1. Introduction
Optimization of production blasting cost is one of the factors that ensure economic feasibility of the mining projects. Various methods have been used to minimize [1] the explosive cost, for example blast design parameters such as stemming, spacing and burden are increased to economize the blasting cost. All these factors not only undermine the blasted rock fragmentation results but also make the blasting operation labor and cost intensive [1]. Thus, there is a
need to develop a methodology to economize the blasting operation. Moreover, it is also desired that
the blasting operation should not produce improper fragmentation, toxic gases, fly rock, air blast and
blast-induced vibrations. Airdecks have been used in blasting operations to improve the fragmentation by
amplifying the induced fracturing that has significant economic effect on subsequent size reduction
processes. Recently, the airdeck blasting technique has been introduced to some surface mines for
reducing explosive consumption without effecting the fragmentation and increasing the labor [2-6].
In 2012, Hayat and Tariq [7] introduced the airdeck blasting technique to mining industry of
Pakistan. However, unfortunately, their research findings were not recognized by the mining industry
because they failed to provide guidelines on the use of airdeck blasting technology.