Brox Industries

Scope of Work

Quarry reserves running low, necessitated shooting, in total, at least 600,000 tons in close proximity to several structures.

Challenges

The area was right next to a new $15 million crusher complex. To further complicate the blast plan, an asphalt plant sat 225' directly behind the last shot, with a 20,000-gallon fuel oil storage tank. In a 225' radius, there was $20,000,000 in structures that could not be moved. MD&B chose to employ Electronic Detonators to provide advanced control over muck pile displacement, as well as for vibration and air blast due to the size of the blast, which utilized 70,000 pounds of explosives.

Outcome

Post-blast there were just under 130,000 tons on the ground, almost 100% crushable. There was no flyrock damage to the crusher or vibration damage to the asphalt plant. All of the seismographs were well within limits, and there were no complaints from area residents. Quarry management could not have been more pleased with the process and end result. Brox Industries in Dracut has since insisted upon Electronic Detonators for all shots critical in either vibration or proximity situations.