Impact of the Type of Energetic Material on the Fume Emission in Open-Pit Mining

Andrzej Biessikirski (), Michał Dworzak, Mateusz Pytlik and Sonia Nachlik
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Andrzej Biessikirski: Faculty of Civil Engineering and Resource Management, AGH University of Krakow, al. A. Mickiewicza 30, 30-059 Krakow, Poland
Michał Dworzak: Faculty of Civil Engineering and Resource Management, AGH University of Krakow, al. A. Mickiewicza 30, 30-059 Krakow, Poland
Mateusz Pytlik: Conformity Assessment Body, Central Mining Institute-National Research Institute, 1 Gwarków Square, 40-166 Katowice, Poland
Sonia Nachlik: Conformity Assessment Body, Central Mining Institute-National Research Institute, 1 Gwarków Square, 40-166 Katowice, Poland

Sustainability, 2025, vol. 17, issue 5, 1-13

Abstract: This study examines the fume emissions from various energetic materials utilized in open-pit mining, emphasizing the influence of chemical composition on their environmental impact. The analysis of fume emissions based on data from an open-pit mine reveals that the annual consumption of approximately 89.7 tons of ANFO, 121.4 tons of emulsion, or 137.8 tons of dynamite can result in total CO x and NO x emissions ranging between 16,432.88 and 21,834.07 m 3 . The use of TNT boosters in ANFO and emulsion energetic material further amplified emissions; however, substituting TNT with dynamite for priming achieved a notable reduction in overall fumes by approximately 9–9.5%, depending on the energetic material used. The scale effect of energetic material mass highlighted the importance of optimized formulations for large-scale blasting. A three-year predictive model indicated fluctuations in energetic material demand, with reductions anticipated as deposits deplete. The result of this study offers pathways for reducing emissions and process optimization, particularly in large-scale mining operations, where the blasting technique is the major extraction method.

Keywords: ANFO; dynamite; emulsion; energetic materials; CO x; NO x; open-pit mining; optimization (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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