We would like to thank all the authors from around the world who took the time to submit abstracts and papers for the 50th Annual ISEE Conference. We would also like to thank our reviewers who worked hard to review all the papers that were submitted. It was a rigorous peer review process with over 145 abstracts and papers reviewed by 27 dedicated reviewers across 4 continents. This resulted in 65 papers being chosen for presentation.
We are pleased to announce the Top 2 Papers by merit:
1st: Nathan Skopak (primary author) - Use of a Scaled Concrete Model to Determine the Origins of Air Overpressure.
Summary: Determining the origins of air overpressure has been a long-debated topic within the explosives engineering community. Significant research has indicated that the time at which the air overpressure pulse exits the face fails to coincide with either the arrival of the shockwave at the free face or the initial face movement. Therefore, to best determine which blast mechanism contributed to the initial air overpressure pulse, testing was aimed at verifying the precise time at which the air overpressure exited the faces compared to when the face first moved. This research describes tests using scaled concrete blocks, which provided the ability to control the key parameters necessary for the research to be successfully concluded.
2nd. Tristan Worsey (primary author) - Worsey-Silva Equation for Modeling Fragmentation Caused by Row Timing
Summary - The Worsey-Silva equation determines the optimal row timing for the smallest fragmentation and allows fragmentation models to be adjusted due to row timing. The equation utilizes the concept of dynamic confinement to determine when the best time to fire the next row or sequence series would be if the smallest fragmentation is desired. Full-scale testing was conducted at an aggregate quarry in Ontario to support the theory and equation. The paper explains the theory behind the equation, the research supporting the findings, and the developed Worsey-Silva equation for row timing.
Congratulations to both Nathan and Tristan who will be recognized at the ISEE conference in Savannah, Georgia, USA!
Elevate your brand at the 50th ISEE Conference! Be one of our Coffee Sponsors and enjoy the bronze level benefits:
Coffee Area Exposure: Your company's logo prominently displayed in the high-traffic Coffee Area, capturing the attention of industry decision-makers during top networking moments.
Website Branding: Your logo featured on our conference website, hyperlinked directly to your company's website, ensuring a strong online presence.
Visibility Opportunities: Your brand showcased during key sessions in the exhibit hall, in session rooms and networking events, reaching a diverse audience.
Please reach out to ISEE Senior Conference Coordinator, Victoria Richardson, at richardson@isee.org, or ISEE Conference and Membership Senior Director, Hiranthie Stanford, at stanford@isee.org with any questions.
Many companies have secured their sponsorships for the 50th ISEE Annual Conference in Savannah, Georgia, USA.
Take a look at who has confirmed as of December 15, 2023!
More opportunities to showcase your brand are available! Check them out here!
Please reach out to ISEE Senior Conference Coordinator, Victoria Richardson, at richardson@isee.org or ISEE Conference and Membership Senior Director, Hiranthie Stanford, at stanford@isee.org with any questions.
Dyno Nobel is proud to mark twenty-five years since the creation of our DynoConsult Team. Since 1999, our world-class explosives and blast consulting team has helped operations optimize their drill and blast programs, maximize their results, and reduce their costs throughout the entire value stream.
The DynoConsult team is made up of experts from all areas of the mining industry, including surface and underground projects in metals, quarrying and aggregates, coal, and construction. Each person on the team has a unique skillset and background, allowing the team to develop solutions for operations of all shapes and sizes. From a recent blast design project that freed $72 million of ore at a metal mine to innovative blast timing that cut a quarry’s vibration in levels in half, DynoConsult has consistently provided results that exceed all goals.
DynoConsult also conducts projects that deliver savings and optimize outcomes across entire mining operations in a process called Drill to Mill™. Drill to Mill projects assess the full implications of changes to the drilling and blasting procedures throughout the value stream. First, our experts carry out Rapid Operations Diagnostics to accurately identify opportunities for improvements. They then use their wide range of capabilities to implement changes that reduce costs and maximize profits at every stage of the operation.
The Drill to Mill Process
Scoping and Realignment
Evaluation of drilling, blasting, crushing, and milling using baseline audits and surveys, ore characterization, measurements, models/simulations, and material tracking
Analysis
Process analysis and identification of how variables interrelate
Process Optimization
Optimization of current processes for efficiency and effectiveness
Control of Processes
Gains sustained through continued process management
The Dyno Nobel Americas Dynoconsult team has operations in the United States and Canada along with several Latin American countries from Mexico to Chile. Services include drill and blast optimization, explosive product training, seismograph vibration monitoring, pattern size and shape design, data gathering and analysis, and instrumentation and software implementation.
