladislav Kecojevic and Mark Radomsky - article is available for purchase |
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2005-09 |
Comment |
Friends Addressing Concerns Together in McNab-Braeside (FACT MB) |
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Disclaimer: This information has been compiled through private amateur research for the purpose of allowing the reader to make an informed and educated decision. However, while the information is believed to be reliable, accuracy cannot be guaranteed.
APPENDICES
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