| Welcome to AngloGold Ashanti's Mponeng Mine | ||
| Drilling and blasting | ||
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Next, holes are drilled into the gold-bearing face of the stope in a specific pattern using a rock drill.
The holes are charged up with explosives and connected together with fuses and igniter cord, which enables them to ignite in a pre-determined sequence. All of the holes in all areas of the mine are blasted at the same time at the end of the shift, when people are not underground. An aboveground electric switch triggers the underground explosions; this process is therefore known as remote blasting. Pictured here: underground mining personnel charge drilled holes with explosives for blasting. | ||