Characterisation of blast vibration generated from open-pit blasting at surface and in belowground openings

The safety and stability of underground coal mine workings may be affected by opencast mines operating in close proximity. A study was conducted to investigate the level of vibration generated from opencast blasting in the nearby underground coal mine openings and at a similar distance at the surface. Eight production blasts were performed and nineteen blast vibration data sets were recorded on the surface behind the opencast blasting face and also in underground openings at similar distances. It was observed that the magnitude of vibration recorded on the surface was higher than those recorded in underground openings. The findings of the study are of importance for the assessment of safety and stability of unapproachable belowground installations affected by the vibration produced due to opencast blasting.