Welcome to

Induction Training Programme

for
SMMC holders to be promoted
as Under Managers

Topic : “ Interactive presentation

on BG Method of working -
Induced Blasting &
precautions against Air Blast ”

By V. Veera Swamy,
AGM (ISO)
Bellampalli Region.
 INTRODUCTION
• Coal is the world’s most abundant and safe
fossil fuel.
• World coal reserves are estimated to last
almost 200 years from now.
• The importance of coal as a primary source of
energy is significant in India.
• India has a long history of commercial coal
mining covering nearly 220 years from 1774 in
the Ranigunj Coalfield.
 COAL Demand projections of India XI & XII plan
(In Million Tonnes)

X plan XI Plan XII Plan

2006-07 2011-12 2016-17

Sector CAGR (%) of
Actual Assessed Projected

Power Utilities 310.00 483.00 9.27% 750.00

Power Captive 31.50 57.06 9.50% 85.00

Cement 25.00 31.90 -- 50.00

Sponge Iron & Others 50.00 90.64 12.41% 135.00

Total Non-coking 417.00 662.60 9.70% 1020.00

Coking - Steel 43.00 68.50 9.76% 105.00

Total 460.00 731.10 9.7% 1125.00

CAGR – Compounded Annual Growth Rate

 The Company wise coal production trend
Million Tonnes

VIII plan IX Plan X Plan

(96-97) (2001-02) (06-07) XI plan
1991-92 Growth (2011-12 Growth

Actual Actual Actual Antic Abs % Projected Abs %

CIL 204.15 250.62 279.65 360.94 81.29 5.40 520.50 156.70 7.43

SCCL 20.58 28.73 30.81 37.71 6.90 4.01 40.80 3.30 1.70

Others 8.09 9.97 17.33 31.81 23.48 12.45 118.70 87.50 30.63

TOTAL 232.82 289.32 327.79 430.46 111.67 5.70 680.00 247.50 9.47
 Policy decision and initiatives for
enhancing coal production in India
• EXPEDITING THE PROJECT APPROVAL PROCESS
AND FASTER PROJECT COMMISSIONING
 For faster execution of projects after they are
approved, MoC grants ‘advance action plan’ for larger
projects.
• PRIVATE MINING
 GoI has issued some of the coal blocks to private

companies for captive mining.

• HIGHER IMPORT
 To enable higher imports, the GoI lowered the
effective import duty on non-coking coal.
 Policy decision and initiatives
• OVERSEAS MINING
 CIL has formed a subsidiary, Coal Videsh Limited (CVL)

to acquire coal blocks in a number of countries

including Indonesia, South Africa and Australia.
• ENHANCING PRODUCITION FROM OPENCAST MINES
 Opencast mines allow higher mechanisation and can

therefore ensure faster step-up in production.

• INCREASING THE EXTENT OF OUTSOURCING IN
VARIOUS MINING OPERATIONS
 Outsourcing of mining operations can lead to faster

project implementation as the private parties can

readily procure machinery.
 Policy decision and initiatives
• CREATING AN ENABLING POLICY ENVIRONMENT FOR
PRIVATE PARTICIPATION
 The magnitude of coal shortage is such that active

