569 of the operation. In this way, it not only seeks to improve operational efficiency, but also to establish a new technical standard in the execution of long-range development blasts in underground mining. The purpose of this technical study is to evaluate the impact of this methodology on the main operational indicators, comparing its performance with that of conventional blasting of shorter lengths. 2. METHODOLOGY The methodology applied in the development of this work is based on an integration of theoretical and practical approaches. At the Condestable mine, although acceptable performance standards have been achieved, operational limitations have been identified related to drilling length, effective advance control and accuracy in the firing sequence, particularly in development faces located at greater depths. These restrictions negatively impact the overall efficiency of the cycle and compromise the fulfillment of the preparation objectives. In this context, it is a priority to increase the advance per shot, to guarantee the continuity of the monthly preparation program and reduce the risk of deviations in the production schedule. As a starting point, a baseline survey was carried out to establish the key performance indicators (KPIs) that will allow measuring the success of the project. Two main metrics were defined: • Average advance per shot, with an initial value of 6.13 m. • Overbreak, with an average value of 30%. Both indicators were considered as baseline metrics (BM), from which the improvements obtained will be evaluated and the benefits generated will be calculated. Faced with this situation, the need to implement innovative technological solutions arises, such as the Smart hybrid initiation of electronic and non-electric detonators in fronts with long perforations (28 feet), with the aim of improving the cut and firing sequence, maximizing the advance per shot and reducing overbreak by mitigating the negative impacts on the stability of the rock mass. 3. SOLUTIONS PROPOSED As a solution to the identified problem, the evaluation of alternatives aimed at optimizing the advance per shot and improving the overall efficiency of the development cycle was proposed. Two key opportunities for improvement were identified: • Increase the drilling length from 24 to 28 feet, to reduce the number of cycles required and increase operational performance. • Implement a smart hybrid initiation, combining electronic detonators in the cut zone and nonelectric (pyrotechnic) detonators in the remaining holes, seeking to take advantage of the precision and flexibility of electronic detonators together with the operational simplicity and lower cost of pyrotechnic systems. The objective of this strategy is to increase the feed per cycle, while keeping the costs associated with the drilling and blasting (P&V) process under control. As part of the implementation plan, the drill and blast mesh was redesigned, adapting it to 28-foot fronts. This new configuration was validated in the cabinet and later tested in the field, through a series of controlled blasts. Additionally, operational controls were incorporated during the loading process, complemented by instrumentation for monitoring and verification of performance in the field.
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