Rock and Stone Quarrying

Royex quarrying

Rock and Stone Quarrying applications

As a quarry blasting technique the Royex rock breaking system can be used both as a primary and secondary blast or rock breaking alternative. Since the system is very precise and causes minimal rock vibrations and fly rocks , drilling and blasting operations can be done simultaneously. This also means that efficient quarrying is possible close to other structures and in cities. 

The three  most frequent applications for Royex is pre-splits, secondary breaking and satellite charging.

 A pre-split is basically a last row shot with tight hole spacing to create a split which will protect the remaining quarry wall from the fractures generated by the main blast. For this, Royex cartridges are placed in the holes and fired before the main shot which allows for a minimal back break and conservation of the hanging wall.

Secondary breaking is common in quarry applications as oversize is almost always generated when blasting. Rocks to big to handle or to fit in crushers may be broken very safely using Royex even if close to loaders and other pit equipment.

Satellite charging is a concept where a Royex cartridge is placed in the middle of a stemming column and fired with the main blast. This breaks up the crown rock minimizing the risk for oversize due to tall stemming columns. 

The videos to the right shows a full quarry blast using Royex and also an example of secondary breaking close to a crusher.

Royex Break and pull for Quarries

For quarries with challenges in using conventional explosives, the
Royex break and pull concept could mean a drastic increase in productivity. By drilling aggressive patterns, and charging with a suitable Royex cartridge, in-situ rock can be split and moved into bigger pieces.  A video example of a Royex break and pull shot can be found here to the right. 

The Break and Pull concept has been proven and is averaging an approximate 260% production increase with significant economical saving in contrast to breaking with mechanical tools.  
For more information, go to our Break and pull concept page.