Apparatus and method for blasting

• US 20060272536A1
• Filed: 02/16/2006
• Published: 12/07/2006
• Est. Priority Date: 02/16/2005
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Orica Explosives Technology Pty Limited (Orica Limited)
• Original Assignee: Orica Explosives Technology Pty Limited (Orica Limited)
• Inventors: Lownds, Charles Michael, Stewart, Ronald F., Bampfield, Howard A.
• Granted Patent: US 9,091,518 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 102/215
• CPC Class Codes: F41A 17/066 having means for recognizing biometric parameters, e.g. voice control, finger print or palm print control
• CPC Class Codes: F42D 1/045 Arrangements for electric ignition dynamo-electric generators H02K
• CPC Class Codes: F42D 1/05 Electric circuits for blasting

Abstract

Disclosed herein are significant improvements in security and safety of blasting apparatuses intended for use in mining operations. These include the development of an apparatus and method for blasting that involves activation or deactivation of the blasting apparatus in accordance with pre-determined parameters. For example, these parameters may include one or more of: a location of the blast site, a time for the blasting event, a number of previous blasts, a number of previous blasts within a given time period, and identification of detonator identification codes. The activation or deactivation may involve cross-communication between components of the blasting apparatus and/or associated detonators. Such cross-communication may involve electronic or wireless communication means, including for example the use of cell phone technology, or the internet. In this way, preferred apparatuses and methods disclosed herein permit rapid analysis and verification of a geographical location and time for a blasting event, as well as control and logging of the blasting event, all from a remote location.

Claims

1. An apparatus for controlling actuation of at least one detonator for a blasting event at a blast site, the apparatus comprising:

at least one blasting machine for transmitting command signals to said at least one detonator via direct electrical connection or wireless communication;

at least one parameter assessment component for determining a parameter for said apparatus or a component thereof;

at least one parameter approval component, for comparing said parameter with at least one approved parameter, said at least one detonator being actuatable upon receipt from said at least one blasting machine of at least one command signal to FIRE, only if said parameter and any of said at least one approved parameter correspond.

3. The apparatus of claim 1 for controlling actuation of at least one detonator for a blasting event at a blast site:

said at least one parameter assessment component comprising at least one location assessment component for determining a geographical location of said at least one blasting machine, and/or said at least one detonator;

said at least one parameter approval component comprising at least one location approval component, for comparing said geographical location with at least one approved location, said at least one detonator being actuatable upon receipt from said at least one blasting machine of at least one command signal to FIRE, only if said geographical location and any of said at least one approved location correspond.

4. The apparatus of claim 3, wherein said at least one approved location comprises a plurality of adjacent approved locations to define an area of said blast site, within which actuation of said at least one detonator may proceed upon receipt by said at least one detonator of said at least one command signal to FIRE from said at least one blasting machine.

5. The apparatus of claim 3, wherein each of said at least one location assessment component is in association with, and in direct electrical communication with, a corresponding blasting machine.

6. The apparatus of claim 3, wherein each of said at least one location assessment component comprises a global positioning system (GPS) device or local positioning system (LPS) device in association with at least one detonator and/or at least one blasting machine.

7. The apparatus of claim 3, wherein each of said at least one location assessment component comprises cell phone network connection means for connecting to a cell phone network via at least one antenna of the cell phone network at or near to a vicinity of the blast site, said geographical location being determined by a known geographical location of each of said at least one antenna.

8. The apparatus of claim 3, wherein each of said at least one location approval component is located remote from the blast site.

9. The apparatus of claim 3, wherein each of said at least one location approval component includes a memory comprising a database of approved locations.

10. The apparatus of claim 3, wherein each of said at least one location approval component is in association with, and in direct electrical communication with, a corresponding blasting machine.

11. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein each of said at least one location approval component is in communication with said at least one blasting machine at least in part via wireless communication means.

12. The apparatus of claim 3, wherein said apparatus further comprises a central command station located remote from the blast site for generating and transmitting at least one command signal to said at least one blasting machine.

13. The apparatus of claim 12, wherein said at least one location approval component is in association with, and direct electrical communication with, said central command station.

