THE Mines Inspectorate has issued a safety alert after explosives were prematurely detonated at an underground metalliferous mine.
According to the DME, a worker was hooking up the bell wire to a BlastPED box when the explosives initiated on 06 December 2008. No one was injured in the incident.
Initial investigations indicate the BlastPED box was the source of the initiation and there was no stray current induction in the bell wire route.
The mine has now discontinued its use of the BlastPED and has reverted to manual firing until the issue is rectified.
The product manufacturer is cooperating with the investigation and has been in contact with other users of the technology.
Mine Site Technologies is urging users of the BlastPED to discontinue use of the product until the investigation is complete.
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