This lesson plan covers drilling and blasting techniques used for mineral extraction in mining operations. It begins with an introduction to various drilling methods like percussion, rotary, diamond core, reverse circulation, auger, directional, sonic, and hydraulic drilling. These techniques differ based on the material and desired outcome. The lesson then discusses blasting techniques for surface and underground mining, including pre-splitting, smooth blasting, development blasting, and production blasting. It also covers controlled blasting techniques to optimize results and minimize damage, as well as electronic blasting systems. The importance of safety protocols during blasting operations is emphasized.

1. LESSON PLAN
Week:
Taught By: -------------
Date: _______
Subject: Introduction to Mining Methods/ Techniques Course
Time: 120 min
Topic: Drilling and Blasting Techniques in mines
Objective(s):Student will know about
Introduction To Drilling Techniques
Introduction To Blasting Techniques
Skill Focused on: Introduction to Geology and Geological Investigation
Resources: Marker, Board, Multimedia
Text book: Introduction to investigate Rocks parameters & Techniques developments
Methodology:
First I’ll give brief introduction about Drilling and blasting techniques of extraction of mines.
Drilling and blasting are common techniques used in the extraction of minerals from mines. These
methods involve the controlled use of explosives to break and fragment the rock mass, making it easier to
extract and transport the desired minerals. Let's explore the drilling and blasting techniques used in mine
extraction:
Introduction To Drilling Techniques
Drilling is a process of creating holes or wellbores in various materials, including rock, soil, concrete, and
metal. It is widely used in several industries, including mining, construction, oil and gas exploration,
geotechnical engineering, and environmental investigation. Drilling techniques vary depending on the
purpose, material being drilled, and desired outcome. Here is an introduction to some commonly used
drilling techniques:
Percussion Drilling: Percussion drilling, also known as hammer drilling, involves a drilling
rig that uses repetitive impacts or blows to the drilling bit. The drill bit is rotated and
simultaneously struck by a hammering action, which helps break the material. Percussion
drilling is commonly used for shallow and softer materials such as soil and sediment.
Rotary Drilling: Rotary drilling is a widely used technique that involves a rotating drill bit
to create a hole. The drill bit is attached to the bottom of the drill string, and as the drill
rotates, the bit grinds and cuts the material. Rotary drilling is used for various applications,
including mineral exploration, water well drilling, geotechnical investigations, and oil and
gas drilling.
Diamond Core Drilling: Diamond core drilling is a specialized technique used for obtaining
core samples from hard rock formations. It involves the use of a diamond-impregnated drill
bit that cuts through the rock. As the bit penetrates the formation, a cylindrical core sample is
extracted, providing valuable information about the geology and mineral content of the rock.
Reverse Circulation Drilling: Reverse circulation (RC) drilling is commonly used in
mineral exploration and mining. It utilizes a dual-wall drill pipe, where the drilling fluid is
pumped down the outer annular space, and the cuttings are forced up the inner tube. This
technique allows for efficient and rapid drilling, especially in unconsolidated or broken

