Since its 2013 launch, the AutoStem non-detonating cartridge, the first cartridge in the world which does not require a detonator and can be used in all types of rock, has attracted considerable interest. The manufacturer says it is “safer and more effective than traditional explosives.” It is now CE approved. AutoStem offers users several advantages previously unimaginable using conventional explosives:
- Detonator not required
- Reduced risk of operator error
- Applicable for use in primary applications
- Use in underground mining applications
- Application in underwater use
- No harmful gasses produced so it is safe for use in confined areas
- Very low levels of vibration
- Limited impact on environment and neighbouring rock
- No pulverisation of ore, improving the yield of high value commodity
- Fragmentation size control is in the hands of the operator
- Cartridges can be used in any orientation including up holes, horizontally or in down holes.
The AutoStem cartridge requires no stemming and is simply dropped into a borehole by the operator. The initiating wire is then connected to the blaster’s firing cable and initiated by a conventional shot firer.
When initiated in a hole, the proprietary compound in the cartridge ignites to produce high volumes of harmless gas at very high pressures. This gas then works against the rock from within the borehole, which is automatically stemmed by the actuation of the built-in stemming mechanism of the AutoStem cartridge, causing fracturing, breaking and heaving of the rock structure.
When initiated in an unconfined environment, due to a lack in pressure build-up, the proprietary compound contained within the cartridge will not undergo its combustion reaction, rendering it entirely harmless if not used within a hole.
A clearing area of 20-50 m is recommended (there is minimal throw rock with the AutoStem Cartridge), and the blasted area/face can be immediately approached after blasting because there are no harmful gasses.
Non-Detonating Solutions also supplies the AutoStem booster, which is a supplementary cartridge (of 60 or 100 g), which can be used in conjunction with the AutoStem Cartridge in a hole to augment the total charge delivered to the rock. This simple application makes the AutoStem cartridge very user friendly, leaving the end-result achievable completely up to the operator.