Ready to optimize your operation’s drill and blast program? Contact a DynoConsult representative at dynoconsult@am.dynonobel.com today.
“Austin Powder was founded in 1833 as a family business, which makes us different from our competitors, and it’s one of the key reasons why people buy from us – because they trust us, and they know that the Austin name means quality, it means reliability, it means dependability.” --John Rathbun, President & CEO Austin Powder
Our mission is to improve the world we live in through the safe and responsible use of explosives. Austin Powder has a clear strategy to achieve our mission. A focus on safety, continuous innovation, commitmentto quality, strategic collaboration with suppliers and customers and commitment to sustainability. Our behaviors are driven by our values: Safety is our 1st priority, we are customer-focused, we leverage the power of Family, and we Treat everyone with Respect.
At Austin Powder, we create innovations that make a real difference to the customers we serve. These advancements not only redefine safety and efficiency in rock-breaking technologies but also reflect a commitment to tailored solutions. In the dynamic field of explosives, we prioritize the unique needs of each individual customer, contribute to the evolution of the industry, and set new standards for safety, performance, and client satisfaction.
Recent Innovations That Matter: Temperature Measuring Electronic Detonator
Austin Powder has developed a groundbreaking method for safer blasting by employing electronic detonators with integrated temperature measuring capabilities (ITM). Addressing the industry's common challenge of elevated blast hole temperatures, the ITM detonators monitor real-time temperatures at various locations within the blast hole, enabling instant responses to temperature changes. Deployed at a Mexican mine site, the ITM detonators provided unprecedented real-time temperature data, facilitating the creation of adaptive elevated temperature handling policies. The mine can also be mapped for future designs and product selection for safety and performance. This innovative approach enhances safety by preventing risks associated with elevated temperatures during the drill and blast process.
Paradigm Predictive Modeling Software
Our blasting experts equipped with Paradigm have access to engineering models that can be used to minimize environmental effects and maximize blast performance to meet customer requirements and ensure specifications are met. Paradigm consists of a suite of blast design tools and advanced engineering models contained within a modern and easy-to-use software package. An Austin Powder professional designing blasts with Paradigm is equipped with the best tools on the market. These tools enable Austin Powder to consistently deliver safe, productive, and predictable blasting results to all our customers on each and every blast. Paradigm was developed by Igneous Tech, Cameron McKenzie, and Austin Powder. It has been honed and validated by Austin Powder’s global technical service experts for over six years.
Innovations for Underground Operations
Austin Powder specializes in innovative underground blasting solutions, collaborating with mining operations to enhance productivity and cost efficiency. We offer customizable underground bulk loading equipment like the versatile Red D Miner, which can be adapted to diverse mining methods. The Centralized Underground Blasting Equipment (CUBE) integrates advanced and encrypted blasting technology into mine communication networks for safer blasting practices. The E*STAR electronic detonator system ensures safety, security, and precise blasting results. With a commitment to customer-focused solutions and unparalleled customer service, Austin Powder continues to develop cutting-edge blasting products and software for various industries globally.
Customer Focused Technical Services
For 190 years, Austin Powder has been in the business of helping customers break rock safely and efficiently. Today, Austin serves operations in mining, quarrying, construction, pipeline, and oil and gas across the globe. We offer a wide range of service opportunities that can be tailored to fit the needs of different customers and industries. Our long history of serving these various industries is reflected in the continuous development of safer and more reliable blasting products, more efficient blast services, and innovative technologies. This foundational knowledge is further enhanced when paired with the advanced capabilities of our experienced technical service specialists located around the world.
· An Austin Technical Representative or Blaster is present in well over 35,000 blasts per year, and an Austin Blaster pulls the trigger on over 28,000 of those blasts. · An Austin Powder professional designing blasts with Paradigm is equipped with the best tools on the market to minimize environmental effects and maximize blast performance.
Exciting news for emerging professionals! The ISEE Emerging Professionals Industry Connection is set for Wednesday, January 24, from 2:00 pm – 3:00 pm during the ISEE Annual Conference in Savannah, Georgia, USA.
What's in Store for the Event:
Discover the EP Section- Learn about the Emerging Professionals Section, designed for individuals with less than 10 years' experience in the explosives industry, and how to get involved.