participation of private players is urgently required to

broad base the country’s efforts at increasing coal
supply.
“ A through review of mining
technologies may help in
evolving suitable methods
for maximizing recovery.”
 Strategy of mining in SCCL
• Exploitation of coal seams from u/g mines
became a major challenge for Indian Coal
Mining Industry.
• Ever increasing demand year by year as coal is
the main fossil fuel used by power sector.
• SCCL has initiated several steps like re-
organization of existing mines to augment
production.
• One example is mechanized open cast mining
with techno-economic viability.
 Strategy of mining in SCCL
….Contd
• Introduction of mechanization for higher rate of
production such as long wall system and intermediate
technology etc., liquidation of long standing good quality
coal pillars.
• About 50 % of coal reserves in India are in seams with
thickness more than 4.5 m which fall under the category
of thick seams.
• Exploitation of thick seams by u/g method poses certain
difficulties / problems.
• Extraction of thick seams by conventional hand section
is neither productive nor viable from conservation point
of view.
• Percentage of extraction by hand section in thick seams
is as low as 25 – 30 %.
 Strategy of mining in SCCL
….Contd
• However, some attempts have been made to extract
thick seams with sand stowing. Sand stowing for working
thick seams cannot be considered as an option because
the cost is prohibitive as sand is becoming increasingly
scarce commodity along with timber.
• At the same time, coal industry was in search of an
economic method for dealing with thick / standing
developed pillars.
• SCCL is of the opinion that blasting gallery (BG) method
is the appropriate method for the extraction of thick
seams up to a thickness of 8 – 11 metres. Mining by BG
method produces about 1000 T/day with 85 % of
extraction which has been in SCCL.
 Carbonnage de France (Cdf) suggested
Blasting gallery (BG) for extraction of thick
seams in India
• The 1st BG Panel was started in the country at East Katras
colliery in Jharia Coal fields (BCCL) in 1987.
• The method was not successful at East Katras colliery where
overriding of pillars (strata control) occurred.
• In Chora – 10 Pit colliery in Raniganji (ECCL) in the year
1987, the method was partially successful giving encouraging
results.
• However, it was discontinued due to spontaneous heating.
• Expected production and percentage of extraction could not
be achieved in both the above mines.
• SCCL introduced BG method in collaboration with
Carbonnage de France at GDK-10 Incline in the year 1989.
for extraction of a coal seam with 11 mtrs. Thickness.
 Carbonnage de France (Cdf) suggested
Blasting gallery (BG) for extraction of thick
seams in India
• The method was very successful resulting in 85 % of
extraction with high productivity.
• At the same mine, where the thick seam was developed
fully in top section and partially in bottom section, BG was
introduced.
• Subsequently, SCCL has introduced BG in other mines
also, namely :
i. GDK-8, where bottom section was developed by bord
and pillar method along the floor of the seam.
ii. VK-7 Incline, Kothagudem area, where the seam was
developed in two sections. During the development of BG
panel, the galleries were driven in staggered manner.
iii. GDK – 11 A Inc., RG-I Area and later at No. 21 Area, YD
Area in the year 2006.
 PRINCIPLE OF BG METHOD
• The basic principle of BG method is to extract thick coal seams by
drilling and blasting of roof and sides of galleries, which are driven at
the bottom of the seam at regular intervals.
• Ring holes are drilled in the rooms left between the two adjacent
galleries in the roof and sides at regular intervals varying between
0.75 to 1.5 m. by a crawler mounted JUMBO drill.
• Blasting is done using explosive cartridges separated by inert
spacers and detonating fuse, so that the explosive spreads all along
the length of the hole.
• Load Haul Dumpers( LHDs) with remote control carry out loading of
coal enabling the operator to stand under the supported roof and
operate the LHD. LHDs carry the coal from the face and discharge
into the armoured chain conveyor, which feeds to the belt conveyor
network for transport to the surface.
• The development galleries are driven at the floor of the seam.
• It is important that the correct size of rise/dip and rooms are
maintained to avoid roof control problems during the retreating of the
panel.
ADVANTAGES OF BLASTING GALLERY METHOD

• Full thickness of the seam can be extracted in a single lift.

• Higher percentage of extraction i.e. 75 – 85.
• Capital investment is nominal when compared to longwall
project.
• Easy to train the man power and easy maintenance of the
equipment.
• Extraction is carried under fully supported roof i.e. with
remote controlled LHDs.
• Safety of the workmen can be fully ensured.
• This method can be also be adopted in virgin/developed
seams.
 ADVANTAGES OF BLASTING GALLERY
METHOD …Contd
• Most of the equipment and spares are
indigenously available.
• Loss of production is minimum while shifting the
equipment.
• This method is highly flexible as several units
are in operation in a district
• Even if one of the units is under break down,
production from the district will continue to come.
• The time required for preparation of panel in
relation to the total life of the panel is less than
other mechanised methods.
 LIMITATIONS OF THE METHOD