14. The apparatus of claim 12, wherein each of said at least one location approval component, upon determining that said geographical location corresponds with at least one approved location, causes activation of said central command station for transmission of said at least one command signal.

15. The apparatus of claim 12, wherein said location approval component, upon determining that said geographical location does not correspond with any of said at least one approved location, causes shut down of said central command station.

16. The apparatus of claim 3, wherein each of said at least one location approval component comprises a cell phone having an internal database having stored therein said at least one approved location and being in wireless communication with said at least one location assessment component, either directly or via at least one antenna of a cell phone network, whereby each cell phone:

receives information from at least one associated location assessment component regarding said geographical location;

compares said geographical information with said internal database; and

if required generates a decision signal indicative of whether said geographical location and any of said at least one approved location correspond, and optionally transmits the decision signal to one or more other components of the apparatus, and if said geographical location and any of said at least one approved locations correspond said decision signal causing said apparatus to maintain or adopt an activated state suitable for actuation of said at least one detonator upon receipt thereby of at least one appropriate command signal from said at least one blasting machine.

17. The apparatus of claim 16, wherein each decision signal is optionally relayed via said at least one antenna, and processed by said at least one location assessment device and/or said at least one blasting machine and/or said at least one detonator, thereby to control activation of selected components of the apparatus.

18. The apparatus of claim 16, wherein each of said at least one location assessment component comprises a cell phone network connection means for connecting to said cell phone network via at least one antenna at or near to a vicinity of the blast site, said geographical location being determined by a known geographical location of said at least one antenna.

19. The apparatus of claim 16, wherein each of said location assessment component comprises a global positioning system (GPS) device or a local positioning system (LPS) device in association with at least one detonator and/or at least one blasting machine.

20. The apparatus of claim 18, wherein said cell phone network connection means comprises said at least one cell phone.

21. The apparatus of claim 16, wherein said at least one location approval component comprises a single cell phone.

22. The apparatus of claim 21, wherein said single cell phone further includes voice and/or password recognition means for identifying whether a blast operator using the cell phone is an authorized blast operator, and if said voice and/or password recognition means positively identifies said blast operator as an authorized blast operator, said cell phone being caused to adopt or maintain an active state suitable for function as a location approval means, whereas if said voice and/or password recognition means does not positively identify said blast operator as an authorized blast operator, said cell phone being caused to adopt or maintain an inactive state unsuitable for function as a location approval means.

23. The apparatus of claim 3, wherein said at least one location approval component comprises at least one computer having an internal database for storing said at least one approved location, whereby each computer:

receives information from at least one associated location assessment component regarding said geographical location;

compares said geographical information with said internal database having stored therein at least one approved location; and

if required generates a decision signal indicative of whether said geographical location and any of said at least one approved locations correspond, and optionally transmits the decision signal to one or more other components of the apparatus, and if said geographical location and any of said at least one approved locations correspond said decision signal causing said apparatus to maintain or adopt an activate state suitable for actuation of said at least one detonator upon receipt thereby of at least one appropriate command signal from said at least one blasting machine.

24. The apparatus of claim 23, wherein each computer is connected to the internet, and communicates at least in part with said at least one location assessment component via the internet.

25. The apparatus of claim 23, wherein each of said at least one location assessment component comprises a cell phone network connection means for connecting to a local cell phone network via at least one antenna at or near to a vicinity of the blast site.

26. The apparatus of claim 25, wherein each cell phone network connection means permits determination of said geographical location by determining a known geographical location of said at least one antenna.

27. The apparatus of claim 25, wherein each cell phone network connection means provides for connection of said at least one location assessment component to the internet for communication with said at least one computer.

28. The apparatus of claim 23, wherein each of said location assessment component comprises a global positioning system (GPS) device or a local positioning system (LPS) device in association with at least one detonator and/or at least one blasting machine.

29. The apparatus of claim 23, wherein said computer further comprises biometric recognition means for identifying whether a blast operator using the computer is an authorized blast operator, and if said biometric recognition means positively identifies said blast operator as an authorized blast operator, said computer being caused to adopt or maintain an active state suitable for function as a location approval means, whereas if said biometric recognition means does not positively identify said blast operator as an authorized blast operator, said computer being caused to adopt or maintain an inactive state unsuitable for function as a location approval means.