Connect with Industry Leaders- Network with leaders in the field, guest speakers, sponsors, and supporters actively shaping the future of the explosive industry. You will walk away with new professional contacts and additional knowledge of what’s happening in the industry.
Explore Careers in Explosives- Learn about the various careers in the explosives industry and interact with others in the profession. Identify professionals and areas of interest you want to pursue during the event and after the event is over.
Whether you have a decade of experience or are just starting your explosive journey, this event is designed for everyone!
Make sure to save the date of the ISEE Emerging Professionals Industry Connection Event at the ISEE 50th Conference on Explosives and Blasting Technique!
This year, the International Society of Explosives Engineers proudly celebrates five decades enhancing the safety, science, skill, and benefits of explosives engineering, worldwide.
Join us in celebrating this milestone with our special 50th anniversary logo, a version that will proudly stand alongside our current emblem throughout 2024. This year, ISEE will reflect on the achievements and advancements that have shaped our industry for 50 years.
26 Controlling Fragmentation and Ground Vibrations at Owensville Quarry
34 Blasting Basics
38 In Memory of Russell F. Boren
And much more… Join ISEE and receive your complimentary subscription of both the print and digital edition of the Journal of Explosives Engineering. Contact ISEE's membership team at isee@isee.org for more information.
Your ISEE membership expired December 31, 2023. Invest in yourself and renew your membership in the International Society of Explosives Engineers today!
In only takes a few minutes to renew online here. If you have any questions or need assistance, please reach out to Dawn Tullis, ISEE’s Membership Coordinator at tullis@isee.org.
On behalf of the entire ISEE Staff, we thank you for your membership and wish you continued safety and success.
Investigation Findings: On June 28, 2023, a U.S. Department of Labor Occupational Safety and Health Administration investigator witnessed a group of All Phase Roofing employees – without fall protection – installing roofing membrane on the roofs of garages attached to two residential structures in Boca Raton.
Issued citations and proposed penalties: OSHA cited All Phase Roofing with three repeat violations for not utilizing fall protection, failing to have a competent person provide an inspection of a worksite to ensure employees use the proper safety equipment before work begins, and allowing employees to perform roofing work before training them to recognize hazards and the proper use of fall protection equipment. The agency also cited All Phase Roofing with three serious violations for allowing workers to use an interior staircase not equipped with a stair rail at the open edge, allowing workers to use the fly section of an extension ladder to access a roof, and for not having a competent person train workers on the proper use, set up and hazards associated with ladders. OSHA proposed $159,117 in penalties for All Phase Roofing.
In addition, OSHA cited Lennar Homes with one serious violation for failing to have a competent person inspect the worksite to ensure employees have the proper safety equipment and that all stairwells inside the structure have stair rails before they are used. The agency proposed $8,929 in penalties for Lennar Homes.
Background: Falls in construction continue to be a leading cause of work-related fatalities. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported 700 fatalities in 2022 due to falls to lower level, a 2.9 percent increase from 680 fatalities the year before. Since 2012, OSHA has partnered with the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health and National Occupational Research Agenda - Construction Sector on the Fall Prevention Campaign to raise awareness among workers and employers about common fall hazards in construction, and how falls from ladders, scaffolds and roofs can be prevented. Read more about OSHA’s National Emphasis Program on falls.
Quote: "Falls in construction is still the number one killer of workers, and it is irresponsible for All Phase Roofing to allow its employees to work on roofs unprotected. These types of hazards are well known, yet we still find employers subjecting their workers to dangerous and life-threatening work conditions," said OSHA Area Office Director Condell Eastmond in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. "General contractors also have a responsibility, as Lennar Homes did here, to take the necessary steps to ensure that its subcontractors maintain safe worksites."
The ATF has just announced a change that may impact you.
ATF Ruling 2023-2 authorizes licensed explosives importers, manufacturers, and dealers to maintain commercial records instead of a separate record as a permanent record of acquisitions, distributions/dispositions, and use of explosive materials. The commercial records must contain all of the information required to be recorded in the licensee's records under sections 555.122 - 555.124. Section 555.125(b)(5) specifically provides that permittees may keep qualifying commercial records as a permanent record instead of maintaining a separate record book. While ATF has historically allowed this practice, the regulatory language led to numerous inquiries over the years.