• This method is not suitable for gassy mines and

seams with degree-I gassiness are most
preferable.
• The method is suitable only for gradient more
than 1 in 5 to allow easy movement of tyre
mounted LHDs and crawler mounted electro-
hydraulic jumbo drills.
• Though the percentage of extraction is around
75-85, still coal left in the goaf is likely to create
spontaneous heating.
 THE MANNER OF EXTRACTION
• Each pillar shall be split into two equal parts by
level split of width not more than 4.2 m. and
height not more than 3m. along bottom section.
• The splitting of pillars shall be restricted to one
pillar from the pillar under extraction.
• The long hole blasting shall not be practiced at
any place where two free faces are not provided.
• In order to create free faces in this operation /
beginning of extraction in BG Method.
 THE MANNER OF EXTRACTION
…Contd
• Before practicing long holes blasting (ring holes)
the operation of drilling and blasting are carried
out in stages to a height of full thickness to
expose roof with increasing angle and length of
short holes in bye of the galleries i.e., called
“Potato blasting”.
• The full thickness of the seam is extracted by
blasting a ring of shot holes with about 33 shot
holes.
Potato Blasting
 THE MANNER OF EXTRACTION
…Contd
• The shot holes are drilled in ring pattern and
sloping at an angle of about 300 to 400 from the
vertical towards the goaf.
• The spacing between consecutive rings at shot
holes shall be 1.5 m.
• The shot holes are drilled in a ring spaced 1.5m.
apart by means of JUMBO drill from the level
rooms in such a way that they cover half the pillar
on rise side and half the pillar on the dip side.
• Extraction in level galleries shall be from in bye to
out bye forming a diagonal line at an angle of
about 600 to the level.
 THE MANNER OF EXTRACTION
…Contd
• A curtain of thickness of coal not less
than 1.5m shall be left between two
adjacent rooms after blasting of rings.
• However, it was observed that this
curtain provides protection during remote
operation of the LHD in the goaf.
Dip
 DRILLING
• In BG Method, drilling is done by crawler mounted
electro-hydraulic jumbo drill which can drill at any
angle in the vertical plane, as the method envisages
drilling of holes in Fan Pattern.
• The length of hole depends on its position and seam
thickness.
• The jumbo drill can drill upto 30 m. long incline hole
with a speed of 1m/minute.
• The drill rods are 1.13 m. long with connecting
features (both male female type) with rope thread at
the end.
• The drill rods are provided with a central hole to
facilitate wet drilling. Water at the rate of 2.5m3 / hr
under pressure of 8-10 bars is flushed during drilling
to clean the cuttings out of the hole.
 DRILLING
• The diameter of drill rod and drill bits are 32mm. and 34
mm respectively. The finished hole diameter is around
43 mm.
• On an average, 30- 34 holes are drilled in ring pattern.
• All the holes are drilled in the roof leaving towards the
goaf line at 550 to 600 from horizontal and 450 towards
the goaf from the pillar side.
• The holes in the roof are drilled to the seam thickness,
whereas the holes in the side are drilled in such a
manner that they cover nearly half of the pillar on both
dip and rise side from the gallery where jumbo is
operating.
• A curtain of about 1.5m. in the middle of each pillar is left
after drilling for facilitating safe loading by LHD..
However, it was observed that this curtain fell
subsequently due to blasting.
 Blasting of Ring holes
• After drilling is completed, shot holes are charged
with the explosive approved by DGMS.
• The total number of shot holes in a ring are 33.
• The cartridges of explosives are distributed over
the whole length of shot holes by spacers tied
together by a detonating fuse called RING CORD
which are initiated by No: 6 electric detonator.
• About 0.5 – 0.6 in length of all holes are stemmed
with clay at the end.
• On completion of charging and stemming of all
holes, the circuit is connected in series. Before
blasting, the last installed roof support at the goaf
line is removed and next support line is reinforced
with extra support.
 Blasting of Ring holes …Contd
The whole ring is blasted in one round using instantaneous electric detonators.
Generally, 250 – 350 tonnes of coal is produced in one round of ring blast.
x
z
PRODUCTION PER RING BLAST
(X y - a b)z d r

A=width of the gallery=4m

B=height of the gallery=2.7m y

a
X = length of half pillar=17.5m
Y=total working thickness of seam=8.3m
Z= distance between successive rings =1.5m

D=sp. Gr. Of the coal=1.5

R= percentage of extraction=0.85
 Blasting of Ring holes …Contd

Specification of Explosives :
I-Stage
Explosive : Uniring (IEL)
(a) Weight of explosive : 200 g
(b) Diameter of explosive : 32 mm
(c) Length of explosive cartridge : 200 m
 Blasting of Ring holes
II-Stage
b) Explosive
Explosive type : Belgex Coal (R),
Bharat Explosives Limited
Weight of explosive : 185 g
Diameter of explosive : 32 mm
Length of explosive cartridge : 200 mm
Density : 1.18 – 1.19 g/cc
VOD : 2826 M/S
Air – gap in unconfined condn : 5 cm pass.
 Composition of explosive
Nitroglycerine : 12 + 0.5%
Nitro-Cellulose : 0.2 + 0.5 %
Ammonium Nitrate : 46 + 3.0 %
Cellulose (Woodmeal) : 1.5 + 0.5 %
Salt : 37 + 2.5%
Sodium Nitrate : 2%
Others : 6.0 + 0.5 %
 Detonating Cord
• Type and manufacture : i) Ring chord (IEL)
ii) G-Chord (IDL)
• Weight of ring cord : 25 g/m
• Diameter : 6 mm
• Weight of PETN in G-cord : 3.6 g/,
 Spacers
• Length of long spacer : 600 mm
• Length of shorter spacer : 250 mm

