Louhottaminen

Louhottaminen refers to the controlled blasting of rock to fracture and remove rock masses in mining, quarrying, and construction. It encompasses the planning, design, and execution of explosive charges to produce a desired fragmentation pattern that allows efficient excavation and material handling. The goal is to break rock safely and minimize damage to surrounding structures and the environment.

The process typically begins with a blasting plan and site assessment, including rock properties, hydrogeology, and nearby receptors. Operators drill boreholes into the rock, place charges and stemming material, and set an initiation sequence using delay detonators or electronic timing devices. The blast is then fired, producing fragmentation and ejecta that are loaded and transported for processing. Post-blast evaluation checks rock breakage quality, flyrock control, and any necessary replications or adjustments to drilling and loading patterns.

Safety and regulatory aspects are central to louhottaminen. Licences and trained personnel are required in most jurisdictions. Strict safety zones, blast mats, and audible/visual warning systems help protect workers and the public. Environmental considerations include limiting ground vibrations, air overpressure, dust, and noise, often through optimized blast design, controlled initiation, and vibration monitoring. Compliance with permits, reporting, and auditing is common.

Applications of louhottaminen include open-pit mining, quarrying, tunnel and road construction, and slope stabilization where rock needs to be reduced or removed. Its use varies with rock type, overburden, water conditions, and proximity to sensitive receptors, necessitating careful design and ongoing oversight to balance productivity with safety and environmental protection.