Journal of Mining and Metallurgy, 44 A (1) (2008) 9 - 16 # Corresponding author: pan@tf.bor.ac.yu BLASTING DEVELOPMENT AT DRIFTING IN UNDERGROUND COAL MINES Radoje Pantovic* # , Miodrag Zikic* and Zoran Stojkovic** *University of Belgrade, Technical Faculty in Bor, VJ 12, 19210 Bor, Serbia **Megatrend University, Faculty of management, Park Suma “Kraljevica” bb, 19000 Zajecar, Serbia (Received 29 May 2008; accepted 18 July 2008) Abstract Blasting in drifting at underground coal mines has to meet numerous requirements in safety and techno – economic efficiency. Meeting these requirements is possible only in case of choosing optimal parameters for actual conditions of blasting. This paper shows basic principles for determination of blasting parameters in drifting. Limitations in technology and regulations cause difficulties in determination of explosive type, blasthole loading, layout and length of blastholes, initiation schemes. After the analysis of currently applied blasting technology, this paper suggests changed blasting technology, based on theoretical and practical knowledge and experimental work in four Serbian underground coal mines: Senjski rudnik, Stavalj, Jelovac and Lubnica. Main parameters and gained results of new blasting technology for first two mines are presented. Blasting technology was changed through blastholes layout, load weights, initiation schemes, blasthole length and quality of blasthole sealing. Results have shown improvements in explosive consumption and efficiency of blasting. Besides, percentage of coarse fraction has increased, thus improving overall economic results. Key words: blasting, underground coal mines, drifting, methane explosives. 1. Introduction Serbian underground coal mines exist within JP PEU Resavica Coal Company. Drilling and blasting is the only technology applied in drifting. In coal extraction, 25 m of drifts are needed for gaining 1000 tons of coal, with 9 m of basic drifts. Drilling and blasting play the key role in drifting efficiency. Blasting has to match following requirements: - High safety requirements, especially in methane mines, - Maximal use of blastholes, thus providing maximal face advance, - Minimal deviation of actual profile in relation to designed profile, J o u r n a l o f M i n i n g a n d M e t a l l u r g y