The International Council on Mining & Metals (ICMM) emphasises: “Nothing is more important than the health and safety of the people who work in mining.”
Fractum is committed to raising awareness of safety risks in boulder-breaking operations and introducing solutions that make open-pit mines safer and more productive for the people who work in them.
In open-pit mining, oversized boulders pose serious safety hazards and cause costly downtime. Traditional methods like blasting and hydraulic hammers create dangerous working conditions, delays, and high operating costs. Fractum’s controlled breaking technology shatters even the largest boulders quickly and safely with minimal debris, protecting both workers and equipment. The result is higher productivity, lower costs, and a safer mining environment.
The safety challenge
In open-pit mining, oversized boulders and rock obstructions are common.
Traditional breaking methods often put workers and equipment at risk:
Blasting
- Requires evacuation of the area and significant downtime.
- Risk of flyrock and uncontrolled fragmentation endangers people and nearby machinery.
- Generates noise and dust pollution, impacting both workers and the surrounding environment.
Hydraulic Hammers
- Prolonged, high-vibration use can cause operator fatigue and long-term health issues.
- Inconsistent breaking patterns can lead to hazardous rock falls.
- Requires machines to operate in close proximity to unstable rock faces.
The Fractum Safety Solution
Fractum breakers are designed for controlled, high-energy breaking of large boulders in open-pit mining—without the risks and downtime of blasting.
Key safety features
- Controlled impact – precisely fractures boulders with minimal flyrock.
- Zero-safety zone for equipment – other machinery can operate alongside Fractum without risk of damage.
- 15-metre safety zone for personnel – the breaker’s targeted impact allows workers to remain safely nearby.
Why safety drives performance in mining
A safer breaking process directly improves mining efficiency:
- Reduced downtime – no evacuation or lengthy safety clearances required.
- Faster boulder processing – large rocks are broken in place for immediate removal.
- Lower operating costs – less equipment damage and fewer injury-related stoppages.
- Higher morale – workers feel safer and more confident on site.
Fractum’s advantage for mining
Fractum technology delivers a cleaner, safer, and faster alternative to blasting or hydraulic hammers. Its high-impact energy breaks even the largest boulders in seconds, enabling multiple machines to work together without interference.
By protecting workers, reducing delays, and increasing throughput, Fractum turns safety into a competitive advantage for modern mining operations.
To find out more, please visit the Fractum website.