Analysis of Blasting Geometry on Limestone Fragmentation Distribution in Mining Activities at PT Solusi Bangun Indonesia Tbk Narogong Plant

Abstract

PT Solusi Bangun Indonesia Tbk Narogong Plant is a company engaged in limestone mining using a quarry system employing the drilling and blasting method. The primary issue in blasting activities is the control of blasting geometry to produce rock fragmentation that is compatible with the capacity of loading and hauling equipment and the crusher. The method employed is a quantitative method involving the collection of primary data in the form of blasting geometry parameters and fragmentation documentation, as well as secondary data obtained from the company. The data were processed empirically and theoretically using the Kuz-Ram method and analyzed using WipFrag software as a comparative tool. Furthermore, a proposed blasting geometry design was developed using the C.J. Konya and ICI Explosive methods. The results indicate that the actual conditions produced an average fragmentation of 17.16 cm with a passing percentage of <50 cm at 95.61% and a powder factor of 0.43 kg/BCM. The C.J. Konya method yielded finer fragmentation of 15.55 cm with a passing rate of 96.63% and a powder factor of 0.53 kg/BCM, whereas the ICI Explosive method produced coarser fragmentation of 22.45 cm with a passing rate of 88.35% and a powder factor of 0.33 kg/BCM. Overall, blasting geometry significantly influences the distribution of rock fragmentation and the efficiency of explosive usage.