With the aim of maximizing the advance per cycle, Condestable mine has implemented an innovative strategy based on the execution of blasts with long lengths of 28 feet, using a combination of electronic and non-electrical initiation technologies under a Smart hybrid initiation. This Smart hybrid initiation provides greater flexibility in the initiation sequence, allowing for optimized feed, reduced overbreak, and adapting the blast design to the specific geomechanical conditions 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. 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. Solutions proposed
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