Detonator
• Type and manufacturer : Copper coated
instant; Premier
Explosives Ltd.
• Range : 1
• Number : 6
III Stage :
POWER RING(IEL)
32 MM DIA,

DETONATING FUSE: POWER-CORD(IEL)

DIA 4 -4.5 MM
PETN-8-9 G/M

DETONATOR
Cu COATED INSTANTANEOUS
NO. 6 TYPE
Charging of holes
Drill Hole pattern in Ring blast
 Blasting of Ring holes
II-Stage
b) Explosive
Explosive type : Belgex Coal (R),
Bharat Explosives Limited
Weight of explosive : 185 g
Diameter of explosive : 32 mm
Length of explosive cartridge : 200 mm
Density : 1.18 – 1.19 g/cc
VOD : 2826 M/S
Air – gap in unconfined condn : 5 cm pass.
 Composition of explosive
Nitroglycerine : 12 + 0.5%
Nitro-Cellulose : 0.2 + 0.5 %
Ammonium Nitrate : 46 + 3.0 %
Cellulose (Woodmeal) : 1.5 + 0.5 %
Salt : 37 + 2.5%
Sodium Nitrate : 2%
Others : 6.0 + 0.5 %
 Detonating Cord
• Type and manufacture : i) Ring chord (IEL)
ii) G-Chord (IDL)
• Weight of ring cord : 25 g/m
• Diameter : 6 mm
• Weight of PETN in G-cord : 3.6 g/,
 Spacers
• Length of long spacer : 600 mm
• Length of shorter spacer : 250 mm

Detonator
• Type and manufacturer : Copper coated
instant; Premier
Explosives Ltd.
• Range : 1
• Number : 6
 Support System in BG Method
…Contd
• The main junction girders are secured tightly by
clamps suspended by steel bolts grouted in the
roof.
• The goaf edges and the entries of the central dip
/ rise galleries of panel immediately out bye of
the goaf edges shall be kept supported by row
cogs set an interval of 0.25 m.
• All roof bars set on hydraulic props shall be
braced suitably.
• Adequate setting load of not less 6 T shall be
provided.
 Support System in BG Method
• The level split and dip/rise galleries shall be kept
supported by a set of ISMB girders of 150 mm x 150
mm mounted on 40 T hydraulic props at either end.
• The first set of cross girders shall be erected close to the
goaf edges, but in no case less than 0.7 m.
• The distance between two such sets along the gallery
shall not exceed 1.00 m/1.5 m depending on the roof
conditions.
• The roof between the bars shall be suitably lagged by
wooden sleepers.
• Entire roof is supported for a distance of 40 m. from the
face by 250 mm x 250 mm IBMS steel bars placed on 2
No. of 40 T capacity open circuit hydraulic props.
• The interval between the bars being 1.00 m / 1.5 m.
 Support System in BG Method
…Contd
• All junctions are supported by 6 Nos of 5.5 m long
roof bars which are held in position by means of 2
Nos of 5.5 m roof bars at either end set over a
cluster of 4 Nos of hydraulic props at each corner.
• In between the roof bars, the roof is further
supported by 3 Nos of grouted wooden/bamboo roof
bolts.
• As a precaution against the dislodging of hydraulic
props accidentally by moving machinery, the
hydraulic props are tied together to roof bars by
means of flexible steel wires.
 `
Gallery Support System
 Ventilation
• As per the permission condition specified that,
ventilation shall be adequate to bring down the
concentration of NO2 and CO in post detonation
fumes at the face to 5 ppm and 50ppm
respecting within 5 minutes .
• In no case, quantity of air at any working place
shall be less then 284 m3/minute.
• No shot shall be charged or fired, if 0.1% or
more inflammable gas is found.
• During the extraction the tele monitoring system
shall be maintained at the surface for monitoring
of Carbon monoxide and inflammable gases at
the faces and in return air ways round the clock.
 Ventilation …Contd.
• No persons shall be allowed to remain on the
return side of the false when blasting is done till
the concentration of oxides of Nitrogen and
Carbon Monoxide in the return airway comes
down to the limits specified.
• Before and during blasting if inflammable gas is
found more then 0.5% is detected in the General
Body of air, blasting operation shall not be
carried out until the danger from inflammable
gas is removed .
 Testing of Methane Presence in
goaf
• Testing of methane(CH4) presence in the
goaf area is essential before conducting
any blasting operation. No blast should be
conducted if CH4 is present at the face. In
order to determine the presence of
methane in the goaf, a hole of 43 mm
diameter is drilled in the roof with 450
inclination towards the horizontal as
shown in the Figure 8.1. Depth of hole
naturally depends on the seam thickness
and it should penetrate the coalface at the
 Testing of Methane Presence in goaf
…. Contd.
• After drilling is completed, PVC pipe with 38 mm
outer diameter and 36 mm inner diameter is
inserted inside the drilled hole through the
length. This PVC pipe should penetrate to the
coalface and reach upto the roof of the goaf. A
small suction pipe (8 mm outer and 6 mm inner
diameter) is then again inserted throughout the
length of the pipe.
Methanometer (Micro Guard, MSA) is then
connected to the lower end of the suction pipe.
After sucking air inside the pipe, reading is
recorded from the methanometer.
TESTING FOR INFLAMMABLE GAS

