Improved data collection and fragmentation analysis technologies, such as those developed by Orica and applied at Boliden's Kevitsa nickel mine in Finland (above), are helping optimize blasting practices for the entire production process. Courtesy of Orica

With a thorough understanding of the geology, it is time to begin planning the blast pattern and design. Then, drill the holes, load them with pre-selected explosives and charge the blast.

Now, as the shovel begins to fill trucks with ore to bring to the mill, it is time to get to work to figure out how to make the blasting even better.