Modem blast initiation systems allow users many options for connection
and application in the field, and have resulted in more innovative and
complex uses of sequencing to influence blast outcomes. However, no
tool existed which allowed the blaster to easily and quickly assess the
effect of different options. The original requirement was for a computer
program which allowed the easy input of blast patterns and the associated
initiation sequence, and then permitted the evaluation of different options
with respect to established criteria such as the number of holes per delay
and angle of initiation. The implementation of this goal saw the
development of the SHOTPIan blast sequence design software, with
particular emphasis on an easy-to-use menu driven interface and
visualisation of the blast sequence. Extensive trialling during
development saw the incorporation of additional features requested by
industry such as the ability to import from established mine design
software packages, and further features such as the calculation of burden
relief times. Case studies of the use of the program are provided, where
the rapid evaluation of a number of options has enabled blast results to be
optimised. Examples are also given of cases involving two-path initiation