Planning the Impossible? Managing Interface Blasting Without Halting Production One of the toughest challenges we face as mine planners is this: 🔺 Stripping waste in the upper cutback 🔻 Mining ore in the lower cutback 💣 And now — you need to schedule a blast on the interface between them. From a planning and scheduling standpoint, it’s a delicate balance. You're walking a tightrope between production continuity, safety, and slope integrity. This is what I think; Here’s the approach that’s worked consistently in the field: ✅ Advance stripping with a setback (trims) — adjust your crest limits to maintain a safe distance from the lower cutback edge. ✅ Schedule buffer time to build temporary catch berms or bunds above the drop zone — these small features prevent big problems. ✅ Stagger the blast sequence — break the blast into smaller pads and schedule each with clearance time for inspection. ✅ Coordinate blast windows with operations — pause lower cutback activity, and build this downtime into your schedule early. ✅ Reduce charge energy at the interface, and consult D&B for delay timing aligned with void proximity. ✅ After the blast, schedule immediate cleanup and berm repair to clear any fines or blockages before recommencing traffic. ✅ Most importantly, work hand-in-hand with geotech and operations — good schedules only work with good collaboration. This isn’t just another blast — it’s a high-risk interface event that can impact haulage, ore supply, and safety. It demands proactive planning, flexibility in scheduling, and a sharp eye for interdependencies. 🔄 As planners, we don’t just make the maps — we protect the people and the plan. Have you had to schedule interface blasting before? What worked for you — and what would you do differently? 👇 I’d love to hear how others have navigated this planning puzzle.