1967 Drilling and blasting remain critical processes in surface mining, influencing fragmentation quality and downstream performance in loading, hauling, and processing (Lusk & Worsey, 2011). Recent advances—such as electronic initiation systems, predictive modeling, and integrated digital platforms—have demonstrated significant improvements in operational control and compliance, particularly under restrictive conditions (Barcelos & Koppe, 2020). At the same time, global initiatives emphasize that innovation in blasting must align with broader sustainability goals, including resource stewardship and nature-positive outcomes (Aguilar, 2025). This paper presents the experience of a large-scale gold operation in Brazil that implemented three technology-driven initiatives to address critical challenges: (i) controlled blasting near sensitive infrastructure; (ii) optimization of drilling and blasting through high-energy explosives; and (iii) ore dilution control using three-dimensional blast movement modeling. These initiatives illustrate how the integration of engineering design, technology, and data-driven decision-making can transform blasting operations, delivering measurable gains in safety, productivity, and economic performance while supporting sustainability objectives. 2. BLASTING IN MODERN MINING: INNOVATION AND OPERATIONAL CONTEXT Mining is undergoing a profound transformation driven by digitalization, automation, and sustainability imperatives. Within this context, drilling and blasting have evolved from a traditional cost center into a strategic process that influences productivity, safety, and resource stewardship. Advances such as electronic initiation systems, high-energy explosives, and integrated digital platforms have improved precision, reduced variability, and enabled compliance with strict vibration and flyrock limits, particularly in operations near sensitive infrastructure. These developments position blasting as a critical enabler of connected and intelligent mining systems, contributing to operational excellence and sustainability goals. 2.1 Blasting Operations Blasting is the primary fragmentation process in surface mining and directly influences the efficiency of downstream operations such as loading, hauling, crushing, and milling. Proper drill and blast design ensures optimal fragmentation, reducing energy consumption in comminution and improving overall productivity (Lusk & Worsey, 2011). Drilling and blasting are interdependent: drilling accuracy determines explosive placement, which affects fragmentation, vibration control, and overall blast performance. Over the past decades, blasting practices have evolved significantly with the introduction of electronic detonators, new generations of bulk explosives, and digital platforms for blast design and QA/QC. These innovations have improved precision, reduced variability, and enhanced safety by minimizing on-bench exposure. Despite these advances, blasting remains a critical operation requiring continuous optimization to meet increasingly stringent safety and sustainability standards. 2.2 Case Overview The present work focuses on the Santa Luz gold mine in Bahia, Brazil, operated by Equinox Gold. Currently, the Santa Luz mine moves around 15 million metric tons of rock per annum (2024-2025 average; internal site data), comprising ore and waste handling. Santa Luz Mine experienced an operational suspension, with production resuming in 2021. Since the restart, the site has prioritized the deployment of advanced technologies to optimize performance, particularly in drill‑and‑blast. The complexity of the orebody geology—which directly influences gold recovery, ambitious production targets, disciplined cost management, and emerging challenges such as developing pits in proximity to sensitive structures have further driven enhancements to blasting practices through the application of technology, purpose‑designed products, and rigorous operational controls. The paper examines three challenges and the corresponding technical responses implemented at Santa Luz.
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