Improvement of the drill and blast excavation technique in a Chilean artisanal gold mine

The study presented in the thesis is aimed at the development of a project of improvement of the drill and blast excavation technique and technology at the artisanal gold mine "La Palmera" located in the village of Chancón, near Rancagua (Libertador General Bernardo O'Higgins region), Chile. The procedures and technologies currently used in the mining process have been observed and critically analysed from a scientific point of view. The problems and possible interventions to be implemented in order to increase both work safety and production have therefore been identified. These interventions have also been designed taking into account the social, cultural, economic and logistic aspects present in the geographical context where the mine is located. The calculations and technical drawings of the blast schemes proposed in order to replace those at present adopted are also shown.