DHS Awarded Patent for Homeland Explosive Consequence Assessment Tool
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE S&T Public Affairs, 202-254-2385
WASHINGTON - The Department of Homeland Security (DHS), through its Science and Technology Directorate (S&T), was awarded a U.S. patent for the Homeland Explosive Consequence Assessment Tool (HExCAT), protecting the Department’s invention and guaranteeing that the technology can help fulfill the DHS mission for years to come. HExCAT is a unique modeling system that helps emergency managers prepare communities for large-scale, scenario-specific hazards and predict consequences and potential outcomes. The tool is derived from the mandate given by Homeland Security Presidential Directive-19 Combating Terrorist Use of Explosives in the United States, and was developed to ensure we are better equipped today to handle the threats of tomorrow.
“With the HExCAT, response planners are now equipped with a fully integrated system that predicts the likely consequences of an explosion, including human injuries, structural damages, and medical responses, helping us evaluate a range of what-if scenarios and focus our energy on the most effective means of prevention, detection, mitigation and response,” said Helen Mearns, Deputy Director of S&T’s Chemical Security Analysis Center (CSAC).
HExCAT provides emergency managers with capabilities to streamline decision making and emergency response planning, by, among others, identifying vulnerabilities at large venues, devising effective evacuation procedures for facilities, and planning routes for relocating large groups of people to medical facilities. Additionally, HExCAT houses a library of 28 different types of military and homemade explosives, including various fuel and oxidizer combinations that amplify explosive effects, and provides unique insight into potential worst-case outcomes. The tool can also model different scenarios in diverse indoor and outdoor public spaces to more accurately predict how these scenarios will play out and how to adapt in real life situations.
S&T’s CSAC developed the HExCAT with support from the Directorate’s Explosives Threat Assessment Program, Battelle, Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), Leidos, and the National Center for Disaster Medicine and Public Health (NCDMPH). The U.S. Patent Office awarded the patent to eight scientists:
CSAC
Rachel Gooding, Chief Scientist
Battelle
Alexander Dolan, Chemist Brian Hawkins, PhD, Senior Program Manager Kevin Wegman, Senior Data Scientist Patrick Wilson, Software Development
HHS
Timothy Davis, MD, MPH, Former Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and Response (ASPR)
Leidos
David Bradley, PhD, Senior Engineer
NCDMPH
Tom Kirsch, MD, MPH, Former Director
S&T expects to continue using HExCAT’s capabilities in emergency planning and response preparations. More information about HExCAT can be found on S&T’s website: HExCAT Fact Sheet.
US Department of Labor announces final rule to protect miners from surface mobile equipment-related accidents, injuries, fatalities
MSHA News Release Posted: [12/19/2023]
WASHINGTON – The U.S. Department of Labor today announced a final rule from its Mine Safety and Health Administration to help protect miners from accidents, injuries and fatalities related to surface mobile equipment.
The rule requires mine operators to have written safety programs for surface mobile equipment — excluding belt conveyors — at surface mines and underground mines’ surface areas. The programs must include input from miners and their representatives and identify hazards and risks.
In recent years, powered haulage equipment and machinery have been the leading causes of serious and fatal mine accidents. The final rule aligns with MSHA’s overall effort to improve safety in equipment use. So far in 2023, 40 mining industry workers have suffered fatal injuries, including 16 classified as machinery and 10 classified as powered haulage fatalities.
“Given the number of serious and fatal machinery and powered haulage accidents that have occurred in recent years, the Mine Safety and Health Administration has worked hard to issue this final rule to enhance safety protections for miners working with and around surface mobile equipment,” said Assistant Secretary for Mine Safety and Health Chris Williamson. “As MSHA works with the entire mining community to implement the new rule, we strongly encourage everyone to prioritize training and to identify and eliminate machinery and powered haulage hazards that can put miners’ lives and livelihoods at risk.”
Earlier this year, Assistant Secretary Williamson sent an open letter to the mining community, noting MSHA will continue to use all its tools to combat the unacceptable upward trend in fatalities. The letter also announced an inaugural “Stand Down to Save Lives” event to encourage the nation’s mining community to take steps to prevent injuries and illnesses.
Other MSHA initiatives to combat the number of mining accidents, injuries, and fatalities in machinery, powered haulage equipment and other areas include safety and health alerts, the “Take Time, Save Lives” campaign, Powered Haulage Equipment Guidance, and an Enhanced Enforcement Program.
District managers will discuss compliance assistance for the mining industry at stakeholder meetings beginning in January 2024
The final rule will be published in the Federal Register on Dec. 20.
