Blast Sequence

The planned order in which individual blast holes or groups of holes are initiated within a blast event, using electronic or pyrotechnic delay detonators to control fragmentation, direct movement of blasted rock, minimise vibration, and reduce air overpressure. The blast sequence influences the throw of blasted material, degree of rock breakage, and vibration levels at sensitive receptors. In large open pit mines, complex multi-row blast sequences are designed using specialist software to achieve production and environmental compliance objectives simultaneously.