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Blasting is one of the most common processes in the mining industry. Analysis of blasting success is often done by assessing the fragmentation. A review of techniques used to describe blast fragmentation is presented along with a discussion of methods for describing fragmentation. The previous JK fragmentation analysis technique is described and suggested improvements outlined. A description of the factors which affect the optically determined size distribution are discussed. The development of a technique to estimate the fines which are unseen in the images is presented. The technique is tested against screened size distribution data and found to reproduce accurately the screened size distributions. Analysis of the errors inherent in any size analysis and in optical size analysis in particular are presented. Confirmation of the suitability of P. Gy's sampling error equations to blasted rock distributions is undertaken. These are found to be suitable. The development of an automated image processing system is discussed and two algorithms which appear the most useful are presented. Enhancements required to improve the reliability of the algorithms are presented.
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