Assessment of small scale mine rock slope stability and blast induce effect monitoring as a way forward to a sustainable dolomite mining in Akoko Edo, Nigeria

Abstract

Abstract Blast-induced noise and ground vibrations are two of the most significant challenges in blast rock fragmentation, and they can have an impact on mine stability and the safety of personnel and machines nearby. As a result, evaluating the slope stability and the contribution of powder factor on ground vibration and noise induced by blasting in small scale mines plays an important role in improving mine sustainability. The results of slope stability assessment and the effect of explosive charge on blast induced ground vibration and noise level at selected carbonate rock quarries in Akoko Edo, Nigeria are presented in this paper. The purpose of this research is to examine the slope stability of a mine using kinematic analysis and slope mass rating techniques, as well as to determine the relationship between powder factor and ground vibration and noise caused by blasting. According to the study results, the average blast induced noise and ground vibration from the nine blast rounds are 123–151 Kb and 2.43 mm/s to 5.03 mm/s, respectively. According to the findings, the powder factor has a positive relationship with blast-induced ground vibration and noise level. The findings also show that the results of SMR and kinematic slope analysis techniques are similar with less variation and can be used to assess slope stability in practice.