OPERATIONAL PERFORMANCE ANALYSIS OF WEDGE CUT DRILLING PATTERN: A CASE STUDY ON CYCLE TIME AND EXPLOSIVE EFFICIENCY IN PT MALEA ENERGY

Abstract

Efficient drilling and blasting operations are critical for optimizing productivity in surface mining. This study investigates the actual drilling cycle time and explosive application parameters in PT Malea Energy, which applies a Wedge Cut (V-Cut) pattern. Field data were collected on drilling time, rod lifting, positioning, and the use of Power Gel explosives and delay detonators. The actual drilling penetration rate was 1.41 m/min with an effective working time of 520 minutes per shift. A total of 15 explosive cartridges per hole and delay times between 0–3500 ms were applied. Results indicate that drilling efficiency is significantly influenced not only by cycle time management but also by explosive delay configuration. This study provides a quantitative evaluation that bridges the gap between field operation parameters and theoretical efficiency models. The findings are valuable for improving drill-blast design and time utilization in mid-scale mining operations.