Vidarebrytning

Vidarebrytning is a term used in Swedish mining and rock engineering to describe the continued fragmentation of rock after an initial breakage. The goal is to create rock fragments of a specific size distribution that are suitable for handling, transport, and processing, while minimizing energy use and wear on equipment. The concept covers both secondary blasting and mechanical methods for further reducing piece size, and it is often considered in fragmentation control programs.

In blasting operations, vidarebrytning can involve staged blasting, where additional charges target blocks that remain oversized after the first blast, or the use of smaller, targeted charges to refine fragmentation without excessive vibration or fly-rock. In mechanical operations, further breakage may be achieved with crushers, hydraulic breakers, or milling equipment. Accurate characterization of fragmentation and size distribution is important to optimize further breakage and reduce processing costs.

Practical considerations include safety, dust generation, vibration, and environmental impact, as oversized fragments can hinder loading, hauling, or processing and increase energy consumption. The term is common in Swedish industry literature and is related to broader topics such as rock mechanics, blast design, and ore handling.