5
any oversize material. Note that such analysis provides only
those particles that are visible on the surface. However, gath-
ering the data during mucking becomes more observable
CYCLE TIMES KPIS
Significant capacity balancing efforts were put in when eval-
uating cycle times. We utilized vizalogix software to incor-
porate GPS telematics to capture cycle times. Figures 8 &9
shows the improved TPOH and reduced cycle time curtail-
ing the overall mining efficiency.
Vizalogix provided a more accurate view of cycle times
in quarry operations by evaluating long-term data trends
helping fleet studies within Pike’s day to day site produc-
tivity management. Operators can work naturally with-
out feeling constantly observed, enabling the collection of
authentic data sets. The platform seamlessly integrates all
data into customizable dashboards. Vantage Point’s predic-
tive analytics facilitates informed decision-making by com-
bining data streams from telematics (Vantage Point, 2023).
KPIS VALIDATION
Pike utilize PEAK software (Plan, Execute, Analyze, and
Know) for the KPIs validation, the system visualizes
selected KPIs over time and allows the correlation of dif-
ferent parameters according to selection. These include but
are not limited to Powder Factor, Blast Pattern Matrix, and
Cost per Ton. Fragmentation analysis is plotted against the
crusher opening size. Another approach is to keep the S/B
ratio fixed but adapt the powder factor and plot it against
P50 and P80 to reveal better loading situations. So, the sug-
gested blast optimization procedure is based on tracking
several KPIs, adapting design parameters and quantifying
the result.
As a part of this study, we included the loader opera-
tor, foreman, and crusher operator’s feedback regarding the
diggability of the muckpile and observations of Primary
and Secondary Crusher throughput. It was determined
that the modified designs and resulting fragmentation has
a 10% to 12% increase in crusher throughput. Our goal is
to achieve an “optimum” muck pile that greatly influences
overall mining and crushing costs. This target has not yet
been reached but the quarry management has been thriving
to improve one KPI at a time.
The program has been developed and implemented
at Sidney Quarry operation and has been followed across
CRH Americas. The muck pile goals were purposely set
high to give a picture of what the “optimum” muck pile
might look like. The blaster, engineer, and quarry manager
evaluate each blast immediately after detonation. PEAK
KPIs data is considered when deciding how to lay out each
subsequent blast.
Explosives costs have varied depending on the type
of experimentation being conducted but have generally
remained consistent. Crusher throughput is a key param-
eter for assessing the blasting performance at a given site,
and it has steadily increased in the last three years shown in
Figure 10.
Figure 7. Muck pile particle distribution curve generated
for P80 highlighted the percentage of passing the material
through the primary stage crusher
Figure 8. Cycle time and dump count before blast
optimization
Figure 9. Cycle time and dump count after blast
optimization
Figure 10. Avg 2022, 2021 and 2020 Resp. KPIs Correlation
Chart
any oversize material. Note that such analysis provides only
those particles that are visible on the surface. However, gath-
ering the data during mucking becomes more observable
CYCLE TIMES KPIS
Significant capacity balancing efforts were put in when eval-
uating cycle times. We utilized vizalogix software to incor-
porate GPS telematics to capture cycle times. Figures 8 &9
shows the improved TPOH and reduced cycle time curtail-
ing the overall mining efficiency.
Vizalogix provided a more accurate view of cycle times
in quarry operations by evaluating long-term data trends
helping fleet studies within Pike’s day to day site produc-
tivity management. Operators can work naturally with-
out feeling constantly observed, enabling the collection of
authentic data sets. The platform seamlessly integrates all
data into customizable dashboards. Vantage Point’s predic-
tive analytics facilitates informed decision-making by com-
bining data streams from telematics (Vantage Point, 2023).
KPIS VALIDATION
Pike utilize PEAK software (Plan, Execute, Analyze, and
Know) for the KPIs validation, the system visualizes
selected KPIs over time and allows the correlation of dif-
ferent parameters according to selection. These include but
are not limited to Powder Factor, Blast Pattern Matrix, and
Cost per Ton. Fragmentation analysis is plotted against the
crusher opening size. Another approach is to keep the S/B
ratio fixed but adapt the powder factor and plot it against
P50 and P80 to reveal better loading situations. So, the sug-
gested blast optimization procedure is based on tracking
several KPIs, adapting design parameters and quantifying
the result.
As a part of this study, we included the loader opera-
tor, foreman, and crusher operator’s feedback regarding the
diggability of the muckpile and observations of Primary
and Secondary Crusher throughput. It was determined
that the modified designs and resulting fragmentation has
a 10% to 12% increase in crusher throughput. Our goal is
to achieve an “optimum” muck pile that greatly influences
overall mining and crushing costs. This target has not yet
been reached but the quarry management has been thriving
to improve one KPI at a time.
The program has been developed and implemented
at Sidney Quarry operation and has been followed across
CRH Americas. The muck pile goals were purposely set
high to give a picture of what the “optimum” muck pile
might look like. The blaster, engineer, and quarry manager
evaluate each blast immediately after detonation. PEAK
KPIs data is considered when deciding how to lay out each
subsequent blast.
Explosives costs have varied depending on the type
of experimentation being conducted but have generally
remained consistent. Crusher throughput is a key param-
eter for assessing the blasting performance at a given site,
and it has steadily increased in the last three years shown in
Figure 10.
Figure 7. Muck pile particle distribution curve generated
for P80 highlighted the percentage of passing the material
through the primary stage crusher
Figure 8. Cycle time and dump count before blast
optimization
Figure 9. Cycle time and dump count after blast
optimization
Figure 10. Avg 2022, 2021 and 2020 Resp. KPIs Correlation
Chart