Blast vibration control and assessment techniques have been developed
which supplement traditional charge mass scaling methods. The improved
techniques, which can be used to predict air and ground vibration levels at
the planning stage, and to assist in the control of blasting operations, have
reduced the level of operating risk concerning blast vibration. In addition to such factors as charge mass, distance and blast vibration
levels, these additional techniques take account of orientation of the
blasting face, topographic shielding, wavefront reinforcement, and
meteorological conditions. They have assisted in compliance with specified blast vibration levels
for environmental licence and mining lease conditions, the reduction of
blast vibration nuisance to residents in the area surrounding a mine, and
control of building and rock structure response in adjacent areas on the
mine lease area.