UNDERGROUND

Big Bell blast a Dyno Nobel first

Company calls the blast a significant milestone for the its wireless detonator offering.

 An aerial shot of Westgold Resources' Big Bell mine.

An aerial shot of Westgold Resources' Big Bell mine.

The June 1 blast at Westgold Resources' Big Bell underground gold mine in Western Australia's Murchison region involved the firing of 34 CyberDet I detonators.

Dyno Nobel Asia Pacific president Greg Hayne said the blast was a significant milestone for the company's wireless detonator offering.

"CyberDet I is Dyno Nobel's through-the-earth offering, developed on the back of customers telling us it's the technology they need," he said.

"We are so pleased to partner with Westgold on the first underground wireless blast ever in WA."

CyberDet I is designed to allow operators to work in a safer environment during the blasting process. 

The technology is also meant to help create a shorter blast cycle.

The next step for CyberDet I will be further trials in Australia.

Incitec Pivot chief technology officer Andrew Rounsley said CyberDet I highlighted the company's commitment to technology development.

Dyno Nobel is an Incitec Pivot subsidiary.

"One of the key advantages of our wireless offering is its portable design," Rounsley said.

"The flexible nature of our communications antenna provides significant operational advantages for our users.

"We're looking forward to showing more of our customers the benefits of CyberDet I.

The Big Bell CyberDet I blast was undertaken with approval from the WA Department of Mines, Industry Regulation and Safety.

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