What is Blasting? 

There are a number of ways to extract ‘hard’ rock, but the most common and effective method is ‘controlled blasting’. As blasting is very precise practice, each blast is designed and carried out by an independent third-party blast expert. A blast design is generated and is a carefully planned operation that involves drilling into the rock in a specified pattern, then placing a very precise amount of explosive in the holes. The explosives are then detonated in a precise sequence, designed to maximise the efficiency of rock breakage while minimising noise, vibration and dust. One of the advantages of blasting is that it reduces the need to operate large heavy equipment to extract the rock, in turn reducing noise and greenhouse gas emissions. Depending on how close you live to a quarry, you may notice some vibration or noise associated with blasting, however all blasts as mentioned are precisely designed to prevent and minimise impacts to surrounding neighbours. 

What safeguards are in place during blasting?  

Strict national safety regulations apply to protect neighbouring homes, buildings and public places from the potential effects of blasting. Blasting operations must adhere to prescribed limits stipulated by the relevant regulatory authority that are well below the vibration levels which could cause structural or cosmetic damage. Blasts are monitored at different locations with sensitive ground and air vibration equipment to ensure they remain within regulations.

What else should I know about blasting?  

Apart from vibration, the energy used in blasting to move and break rocks may also result in some noise and dust. The further you are away from the quarry, the less you will notice these effects. A quarry’s strict operating conditions require that every action be taken to reduce these effects.

Notifications via our blast register

Most Boral quarries maintain a blast register and notify interested people when blasting activities occur. If you would like to join the register, please send an email to community@boral.com.au with your name and contact details (email and mobile) and specify which quarry you would like to receive notifications about.