Programme
in Blasting
Engineering
Presented by the Department of
Mining Engineering, University
of Pretoria.
5 ECSA CPD Points 5 SACNASP CPD Points
Brief description
The Programme in Blasting Engineering covers the basics of all drilling and blasting activities on surface and underground
mining operations. The application of drill and blast design and execution in the mining environment is taken to an advanced
level based on real industry scenarios. Case studies are analysed and discussed, downstream effects and processes of blasting
outcomes are evaluated for continuous improvements of the drilling and blasting cycle and the effects on the total mine value
chain.
Outline of the programme Learning outcomes
This unique course is interactive, collaborative and uses The detailed outcomes would be reached as presented
multiple methods of learning to develop delegates in the industry syllabus, however on a broader base, the
knowledge and skills. The theory of the subject and course will be aimed at developing the delegates ability
application thereof, covers topics from rock mass behavior, in the six cognitive levels: knowledge, comprehension,
during drilling and blasting, understanding fragmentation application, analysis, synthesis and evaluation. Thus, when
and the impact on the mining cycle, specialised blasting being examined on the topics detailed in this programme,
practices and the effect of blasting on the environment in delegates would be able to demonstrate their capacity for:
more detail. The assessment of blasting practices,
downstream benefits, safety and legislation is covered • Comprehending and understanding the
in great detail for sustainable drilling and blasting in the general blasting engineering principles covered
Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR). in this syllabus and applying these to solve real
world blasting problems in the mining and civil
This course provides a comprehensive training experience environments.
and is based on the undergraduate and post graduate • Applying fundamental scientific knowledge,
Rock Breaking courses presented in the Department of comprehension and understanding to predict the
Mining Engineering degree programmes at the University behavior of blasting outcomes in different types of
of Pretoria. Contact sessions are recommended as they risks in real world mining environments.
encourage high levels of engagement, participation, and • Performing creative procedural design and
dialogue to share practical experience with experts in the synthesis of drill and blast layouts and support
field. systems to control and influence different blast
design processes.
• Understanding the greater picture in the total
blasting outcomes, downstream effects and the
overall evaluation thereof
• Communicating, explaining and discussing the
reasoning, methodology, results and ramifications
of all the above aspects in a professional manner
at all levels.
Shifting knowledge to insight
+27 (0)12 434 2500 www.enterprises.up.ac.za
info@enterprises.up.ac.za For quotations on in-house training,
email quote@enterprises.up.ac.za
Programme
in Blasting
Engineering
Presented by the Department of
Mining Engineering, University
of Pretoria.
Programme content for 2024 Registration and enquiries
16 February Geology and Drilling Client Information Centre
15 March Introduction to Commercial Explosives Tel: +27 (0)12 434 2500
19 April Underground Explosives Application Fax: +27 (0)12 434 2505
24 May Surface Mining Drill and Blast Application Email: info@enterprises.up.ac.za
21 June Fragmentation
26 July Environmental Blasting
23 August Blast Performance Assessment Course fee:
13 September Economics of Blasting and 3-D VR Centre R31 330,00 per delegate (VAT incl.)
18 October Explosives Legislation /Certificate
Ceremony Fees include all course materials, 3-D Virtual Reality
session, presentations from industry experts and
refreshments.
Course fees must be paid in full 14 days prior
Accreditation and certification to course start dates. Proof of payment can be
submitted to enrolments@enterprises.up.ac.za.
Enterprises University of Pretoria (Pty) Ltd is wholly
owned by the University of Pretoria. As a public higher
education institution, the University of Pretoria functions
in accordance to the Higher Education Act 101 of 1997.
Enterprises University of Pretoria offers short courses on
behalf of the University and these short courses are not
credit-bearing, and do not lead to formal qualifications on
the National Qualifications Framework (NQF) – unless
stated otherwise. Delegates who successfully complete a
short course and comply with the related assessment
criteria (where applicable) are awarded certificates of
uccessful completion and/or attendance by the University
of Pretoria.
Who should enrol?
This course is ideal for you if you are involved with blasting
activities, both in the underground and surface mining
environments, as a contractor performing blasting on mine
sites and civil excavations, personnel from explosives
companies, suppliers of explosive products, senior
management, and consultants to the mining industry.
Shifting knowledge to insight
+27 (0)12 434 2500 www.enterprises.up.ac.za
info@enterprises.up.ac.za For quotations on in-house training,
email quote@enterprises.up.ac.za
Programme
in Blasting
Engineering
Presented by the Department of
Mining Engineering, University
of Pretoria.
Programme presenter
Wolter de Graaf
Tel: +27 12 420 3180
Email: wolter.degraaf@up.ac.za
Wolter is a professional mining engineer specializing in drilling
and blasting. He graduated from the University of Pretoria in
1985. He spent 4 years in the production environment on the
deep level gold mines and opencast coal mines, gaining
valuable practical experience.
Following this, Wolter joined AECI, and fulfilled many roles in
the company in South Africa and Central Africa. Highlights
include cast bast improvements to increase dragline coal
exposure rates, converting several key customers from
pyrotechnic initiation systems to electronic delay detonators.
Manage several, prime, load, tie and shoot and, rock on
ground supply contracts, Extensive vibration monitoring
program in close proximity of dewatering chambers in an
underground copper mine and operational grain silo’s close
to surface mining operation, blast monitoring program, wall
control blasting, mine to mill initiatives and facilitating many
inhouse and external training courses, workshops and
conferences.
In 2008, Wolter joined the University of Pretoria as a Senior
Lecturer in the Department of Mining Engineering. During this
time, he obtained his master’s degree in mining engineering
and set up WI Blasting Solutions to provide quality and
professional consulting and training services to the mining
and civil construction industries both locally and
internationally. In 2022, Wolter left the University to pursue
full time consulting, specializing in custom blast designs,
explosives applications and specialized training.
Shifting knowledge to insight
+27 (0)12 434 2500 www.enterprises.up.ac.za
info@enterprises.up.ac.za For quotations on in-house training,
email quote@enterprises.up.ac.za
