This video demonstrates a full basic workflow in the K-MINE Drill and Blast module, covering blast block design, hole initialization, wiring-up line setup, and dynamic blast simulation. Learn how to configure delay algorithms, define safety zones, and analyze detonation sequences in real time before execution in the field.
Video transcription
Introduction to the K-MINE Drill and Blast Module
The K-MINE Drill and Blast module provides a complete environment for planning, designing, and simulating blast operations in open-pit mining. This walkthrough demonstrates the full basic workflow, from initial blast block creation through detailed blast simulation, using the K-MINE training model as a reference case.
Creating the Blast Block and Drill Holes
The first step is selecting the target area for blast block design and launching the Create Drilling Project task. In this workflow, initialization is performed using three bench edges: Crest, Toe, and OL Toe. This approach defines the block geometry correctly, accounting for both the upper and lower boundaries of the rock mass.
The OL Toe parameter is set to 25 meters, which preserves the haul road berm and ensures proper pit slope formation. After clicking Create Project Area, the system generates the project area where blast holes are automatically placed. Once the drill holes are created, a complete blast block is formed. Switching to top view and turning off the project area and wireframe improves visibility for the next design stage.
Configuring Wiring-Up Lines for the Blast Pattern
Opening the Create Wiring-Up Lines task initializes the drill and blast block. The blast holes are selected and initialized using the Type by Selected option. In the Changeable Object section, key blast hole properties are defined, including the storage layer, delay timing calculated by formula, the shock tube-based delay algorithm, and an in-hole delay of 500 milliseconds. This approach standardizes hole behavior while maintaining full control over the detonation sequence through surface wiring.
The wiring setup provides a visual representation of the initiation scheme and allows delay values to be assigned for each wiring line. Wiring-Up Lines handle hole-to-hole connections, while the Joining Blast Hole Pair functions as the main trunk line initiating the entire blast block.
Applying the Wiring Pattern and Visual Controls
The Operations dropdown offers five wiring scenarios. After selecting a common configuration, a base wiring trajectory line is drawn, selected, and applied. The block is then wired from the main trunk line toward the periphery. Dynamic tools allow adjustment of line width and inclination angle, which is particularly useful for blast blocks with complex geometry.
The on-screen layout clearly displays the main trunk line in black, inter-hole shock tubes in red, arrows indicating detonation direction, and delay values shown in brackets for every connection point.
Setting Up Blast Simulation and Safety Zones
After completing the wiring, the workflow moves to the Blast Simulation tab. The first step is selecting the initiating cord object and opening the display settings. In the Graph group, the relevant options are enabled: Wiring Up Line, Fly Rock, Breaking Line, Blast Hole Detonation, Detonation Graph, and Hillside. These settings visualize not only the detonation itself, but also the associated rock breakage processes.
In the Construction Settings section, the blast impact zone and safety zone visualization are configured. Objects that must be excluded from the blast influence area can be defined in advance. If equipment, infrastructure, or other critical objects fall within the hazardous zone, the system automatically generates a warning, enabling blast parameters or object locations to be adjusted at the design stage.
Configuring Delay Visualization and Damage Zones
The Settings tab contains the Construction Objects group, where visualization for detonation delays can be enabled, including Calculated and Display After Calculation options, along with damage zones and Breaking Lines that indicate expected rock movement. Visualization intervals are defined numerically, with a default value of 50 that can be adjusted to match project requirements. After applying the settings, the system recalculates delays from the first to the last blast hole.
Running the Dynamic Blast Simulation
Switching to the Simulation tab starts the dynamic blast simulation. The initial run plays in real time and can be slowed to 0.5 speed to analyze each detonation stage in detail or paused at any moment for inspection.
Enabling the Number option in the Maximum Charge group activates a graph at the bottom of the screen, displaying delay values from the minimum to the maximum across the blast block. This graph identifies which blast holes detonate at any specific moment, such as 900 milliseconds, allowing systematic verification of the complete initiation scheme.
Key Takeaways for Mining Engineers
The K-MINE Drill and Blast module delivers far more than blast block design. It provides detailed pre-blast analysis, initiation sequence verification, safety zone control, and dynamic simulation of the full detonation process. This allows engineering teams to validate every aspect of the blast plan in the software environment before committing resources to field execution, improving both safety and fragmentation outcomes.