Field notes

Articles

How-tos, explainers, and field notes on getting more out of every shot — air decking, stemming, fragmentation, fume, vibration, and the rest. Plain language, written for the bench.

Cross-section of a wet blast hole: water in the column over an ANFO charge — MTi Group Managing Wet Holes field guideLatest article

Managing Wet Holes: What Actually Works

Water in a blast hole isn't an inconvenience — it's a cost. How to find it before you load, and what handles the three wet-hole situations every blaster sees.

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Blast Optimization: A Field Guide to Better Results on Every Shot

Blast Optimization: A Field Guide to Better Results on Every Shot

You plan the shot, load the holes — and the muck pile still doesn't match the effort. The fix usually isn't more explosive.

12 min read
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What is Air Decking in Blasting?

What is Air Decking in Blasting?

Air decking can let you use less explosive while improving fragmentation, reducing flyrock, and controlling vibration. Here's how it works — and why more...

5 min read
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How to Prevent Flyrock on Your Site

How to Prevent Flyrock on Your Site

Flyrock can damage equipment, shut down sites, and can be fatal. One bad shot can end your project. You know what causes it. Fixing...

5 min read
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How to read the muck pile - excavator

Can You Diagnose Blast Issues By Simply Looking at the Muck Pile?

Learn how to read the muck pile after blasting to spot fragmentation, throw, and stemming issues before the next shot.

2 min read
2 min read Read
2 workers at a mine site planning their presplit blasting technique

Presplit Blasting: What It Is & Why It Matters

Presplit blasting uses a tight row of light charges to control overbreak and protect your final wall, leaving a cleaner and safer face.

3 min read
3 min read Read
Worker viewing blast design at an open pit mine.

7 Clues You’re Using the Wrong Stemming Plugs

A lot of blast issues trace back to one small part—the stemming plug. Here are 7 clues yours might be failing and costing you...

2 min read
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5 Hidden Costs of Lost Energy

5 Hidden Costs of Lost Energy

Lost blast energy leads to bigger rock, slower mucking, more wear, and higher cost per ton. Here are five hidden costs every blaster should...

2 min read
2 min read Read
5 Signs Your Blast Is Losing Energy Before It Even Starts

5 Signs Your Blast Is Losing Energy Before It Even Starts

Ever fire a shot and feel like it didn’t break the way it should’ve?A lot of blast problems start inside the hole long before...

2 min read
2 min read Read
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