Following the ISEE Conference, APT Research invites you to attend the IMESAFR v2.2 training from January 29-31, with an optional half-day AN Module on February 1st at the Savannah Marriott Riverfront.
The Institute of Makers of Explosives Safety Analysis for Risk (IMESAFR) is a probabilistic risk assessment tool used to calculate risk to personnel from explosives facilities. This training is essential for those who need certification to use IMESAFR, a requirement for operating the software. IMESAFR is often used to request variances from regulators.
In addition to gaining comprehensive knowledge of the IMESAFR v2.2 software and the AN Module, you will have the opportunity to network with industry peers and enhance your professional skills in explosive safety.
Please note that space is limited, so we encourage you to register early to secure your spot. Register here:
On December 7th 2023 the New England Chapter of the Society of Explosives Engineers conducted their annual New York Blaster Training at Finke Equipment, Selkirk, NY. The state requires 16 hours of continuing education for state licensure.
The NESEE would like to thank the representatives from MSHA, BiNex, NYFD, VETS explosives, Griggs-Lang, Nobel Insurance, IEX, Orica, and Austin Powder for their time and efforts in keeping our local industry informed on local regulation, new technologies, and a refresher of the hazards associated with drilling and blasting.
The sponsors for this program were: Tri-State Drilling and Blasting, A-1 Drilling and Blasting, Sanford Stone, and Green Mountain Enterprises, and all attendees (especially new members) for supporting these local training needs.
ISEE 50th Annual Conference on Explosives and Blasting Technique January 23 - 28, 2024 Savannah, Georgia, USA www.isee.org
FEBRUARY 2024
ISEE Heartland Chapter Annual Blaster's Training (KS & MO) February 21 - 23, 2024 Ball Conference Center Olathe, Kansas
SME MineXchange February 25 - 28, 2024 Phoenix Convention Center Phoenix, Arizona, USA www.sme.org
MARCH 2024
The Ohio Drilling and Blasting Conference March 21 - 22, 2024 Renaissance Hotels Columbus, Ohio
APRIL 2024
SME Minnesota Conference April 15 - 17, 2024 Virginia, Minnesota, USA www.sme.org
35th Annual Best in the West Drill and Blast Conference April 17 - 19, 2024 Spearfish Holiday Inn Convention Center Spearfish, South Dakota, USA https://bitwconference.org
Western Canada Chapter’s Annual General Meeting April 25 – 27, 2024 Coast Kamloops Hotel & Conference Center Kamloops, BC Canada www.iseewest.org
MAY 2024
CIM Annual Expo May 12 - 15, 2024 Vancouver Convention Center Vancouver, British Columbia, CANADA www.cim.org
JUNE 2024
Missouri S&T 2024 Explosives Summer Camp June 2 - 7, 2024 Missouri University of Science & Technology summercamps.mst.edu
Missouri S&T 2024 Explosives Summer Camp June 9 - 14, 2024 Missouri University of Science & Technology summercamps.mst.edu
SEPTEMBER 2024
NMA MinExpo International September 24 - 26, 2024 Las Vegas Convention Center Las Vegas, Nevada, USA www.minexpo.com
DECEMBER 2024
UKY ISEE Student Chapter 13th Annual Clay Shoot and Fundraiser December 4, 2024 Bluegrass Sportsmen's League Wilmore, Kentucky, USA www.bluegrass-isee.com
Bluegrass ISEE Chapter Member Appreciation Social December 4, 2024 Horse & Jockey Lexington, Kentucky, USA www.bluegrass-isee.com
Kentucky Blasting Conference December 5 - 6, 2024 Central Bank Center Lexington, Kentucky, USA www.kyblastingconference.com
JANUARY 2025
ISEE Annual Conference on Explosives and Blasting Technique Harrah’s Cherokee Casino Resort Cherokee, North Carolina, USA www.isee.org
FEBRUARY 2025
SME MineXchange February 23 - 26, 2025 Colorado Convention Center Denver, Colorado, USA www.sme.org
SEPTEMBER 2025
EFEE 13th World Conference on Explosives and Blasting Technique September 20 - 23, 2025 Krakow, POLAND www.efeeworldconference.com
MARCH 2026
ConExpo Con / Agg March 3 - 7, 2026 Las Vegas Convention Center Las Vegas, Nevada, USA www.conexpoconagg.com
