Graphfrag - Lab-scale experiment and numerical modelling of blasting fragmentation of graphite

Graphite is a critical raw material essential for battery and high-technology applications. However, graphite-bearing rocks exhibit low strength, strong foliation, high friability and electrically conductive carbon phases that significantly alter blasting performance.

In shallow deposits and surface operations, these properties lead to excessive fines production, airborne dust, potential dust ignition risk and unpredictable fragmentation. Existing blasting design methodologies are largely optimized for competent hard rocks and do not adequately address graphite-rich lithologies.