Recent technology advances in surface drilling and blasting have led to significant improvements in productivity – and to the bottom line. Now drilling and blasting experts from all over the world are preparing to gather at Emperor’s Palace in Kempton Park, South Africa, October 11-13 to showcase these innovations. The Surface Drilling and Blasting Symposium, hosted by Sandvik through The Mining Forum, will provide a platform for education and discussion across a spectrum of pertinent topics in this arena. The program will open with a keynote address on Drilling and Blasting in the Mining Process by Chris Brindley, President of Sandvik Mining and Construction Africa. Other presentation titles include Drilling Method Selection; Drill Tools and Application; Blasting Technology; Compressed Air; Measuring Bit Performance; Equipment Reliability and Contract Drilling.

The program also covers reviews of applied drilling methods and technologies, drill rigs, surface mining blasting techniques and measurement of drilling performance. Case studies around the globe will give practical examples of drilling and blasting challenges and solutions. The critical issues of safety, regulatory compliance and environmental protection will be an ongoing theme, alongside the introduction of new products, services and equipment.

This is a symposium not to be missed. Over three stimulating days, drilling and blasting professionals, together with engineers, equipment suppliers and other stakeholders, will pool their vast knowledge to determine the latest leading practices in this critically important sphere of mining. Several workshop sessions will be held to discuss possible solutions for drilling and blasting challenges.

For more information contact Jacques Britz on (011) 929-5300 or Alice Ward on (011) 929-5400, or e-mail [email protected]. Visit http://www.theminingforum.com/ for the detailed programme and to register.