30. The apparatus of claim 29, wherein said biometric recognition means analyses a biometric feature of said blast operator selected from the group consisting of:

a fingerprint, a hand, a foot, a face, an iris, a voice, a DNA fingerprint, skin spectroscopy analysis, and finger vein analysis.

31. The apparatus of claim 23, wherein said computer further comprises password recognition means for identifying whether a blast operator using the computer is an authorized blast operator, and if said password recognition means positively identifies said blast operator as an authorized blast operator, said computer being caused to adopt or maintain an active state suitable for function as a location approval means, whereas if said password recognition means does not positively identify said blast operator as an authorized blast operator, said computer being caused to adopt or maintain an inactive state unsuitable for function as a location approval means.

32. The apparatus of claim 31, wherein said password recognition means analyses a password selected from the group consisting of:

a verbal password, and a typed password comprising numeric and/or alphanumeric characters.

33. The apparatus of claim 3, further comprising a time assessment component and a time approval component for checking that a time for said blasting event corresponds with an approved time for said blasting event, said apparatus being able to cause actuation of said at least one detonator upon receipt by said at least one detonator from said at least one blasting machine of at least one command signal to FIRE, only if said geographical location and any of said at least one approved location correspond, and further if said time for said blasting event corresponds with an approved time for said blasting event.

34. The apparatus of claim 3, wherein each detonator has assigned thereto a unique identification code, the apparatus further comprising a logging database for logging detonator actuation, and a recordal component for transmitting to the database an actuation signal corresponding to actuation of each detonator, the logging database storing data regarding the place of actuation of each detonator.

35. The apparatus of claim 34, wherein the logging database is integral with the location approval means.

36. The apparatus of claim 34, wherein the logging database further records a time for actuation of each detonator.

37. The apparatus of claim 34, wherein the apparatus includes a biometric analyzer for recording at least one biometric feature of a blast operator, the logging database further recording a biometric signature or an identity of the blast operator for each actuated detonator.

38. The apparatus of claim 3, wherein said at least one location approval component comprises a computer having an internal database for storing said at least one approved location, whereby said computer:

receives information from at least one associated location assessment component regarding said geographical location;

compares said geographical information with said internal database having stored therein at least one approved location; and

if required generates a decision signal indicative of whether said geographical location and any of said at least one approved locations correspond, and optionally transmits said decision signal to one or more other components of the apparatus, and if said geographical location and any of said at least one approved locations correspond said decision signal causing said apparatus to maintain or adopt an activate state suitable for actuation of said at least one detonator upon receipt thereby of at least one appropriate command signal from said at least one blasting machine;

and wherein said computer further comprises a logging database;

and wherein each detonator has assigned thereto a unique identification code, the apparatus further comprises a recordal component for transmitting to the logging database an actuation signal corresponding to actuation of each detonator, the logging database storing data regarding the actuation and the location of actuation of each detonator;

and wherein the logging database further records a time for actuation for each detonator;

and wherein the apparatus further includes at least one biometric analyzer for recording at least one biometric feature of a blast operator, the logging database further recording a biometric signature or an identity of the blast operator for each actuated detonator.

76. The blasting apparatus of claim 3, wherein the at least one location assessment component communicates with the at least one location approval component at least in part via satellite communication means.

77. The blasting apparatus of claim 76, wherein the at least one location approval component is a computer connected to the internet, and communicates with the at least one location approval component at least in part via the internet.

78. The blasting apparatus of claim 76, wherein the at least one location assessment component comprises at least one GPS device located at the blast site that determines said geographical location through receipt of GPS signals.

79. The blasting apparatus of claim 76, wherein the at least one location assessment component comprises at least one LPS device located at the blast site that determines said geographical location through receipt of LPS signals.

