Ensuring safety and excellence in quarry blasting

The Institute of Quarrying, along with partners EPC-UK and the University of Derby, have launched a new diploma for professionals working in surface mining explosives engineering. The Diploma in Surface Mining Engineering is tailored to address the evolving professional development needs of the explosives products and services industry. It aims to enhance competence, professionalism, and environmental management while promoting a zero-incident safety culture.

Why knowledge on explosives is important

Working with explosives in surface mining and quarrying can be inherently hazardous, requiring rigorous safety measures and expert knowledge to mitigate risks. Without these measures, accidental detonations could occur from mishandling, improper storage, or faulty detonation systems, endangering lives and equipment.

Poor blast design can result in fly rock and airborne debris, posing risks to workers and nearby communities. Excessive vibrations from blasts can additionally cause structural weaknesses in surrounding geological formations, leading to unintended collapses or environmental concerns.

Environmental considerations of a blast

When it comes to detonations, explosives shock waves and gases can include carbon monoxide and nitrogen oxides, which can be harmful if not properly ventilated. Recent research from GEARS Ltd revealed that UK hard rock quarries produce between 2.5 and 4 kilograms of CO₂ per tonne, primarily from diesel-powered load and haul equipment and energy-intensive processing plants¹. Due to environmental impacts a blast can have, surface mining operations are subject to strict environmental regulations and planning conditions, necessitating measures to minimise vibration and noise pollution, water contamination, and habitat destruction.

Safely managing quarry blasts and explosives

Effective blast management involves meticulous planning, precise calculations, and adherence to strict safety and environmental protocols. If not, poorly managed blasts can result in misfires, excessive ground vibrations, and fly rock incidents, all of which pose significant safety hazards.

The use of advanced blasting technologies, such as use of drones for both face profiling and quarry mapping, electronic initiation systems and predictive modelling software, plays a crucial role in enhancing precision and reducing risks.

Through ongoing training and competency assessments, professionals must stay up to date on the latest safety procedures and regulatory requirements. A strong safety culture, reinforced through education and best practices, is essential in minimising hazards and achieving operational excellence.

The role of a Surface Mining Explosives Engineer

Surface Mining Explosives Engineers play a critical role in ensuring the safe and efficient use of explosives in quarrying and mining operations. These professionals are responsible for designing and implementing controlled blasts that maximise resource extraction while minimising environmental impact and safety risks.

Their duties include selecting appropriate explosives, calculating blast patterns, overseeing drilling and detonation processes, and ensuring strict adherence to safety and regulatory standards. Explosives engineers also work closely with geologists, surveyors, and site managers to optimise operations and improve productivity. Given the hazardous nature of their work, ongoing professional development and certification are crucial to maintaining high standards of safety and technical expertise in the industry.

Accredited training programmes, such as the Diploma in Surface Mining Explosives Engineering, equip professionals with the latest knowledge, skills, and best practices to safely and effectively manage these risks.

Programme overview

The explosives industry highlighted a need for an entry level, globally recognised qualification in Explosives Engineering. In response, the Institute of Quarrying, EPC-UK and the University of Derby developed this programme as an accredited university diploma.

The Diploma in Surface Mining Explosives Engineering is a 12-month course delivered using a blended approach of online learning with in-person tutorial days. The programme is structured into three key modules, each designed to equip students with comprehensive knowledge and practical skills to conduct safe and efficient blasting operations.

Geology, Surveying, and Drilling Operations: covering an in-depth exploration of rock properties and the geological factors affecting mining operations; comprehensive training on advanced surveying tools and software, emphasising blast-related applications; and a detailed study of various drilling methods, equipment selection, setup procedures, and their downstream benefits, combined with a focus on business ethics in blasting operations.

Explosives & Blasting Operations: covering the history and types of explosives and their classification; the properties and characteristics of explosives that influence explosive performance; insights into different detonators and initiation systems, their uses and patterns; the core principles of designing effective blasts; and detailed procedures and safety measures for conducting shot firing operations.

Safety, Health, Environment & Sustainability: covering legislation and best practice governing health, safety and environmental practices; training and competence ensuring training to highest standards to manage misfires, fly rock and other hazards; environmental considerations to address air quality, vibration, noise and dust management; and sustainable practices to promote long-term environmental stewardship.

James Thorne, CEO of IQ, said, “The diploma is a significant and important development for the explosives industry. We are proud to be part of this tripartite collaboration and its resulting implementation via our trusted partners at EPC-UK and the University of Derby. Education is critical to personal professional development, and we are proud to add this to our portfolio of opportunities for our members.”

Each module has two equal assessment components: coursework and an open-book time constrained assessment. Both assessments are completed online to facilitate distance learning. Learners also receive a copy of IQ’s Explosives in Quarrying textbook to supplement their studies. This textbook has recently been updated and is available to purchase from the IQ online shop at shop.quarrying.org.

Expert-led training by industry specialists

The diploma is the product of collaboration between leading experts in explosives engineering, each bringing extensive knowledge and industry experience. The programme has been developed by Chris Rowan FIQ and Javier Munoz with EPC-Groupe, validated by the University of Derby and is now delivered by Chris, Education Consultant with EPC-UK, Dr. Geoff Adderley MIQ, Blasting Technology Development Manager at EPC-UK, Dan Richards MIQ, Senior Explosives Engineer at EPC-UK.

Their combined expertise ensures that the qualification delivers real-world value, equipping professionals with the knowledge, technical skills, and leadership abilities necessary to excel in the explosives and quarrying industries.

Who could benefit? 

• Operational Managers, Assistant Managers, and Supervisors: Those with significant industry experience but limited formal qualifications seeking to enhance their competence. 
• Graduate Employees: Individuals with degrees in related fields such as mining engineering or geology, looking to specialise in explosives
• Industry Suppliers/Manufacturers Employees: Professionals seeking to deepen their sector knowledge to better serve industry clients.
• Consultants: Those aiming to broaden their understanding of the mineral products environment to improve their service offerings.
• Entry-Level Individuals: School leavers with English and/or Maths GCSEs seeking a career in the commercial explosives sector.
• Ex-Military Personnel: Veterans transitioning into civilian roles within the explosives industry.

Advance your career today

If you're ready to take your career to the next level and gain a globally recognised qualification in explosives engineering, this diploma is your perfect opportunity.

The next available cohort to apply for is set to begin at the end of this month (March), along with a newly announced cohort for September.

Enrol today and become a leader in the future of explosives engineering by visiting https://www.quarrying.org/explosives

Sources

¹ https://www.quarrying.org/iq-news/blasting-down-co2 - The Institute of Quarrying