Escondida Implement BlastPED ST for Remote Blast Initiation
One of the world's largest mining operations, the huge BHPB/RioTinto/Mitsubishi Escondida Mine in northern Chile, has begun using a BlastPED ST/EXEL System to initiate their blasts.
Introduced by Orica, as part of their blasting services to the mine, this is our first installation of a BlastPED ST in a surface mine in Chile. By using a radio link between a Controller Unit (pictured right) and a Remote Initiator (pictured below), allows signal tube to be initiated from 2 to 3 km away.
Apart from the safety benefits of initiating well clear of the blast and within good sight of access roads into the pit, the system reduces costs by minimizing the length of lead in line (signal tube) to the main nonel blast circuit.
We are appreciative of Orica's and Escondida's support of our remote blasting technology.