83. The apparatus of claim 1 for controlling actuation of at least one detonator for a blasting event at a blast site, the apparatus comprising:

at least one blasting machine for transmitting at least one command signal to said at least one detonator via direct electrical connection or wireless communication;

said at least one parameter assessment component comprising at least one time assessment component for determining a time of said blasting event;

said at least one parameter approval component comprising at least one time approval component, for comparing said time with at least one approved time, said at least one detonator being actuatable upon receipt from said at least one blasting machine of at least one command signal to FIRE, only if said time and any of said at least one approved time correspond.

84. The apparatus of claim 83, wherein said at least one approved time comprises a plurality of consecutive times to define a time window, within which actuation of said at least one detonator may proceed upon receipt by said at least one detonator of said at least one command signal to FIRE from said at least one blasting machine.

85. The apparatus of claim 83, wherein each of said at least one time assessment component is in association with, and in direct electrical communication with, a corresponding blasting machine.

86. The apparatus of claim 83, wherein each of said at least one time assessment component comprises a crystal clock in association with at least one detonator and/or at least one blasting machine, the crystal clock determining said time for said blasting event.

87. The apparatus of claim 83, wherein each of said at least one time approval component is located remote from the blast site.

88. The apparatus of claim 83, wherein each of said at least one time approval component includes a memory comprising a database of approved times.

89. The apparatus of claim 83, wherein each of said at least one time approval component is in association with, and in direct electrical communication with, a corresponding blasting machine.

90. The apparatus of claim 87, wherein each of said at least one time approval component is in communication with said at least one blasting machine at least in part via wireless communication means.

91. The apparatus of claim 83, wherein said apparatus further comprises a central command station located remote from the blast site for generating and transmitting at least one command signal to said at least one blasting machine.

92. The apparatus of claim 91, wherein said at least one time approval component is in association with, and direct electrical communication with, said central command station.

93. The apparatus of claim 91, wherein each of said at least one time approval component, upon determining that said time for said blasting event corresponds with at least one approved time, causes activation of said central command station for transmission of said at least one command signal.

94. The apparatus of claim 91, wherein said time approval component, upon determining that said time for said blasting event does not correspond with any of said at least one approved time, causes shut down of said central command station.

95. The apparatus of claim 83, wherein each of said at least one time approval component comprises a cell phone having an internal database having stored therein said at least one approved time and being in wireless communication with said at least one time assessment component, either directly or via at least one antenna of a cell phone network, whereby each cell phone:

receives information from at least one associated time assessment component regarding said time for said blasting event;

compares said time with said internal database; and

if required generates a decision signal indicative of whether said time and any of said at least one approved times correspond, optionally transmits said decision signal to one or more other components of the apparatus, and if said time and any of said at least one approved times correspond said decision signal causing said apparatus to maintain or adopt an activated state suitable for actuation of said at least one detonator upon receipt thereby of at least one appropriate command signal from said at least one blasting machine.

96. The apparatus of claim 95, wherein each decision signal is optionally relayed via said at least one antenna, and processed by said at least one time assessment device and/or said at least one blasting machine and/or said at least one detonator, thereby to control activation of selected components of the apparatus.

97. The apparatus of claim 95, wherein each of said time assessment component comprises a crystal clock in association with at least one detonator and/or at least one blasting machine, each crystal clock determining said time.

98. The apparatus of claim 95, wherein said at least one time approval component comprises a single cell phone.

99. The apparatus of claim 98, wherein said single cell phone further includes voice and/or password recognition means for identifying whether a blast operator using the cell phone is an authorized blast operator, and if said voice and/or password recognition means positively identifies said blast operator as an authorized blast operator, said cell phone being caused to adopt or maintain an active state suitable for function as a time approval component, whereas if said voice and/or password recognition means does not positively identify said blast operator as an authorized blast operator, said cell phone being caused to adopt or maintain an inactive state unsuitable for function as a time approval component.

100. The apparatus of claim 83, wherein said at least one time approval component comprises at least one computer having an internal database for storing said at least one approved time, whereby each computer:

receives information from at least one associated time assessment component regarding said time for said blasting event;

compares said time with said internal database having stored therein at least one approved time; and

if required generates a decision signal indicative of whether said time and any of said at least one approved times correspond, optionally transmits said decision signal to one or more other components of the apparatus, and if said time and any of said at least one approved times correspond said decision signal causing said apparatus to maintain or adopt an activate state suitable for actuation of said at least one detonator upon receipt thereby of at least one appropriate command signal from said at least one blasting machine.

