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Raymond S. Suglo
Raymond S. Suglo
Ph.D.
Head of Department
Botswana International University of Science and Technology
Head of Department, Ph.D.
Botswana International University of Science and Technology
Palapye
Botswana

Co-authors

Articles

Article
Geotechnical Engineering and Engineering Geology
  • Date submitted
    2024-10-03
  • Date accepted
    2025-08-25
  • Online publication date
    2025-10-31

Optimisation of blast-induced rock fragmentation using hybrid artificial intelligence methods at Orapa Diamond Mine (Botswana)

Article preview

This study demonstrates various artificial intelligence methods to predict and optimise blast-induced rock fragmentation at Orapa Diamond Mine in Botswana. These techniques include an artificial neural network (ANN), an adaptive neuro-fuzzy inference system (ANFIS), a genetic algorithm with ANN (GA-ANN), and particle swarm optimization with ANN (PSO-ANN). A collection of data from 120 blasting events with nine input parameters at the mine was utilized for this task. The results indicate that the PSO-ANN model outperforms other models in predicting blast-induced fragmentation. We used the optimal PSO-ANN model to optimise fragmentation, identified using the Monte Carlo method. The optimal model consists of nine inputs, two hidden layers with 65 and 30 neurons, and one output (7-65-30-1). Using gradient descent, we navigated this ten-dimensional solution space to determine the optimised blast design parameters and achieved an optimal fragmentation value of approximately 86 %. Sensitivity analysis results reveal that the most influential input parameters on fragmentation are rock factor (15.3 %), blastability index (14.7 %), and spacing-to-burden ratio (14.7 %). In contrast, the stiffness ratio has the least influence on fragmentation (6.3 %).

How to cite: Saubi O., Jamisola Jr. R.S., Suglo R.S., Matsebe O. Optimisation of blast-induced rock fragmentation using hybrid artificial intelligence methods at Orapa Diamond Mine (Botswana) // Journal of Mining Institute. 2025. Vol. 275. p. 179-195.