Optimising blast designs can have a tangible impact on a mining project by delivering significant cost and time efficiencies.

It's a key value-add that specialist drilling contractor, JSW Australia, is bringing to its mining drill and blast projects.

Delivering results at the Monty Boxcut

Following a competitive tender process, JSW were awarded the contract to provide drill and blast services to the Yagahong Alliance - a joint venture between Geraldton's Central Earthmoving Company and traditional owners, the Yugunga-Nya people - at Sandfire Resources' new mine - the Monty copper-gold deposit near Meekatharra in WA.

"JSW was engaged to complete the Boxcut drill and blast design and services within a tight schedule, as part of the critical path for project development," said General Manager, James Chomley.

Drawing on its specialist knowledge, the JSW team assessed the characteristics of the geological conditions and desired Boxcut design, and engineered suitable blast designs to reduce the drill metres, while optimising fragmentation and wall control outcomes from the original requirements.

"Adequate wall control was maintained and presplits were designed at specific angles and depths to ensure no damage to the Boxcut face or walls".

"This continuous improvement resulted in the project being delivered under budget and ahead of schedule".