Technological improvements on explosives for underground work operations

For several years, EPC Group has been developing in its different European subsidiaries, on site manufacture of explosives for open pit blast operations. In 1997, EPC group completed its range of services with a module specialised for underground operations. This module, called MORSE, was successfully used in two tunnel works in France: Sorderettes Tunnel (Owner SFTRF) and Saint Genies de Comolas Tunnel (Owner SNCF). Since June 1999, four MORSE modules have been operational on different projects in Switzerland : Sigirino (TI) and Mitholz (BE) tunnels. They have been operated by different consortia of Swiss companies under the supervision of SSE (Societe Suisse des Explosifs). They have pumped more than 450 tons of bulk emulsion with increased safety and productivity. The major improvements besides the significant reduction in explosives handled, have been the time and ease of loading the holes and the low noxiouness of the blast fumes.