Table 1 – Energy consumption distribution across unit operations in open-pit mining Unit Operation % Energy Observation Reference Comminution (crushing + grinding) 37– 53% Largest consumer; energy efficiency < 3% in grinding Holmberg et al. (2017); CEEC (2021) Hauling (transport) ~33% Directly influenced by ROM fragment size distribution Holmberg et al. (2017) Ventilation ~9% Greatest impact in underground mining Holmberg et al. (2017) Loading (excavation) ~8% Productivity conditioned by muckpile quality Holmberg et al. (2017) Drilling ~5% Controls positioning and precision of blast design Holmberg et al. (2017) Mineral separation ~4% Flotation, leaching, magnetic separation Holmberg et al. (2017) Blasting with explosives ~2% Chemical energy — lowest unit cost in the chain Holmberg et al. (2017) Sources: Holmberg et al. (2017) [cited in Purhamadani & Bagherpour, 2024]; Coalition for Eco-Efficient Comminution – CEEC (2021). 2. OBJECTIVES AND SCOPE This paper has the following objectives: - To demonstrate, on the basis of quantified scientific and industrial evidence, that optimised blasting is the primary lever of energy and economic efficiency across the entire unit operations chain in open-pit mines; - To analyse the impact of blasting on loading, haulage and comminution, quantifying the benefits of the Mine-to-Mill approach across the entire pit-to-plant chain; - To characterise the competency profile of the future mining professional in Latin America; - To propose an innovative education framework, comprising a competency matrix, active learning methodologies, and an industry–academia partnership model, for training this professional; - To position innovative education in rock blasting as a strategic and measurable catalyst for the transformation of Latin American mining towards energy efficiency, sustainability and global competitiveness.
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy MTM0Mzk2