2. ground conditions.
Auger Drilling: Auger drilling is suitable for drilling holes in unconsolidated materials, such
as soil and sand. It involves the use of a helical screw-shaped drill bit called an auger, which
is rotated into the ground to remove the material. Auger drilling is commonly used for
environmental investigations, geotechnical sampling, and shallow foundation work.
Directional Drilling: Directional drilling, also known as slant drilling or deviated drilling, is
a technique used to create non-vertical or horizontal wells or boreholes. It involves
controlling the direction and angle of the drill bit to reach specific targets or navigate around
obstacles. Directional drilling is widely used in oil and gas exploration, underground mining,
and geothermal energy applications.
Sonic Drilling: Sonic drilling uses high-frequency vibrations to penetrate and remove soil or
rock material. The drill bit oscillates axially, creating resonant energy that breaks up the
material, allowing for easy removal. Sonic drilling is known for its efficiency, speed, and
ability to obtain undisturbed samples in challenging ground conditions.
Hydraulic Drilling: Hydraulic drilling, also known as water well drilling, utilizes water or
drilling fluid under high pressure to create the hole. The fluid is pumped down through the
drill pipe, and the resulting hydraulic force breaks the material. This technique is commonly
used for water well installation, geothermal drilling, and environmental monitoring wells.
These are just a few examples of drilling techniques used in various industries. The choice of drilling
method depends on factors such as the geological conditions, desired depth, sample quality requirements,
and project objectives. Drilling technology continues to advance, with new methods and equipment being
developed to improve efficiency, accuracy, and safety in drilling operations.
Introduction To Blasting Techniques:
Blasting is a crucial technique used in mining operations to break and fragment rock formations for
extraction of minerals. It involves the controlled use of explosives to create controlled blasts that facilitate
easier excavation and processing of the desired materials. Here is an introduction to some commonly used
blasting techniques in mines:
Surface Blasting: Surface blasting is commonly employed in open-pit mining operations. It
involves the drilling of blast holes on benches or in a specific pattern on the exposed rock
face. Explosives are placed in the blast holes, and the detonation is carefully timed to break
the rock mass into smaller fragments. Surface blasting techniques include:
a. Pre-splitting: Presplitting is a controlled blasting technique used to create a fracture
plane along the final desired excavation boundary. By creating a buffer zone, presplitting
helps control the extent of damage to the surrounding rock and enhances the overall
stability of the final slope or wall.
b. Smooth Blasting: Smooth blasting is used to minimize damage to the remaining rock
mass and control the size distribution of the blasted material. It involves sequencing the
detonation of blast holes in a specific pattern to ensure a smoother blast face and reduce
flyrock.

3. Underground Blasting: Underground mining operations require specific blasting techniques
due to the confined nature of the working environment. Blast holes are drilled into the rock
mass within tunnels or shafts, and controlled blasting is carried out to break the rock
effectively. Underground blasting techniques include:
a. Development Blasting: Development blasting is used to create access tunnels, drifts,
and other underground excavations. It involves drilling blast holes in a specific pattern to
facilitate efficient excavation and ensure the stability of the surrounding rock mass.
b. Production Blasting: Production blasting is carried out in underground mining to
extract the desired minerals from the rock mass. The blast holes are strategically
positioned to maximize fragmentation and minimize dilution of the ore with waste rock.
Controlled Blasting: Controlled blasting techniques are employed to optimize the blast
results, minimize damage, and improve safety. These techniques include:
a. Pre-splitting: Pre-splitting involves creating a fracture plane before the main blast to
control the movement of the rock mass. This technique helps maintain stability and
reduces the risk of overbreak.
b. Trim Blasting: Trim blasting is used to remove the remaining rock after the main blast.
It involves a secondary smaller blast to shape the walls or floors of excavations to the
desired dimensions.
c. Vibration Control: Vibration control techniques are employed to minimize ground
vibration and prevent damage to nearby structures. This may involve the use of specific
blast design parameters, delay timing, and monitoring of vibration levels.
Electronic Blasting Systems: Electronic blasting systems utilize advanced technology to
precisely control the timing and sequencing of detonations. These systems provide higher
accuracy, improved safety, and reduced environmental impact compared to traditional non-
electronic blasting methods. They enable precise control of blast energy distribution,
fragmentation, and ground vibrations.
Safety is of utmost importance in blasting operations. Proper training, adherence to safety regulations, and
the use of appropriate protective measures, such as blast mats and shields, are essential to ensure the
safety of personnel and minimize potential hazards.
Blasting techniques are continuously evolving, with advancements in technology, monitoring systems,
and explosives to improve efficiency, productivity, and safety in mining operations.
Activity – 1 Explain mines Extraction methods
Activity – 2 write down types of extracting mines through Drillings.
Success Criteria:
 Assessment plan
A couple of question will be asked from students to clarify the understanding of the whole class, for
example
 What do you understand by Resources of minerals in Pakistan?
 Discussion on Different techniques of mines extracting by mines.
C.W: Write down the phases of blasting techniques of mines extractions.
H.W: Write On importance of safety in mines during extraction?