The aim of this workshop is to provide an up-to-date review of the prevailing blasting practices by well-known experts around the world. The topic would be of interest to both geotechnical and mining engineers, as well as to all on-site professionals engaged in mining and construction projects. No previous knowledge of explosives and blasting practice is required for the intending participants but some experience or interest in rock blasting and excavation operations would be considered an asset. The review would include description of explosive products, initiators and initiation practice, and conventional blast designs employed in open-pit, underground, and quarry, as well as special blasting situations such as wall control and perimeter blasts, cast blasts, and in situ blasts employed in leaching operations. The methods to control blast-induced vibrations and blast overpressures through appropriate blast design, explosive types, and initiation practice, including the use of electronic delays, will be described. The workshop is intended to provide an interactive forum, where blasting engineers and operators would be encouraged to bring in their problems and solutions to special and difficult blasting situations to be shared by all participants and experts in the workshop.

About the Convenors of the Workshop

Shri Akhilesh Joshi did his BE (Mining ) from Jodhpur University in the year of 1976 and completed his post graduate diploma on "Economic evaluation of Mining Projects" from the University of Paris in the year of 1991. He is presently holding the post of Chief Operating Officer of Hindustan Zinc Limited. Under the able leadership of Mr. Joshi Rampura Agucha mine has achieved many land marks in the field of Blast Design, Pit Stability, Safety, Health and Environment. The mine has achieved the ISO certification, SA certification, 5S certification and 4 stars recognition by British Safety Council (UK). It has also achieved the Green tech Safety and environment awards along with National Energy Conservation award & FIMI excellence award. He has authored a book "Blast design theory and practices" which is very popular among the mining students. Mr. Joshi has been conferred with prestigious "National Mineral Award 2006" by the Government of India for this outstanding contribution in the field of Mining Technology.