Abstract: A mat assembly including a planar mat body formed to cover a preselected area of a surface region. The preselected area partially defines a volume of ground to be broken by explosion therein. The mat body includes one or more layer elements. The mat body has an engagement surface for engagement with the preselected area. The mat assembly includes a skirt element connected with the mat body having an external portion extending from the mat body, for at least partially restraining matter ejected from the volume of ground upon initiation of the explosion.

Abstract: A mat assembly including a planar mat body formed to cover a preselected area of a surface region. The preselected area partially defines a volume of ground to be broken by explosion therein. The mat body includes one or more layer elements. The mat body has an engagement surface for engagement with the preselected area. The mat assembly includes a skirt element connected with the mat body having an external portion extending from the mat body, for at least partially restraining matter ejected from the volume of ground upon initiation of the explosion.

Abstract: A blasting mat including a number of resilient elements arranged in a number of parallel rows that are located in a number of predetermined regions of the blasting mat. The resilient elements in each region are respectively subjected to a preselected compression pressure, to cause each region to have a respective preselected density within a range of preselected densities. The preselected density of at least a second selected one of the regions is greater than the preselected density of at least a first selected one of the regions.

Abstract: A blasting mat including a number of resilient elements arranged in a number of parallel rows that are located in a number of predetermined regions of the blasting mat. The resilient elements in each region are respectively subjected to a preselected compression pressure, to cause each region to have a respective preselected density within a range of preselected densities. The preselected density of at least a second selected one of the regions is greater than the preselected density of at least a first selected one of the regions.