Abstract: A method of mining a mineral deposit includes setting a plurality of explosive charges at spaced pre-blast locations in the deposit, wherein at least selected pre-blast locations also carry respective markers that are such that the post-blast location of at least a useful proportion will be detectable after explosion of the charges. After the charges are exploded to fragment the deposit, the post-blast locations of certain of the markers are detected to obtain an indication of the relative positions of selected components of the mineral deposit after the fragmentation of the deposit by the exploding of the charges. Also disclosed is a method utilising a plurality of markers arranged to emit a detectable signal after blast fragmentation, and detecting the post-blast locations by triangulation techniques employing a plurality of receiver detectors. A further aspect proposes the use of secondary explosive charges as post-blast markers.

Abstract: A detonator free blasting system, which comprises: a bulk explosive; a confined explosive; a fiber optic adapted to deliver laser light to the confined explosive, wherein the confined explosive is provided relative to the bulk explosive such that detonation of the confined explosive causes initiation of the bulk explosive.

Abstract: A conductive element suitable for the transmission of an electrical operating signal to a detonator, which conductive element comprises a conductive filler homogeneously dispersed in a polymer matrix.