Cast blasting is a technique used in mining operations to control the movement of fragmented material by carefully controlling the direction explosive force. Using the blast energy to both break and move the material saves materials handling costs. In surface mining applications, cast blasting can move about 30%-80% of material out and away from the new free face. This blasting method requires careful timing of the blast hole detonations.

Figure: Cast blasts are efficient and economical ways of removing large portions of overburden from the top of coal seams without the use of mobile equipment.