Improving rock fragmentation quality using electronic detonators
Yu.A. Malinin1, N.N. Grib1,2
1 Nerungri Тechnical Institute (branch) of M.K. Ammosov North-Eastern Federal University, Nerungri, Russian Federation
2 Pacific National University, Khabarovsk, Russian Federation
Russian Mining Industry №4/ 2026 p. 123-128
Abstract: In this study we investigate the use of electronic detonators for improving the quality of rock mass fragmentation. The operating principle of electronic detonators is based on the microprocessor control, which enables precise timing of detonation. In comparison with the conventional systems, such electronic detonators demonstrate superior accuracy and adaptability. Introduction of electronic detonators into the drilling and blasting practice offers a number of advantages by reducing the seismic impact of industrial blasting on the environment, decreasing the amount of dust generation, and improving fragmentation of the rock mass. In turn, higher-quality fragmentation reduces costs at subsequent stages of the production cycle, including loading, transportation, and processing, thereby enhancing the overall economic efficiency. The fragmentation quality was assessed using the PortaMetrics system that employs AI and stereo imaging to obtain accurate measurements. PortaMetrics requires no prior calibration and can be used to verify the outcomes of the drilling and blasting operations. The Elga coal deposit with the coal reserves of 2.2 billion tonnes by the JORC standards was investigated. The production indicators for 2025 were estimated at 150 million cubic meters of overburden material and 32 million tonnes of commercial coal. At such large production volumes, drilling and blasting operations constitute the primary and initial stage of the mining cycle., An in-situ experiment was conducted at the deposit to evaluate the quality of rock mass fragmentation depending on the initiation method. Short-delay blasting demonstrated the yield of oversized fragments at the level of 15.4%. The use of electronic detonators reduced the proportion of oversize material to 2% or less.
Keywords: drilling and blasting operations, initiation systems, electronic detonators, rock mass fragmentation quality
Acknowledgements: This work was supported by a grant of the Russian Science Foundation (project No.24-17-20031).
For citation: Malinin Yu.A., Grib N.N. Improving rock fragmentation quality using electronic detonators. Russian Mining Industry. 2026;(4):123–128. https://doi.org/10.30686/1609-9192-2026-4-123-128
Information about the article
Received: 20.03.2026
Revised: 18.05.2026
Accepted: 01.06.2026
Information about the authors
Yuriy A. Malinin – Senior Lecturer, Department of Mining, Nerungri Technical Institute (branch) of M.K. Ammosov North-Eastern Federal University, Nerungri, Russian Federation; https://orcid.org/0000-0002-7473-2808; e-mail: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Nikolay N. Grib – Dr. Sci. (Eng.), Professor, Department of Mining, Nerungri Technical Institute (branch) of M.K. Ammosov North-Eastern Federal University, Nerungri, Russian Federation; Pacific National University, Khabarovsk, Russian Federation; https://orcid.org/0000-0002-3818-9473; e-mail: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
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