Underground blasting (before)

Underground blasting (after)

Potentially, the application of non-explosive Nonex cartridges underground is excellent.

• Pillar mining produces oversize for secondary breaking
• Chrome and coal fines are wasteful. Nonex breaks on tensile, not on compression – produces ‘lumpy’ chrome and coal
• Mining in seismic conditions, such as extracting the gold from a Gold Mining Pillar
• Sliping out, widening haul roads, cubbies, footwall removal
• Using a 50:50 mix of nitrocellulose and ammonium nitrate the toxicity is much reduced (co >.co2)
• Mining precious stones (less damage)
• Safety greatly enhanced

Data Base

Conventional explosives have been around for centuries globally, ‘blasting’ in every possible situation has taken place, been recorded, tabled, researched and been written about. All that data has been transcribed into manuals, which provide a basis for drilling design and methodology. Explosive technology has improved beyond recognition, with shock tube initiation and electronic delay detonators opening up a vast array of possibilities.

Nevertheless, conventional explosives retain a volatile and dangerous downside And will remain so. Non-explosive, non-detonating technology such as Nonex was designed specifically for application in sensitive situations, is relatively young, with a data base on a learning curve. As the world becomes more built-up, sensitive and regulatory, the application of rock breaking using this technology will grow exponentially. More and more research studies will be conducted. Universities in South Africa, Australia, Canada, the USA, and many others are using this avenue for doctorate theses.