Rock Fragmentation with Explosive–Free Soundless Chemical Demolition Agents

Lead Proponent

Royal Institution for the Advancement of Learning, McGill University

Project Background

This project focused on developing, testing and validating an explosive-free method for rock breakage using powdery cements known as soundless chemical demolition agents (SCDAs). These agents are injected into drilled boreholes in the rock, where they expand and exert pressure until the rock fractures. By replacing traditional explosives with SCDAs, this method significantly reduces greenhouse gas emissions by eliminating the need for ventilation typically required after blasting. It also improves air quality and increases safety due to the elimination of explosives. The technique was first tested in a controlled laboratory setting and later successfully validated at an active underground mine site, demonstrating its effectiveness and viability.

Results

The SCDA method proved capable of breaking hard rock surfaces safely and efficiently without generating noise, vibrations or toxic fumes. It resulted in precise rock fragmentation and removal in an underground mining environment.

This technique has the potential to be used in other sectors such as the demolition of concrete structures or components especially where the use of explosives poses a safety risk.

Benefits to Canada

Replacing explosives with SCDAs has multiple benefits to Canada including those related to the environment, safety, and industrial productivity.

Environmental: Reduction in greenhouse gas emissions due to lower ventilation requirements, improved air quality and reduced GHG emissions as there will be neither blast-induced fumes nor fugitive dust particles released to the atmosphere.

Safety: Increase in safety from the elimination of explosives.

Productivity: Increase in mine productivity through a reduction in down time.

Next Steps

In the coming years, SCDAs will be further deployed in operating mines, allowing for the refinement of operational parameters to optimize performance. This will include applications in sub-zero temperatures to demolish rock boulders in the field and on ore types that are difficult to extract with blasting.