The heterogeneous nature of overburden presents complexities for mining operations, impacting the selection of equipment, extraction methods, and management strategies (Team, 2024a). One method is,
Overburden Blast Side Casting is the procedure of displacement of a portion of overburden horizontally by blasting, to a desired distance in a required direction away from the working area. Generally, the area to which the overburden is directed to throw is in de-coaled area.
Overburden Blast Side Casting is directional blasting. It is also called Blast Casting, Side Casting or Throw Blast. The remaining of overburden is handled by mechanical means.
Therefore, this system of overburden side casting by blasting reduces considerable amount of work on deployment of excavating equipment for removing overburden.
Moreover, this technique allows much improved fragmentation thereby causing the excavating equipment to work more efficiently and with much ease (Truongchieuame, 2011).
What do you think is the biggest challenge in overburden blasting? balancing safety, cost, or environmental impact and how would you tackle it?
