Deciding between heavy machinery and explosives in mining

[paulymcb]

I'm doing some research on resource extraction and can't quite tell how operations are planned in the field. When a mining project starts, how do engineers determine when to bring in heavy machinery versus using smaller tools or explosives?

 

[pecan_man]

@paulymcb honestly, the decision always boils down to one thing, which is the rock itself.
If the material is hard, engineers don't even think about small tools or just digging, it's straight to explosives (blasting) to break the rock up.
That's the cheapest way to turn solid mountain into haulable material

 

[rockdrillpro]

They also factor in access roads, haul routes, and staging areas. Logistics can delay heavy equipment even when blasting’s ready.

 

[Orewhatnow]

Yeah, and don't forget those soil surveys and core samples. Engineers use that info to figure out how stuff will break apart and pick the best way to dig it up before they even bring in the machines.

 

[paulymcb]

Geology is the main factor but logistics and engineering also play important roles. Do most mines do full geotech and blast modeling during the feasibility stage or is that usually refined after equipment is set up?

 

[Rockbottom]

In my view, the initial models are often crafted during the feasibility phase, focusing mainly on cost estimates and safety considerations. The detailed blast modeling typically gets adjusted after the first benches are opened, as they can then rely on real field data.