The record was achieved while using Dyno’s DigiShot Plus electronic initiation system with 1729 blast holes loaded over a 16-day period.

“On Friday April 24 2015, a through seam blast was fired at a large open cut coal mine using 4788 DigiShot Plus detonators,” Dyno said.

“This is the largest through seam blast ever recorded to date using electronic detonators.”

Bigger blasts are still possible with Dyno saying its DigiShot Plus system is capable of initiating up to 9600 detonators.

“Through seam blasting helps to improve mining productivity by making it possible to blast through one or more coal seams during a single blast event,” Dyno said.

“This is beneficial when coal seams are steeply dipping and enables blasts to be designed to a workable grade below the coal seam.

“Utilising flexible timing during through seam blasting is crucial because it increases efficiency by confining the coal and minimising movement and dilution while the interburden below the seam is blasted.”