STONE

METHNOMETER & SMALL DIA TUBE Goaf

COAL
5.6M PVC PPE

GALLERY 2.7 M
 Why induced blasting is
necessary ?
• When the method of extraction is to remove all
the coal or as much of coal practicable and to
allow the roof to cave in, the operations shall be
conducted in such a way as to leave as small an
area of uncollapsed roof as possible.
• Where possible suitable means shall be adopted
to bring the goaf at regular intervals.
• In blasting gallery method of extraction, induced
blasting has become an integral part of mining
operation during depillaring of developed coal
pillars.
 Why induced blasting is
necessary ?
• When the method of extraction is to remove all
the coal or as much of coal practicable and to
allow the roof to cave in, the operations shall be
conducted in such a way as to leave as small an
area of uncollapsed roof as possible.
• Where possible suitable means shall be adopted
to bring the goaf at regular intervals.
• In blasting gallery method of extraction, induced
blasting has become an integral part of mining
operation during depillaring of developed coal
pillars.
Why induced blasting is necessary ?
……Contd
INDUCED BLASTING IN BG PANELS

• In Blasting Gallery method of winning coal,

usually more area of goaf is exposed after
extraction of coal.
• If the roof does not cave by its own weight,
induced blasting is generally carried out at
regular interval when the roof span is about 120
– 190 sq. mtrs.
• As per the DGMS strictures, explosive charge
per hole is limited to 1.0 kg only. However, it is
found practically difficult to conduct successful
induced blasting with such limited charge.
Why induced blasting is necessary ?
……Contd
DRILLING

• Jumbo drill is used for drilling of holes during

induced blasting in the stone roof.
• Generally, 5-7 holes (depending on the roof
span) with 15 to 20 m (generally 16.5m) depth
are drilled through the roof of the developed
gallery keeping 450 inclination to the horizontal
at a distance of 3.5m from the goaf edge.
• The drill rods are 32 mm dia. While the drill bit is
of 34 mm dia.
Why induced blasting is necessary ?
……Contd
EXPLOSIVE – BRAND AND TYPE

• Powergel – 101 (P1 group, Emulsion explosive

of M/s IEL) is used for carrying out induced
blasting.
• Super Cord – 10 (M/s AEL, 3.5 g/m core) or G-
cord (M/s IDL) being the approved detonating
fuse systems used during charging of holes.
• The explosive cartridge used is 32 mm dia., 150
gm weight and 180 mm length.
 Why induced blasting is necessary ?
……Contd
CHARGING OF HOLES

• Generally, 6m long plastic pipes, 36 mm and 38 mm inner and outer

diameters respectively are used for charging of holes.
• Where plastic pipes are not available, charging arrangement is done
by cutting the plastic spacers and then making a slot where
explosives are inserted and tied together with cellotape as practiced
in Chora-10 pit colliery of ECL.
• Approximately, 6.5-8.5 kg of explosive is charged in each hole
depending on the site condition and actual hole length.
• Remaining portion of the hole is stemmed with bamboo spacers.
• All the holes are fired in one round with miscellaneous detonators.
• Before firing five rows of girders are reinforced with extra props.
• During blasting all related measurements like gas survey, vibration,
convergence and strata loads are monitored for safe and useful
implementation of design and charge loading parameters.
 Why induced blasting is necessary ?
……Contd
CONCLUSION

• Induced caving by blasting becomes more important

especially, in case of winning of coal by BG method when
the overhanging of roof in the goaf area is difficult to cave
by it’s own weight.
• Though, the whole operation is non-productive work, it
ensures safety to the persons and the u/g working
environment.
• Strata monitoring through measurements of roof
convergence, strata load and ground vibrations during
enduced blasting are very essential for succesful
implementation of induce blasting.