101. The apparatus of claim 100, wherein each computer is connected to the internet, and communicates at least in part with said at least one time assessment component via the internet.

102. The apparatus of claim 100, wherein each of said at least one time assessment component comprises a cell phone network connection means for connecting to a local cell phone network via at least one antenna at or near to a vicinity of the blast site.

103. The apparatus of claim 102, wherein each cell phone network connection means provides for connection of said at least one time assessment component to the internet for communication with said at least one computer.

104. The apparatus of claim 100, wherein each computer further comprises biometric recognition means for identifying whether a blast operator using each computer is an authorized blast operator, and if said biometric recognition means positively identifies said blast operator as an authorized blast operator, each computer being caused to adopt or maintain an active state suitable for function as a time approval means, whereas if said biometric recognition means does not positively identify said blast operator as an authorized blast operator, each computer being caused to adopt or maintain an inactive state unsuitable for function as a time approval means.

105. The apparatus of claim 104, wherein said biometric recognition means analyses a biometric feature of said blast operator selected from the group consisting of:

a fingerprint, a hand, a foot, a face, an iris, a voice, a DNA fingerprint, a skin spectroscopy analysis, and a finger vein analysis.

106. The apparatus of claim 100, wherein said computer further comprises password recognition means for identifying whether a blast operator using each computer is an authorized blast operator, and if said password recognition means positively identifies said blast operator as an authorized blast operator, each computer being caused to adopt or maintain an active state suitable for function as a time approval means, whereas if said password recognition means does not positively identify said blast operator as an authorized blast operator, each computer being caused to adopt or maintain an inactive state unsuitable for function as a time approval means.

107. The apparatus of claim 106, wherein said password recognition means analyses a password selected from the group consisting of:

a verbal password, and a typed password comprising numeric and/or alphanumeric characters.

108. The apparatus of claim 83, further comprising a location assessment component and a location approval component for checking that a location for said blasting event corresponds with an approved location for said blasting event, said apparatus being able to cause actuation of said at least one detonator upon receipt by said at least one detonator from said at least one blasting machine of at least one command signal to FIRE, only if said geographical location and any of said at least one approved location correspond, and further if said time for said blasting event corresponds with an approved time for said blasting event.

109. The apparatus of claim 83, wherein each detonator has assigned thereto a unique identification code, the apparatus further comprising a logging database for logging detonator actuation, and a recordal component for transmitting to the database an actuation signal corresponding to actuation of each detonator, the logging database storing data regarding the location of actuation of each detonator.

110. The apparatus of claim 109, wherein the logging database is integral with the time approval means.

111. The apparatus of claim 109, wherein the logging database further records a time for actuation of each detonator.

112. The apparatus of claim 109, wherein the apparatus includes a biometric analyzer for recording at least one biometric feature of a blast operator, the logging database further recording a biometric signature or an identity of the blast operator for each actuated detonator.

113. The apparatus of claim 83, wherein said at least one time approval component comprises a computer having an internal database for storing said at least one approved time, whereby said computer:

receives information from at least one associated time assessment component regarding said time for said blasting event;

compares said time with said internal database having stored therein at least one approved time; and

if required generates a decision signal indicative of whether said time and any of said at least one approved times correspond to one or more other components of the apparatus, and if said time and any of said at least one approved times correspond said decision signal causing said apparatus to maintain or adopt an activate state suitable for actuation of said at least one detonator upon receipt thereby of at least one appropriate command signal from said at least one blasting machine;

and wherein said computer further comprises said logging database;

and wherein each detonator has assigned thereto a unique identification code, the apparatus further comprises a recordal component for transmitting to the logging database an actuation signal corresponding to actuation of each detonator, the logging database storing data regarding the actuation and the place of actuation of each detonator;

and wherein the logging database further records a time for actuation for each detonator;

and wherein the apparatus further includes at least one biometric analyzer for recording at least one biometric feature of a blast operator, the logging database further recording a biometric signature or an identity of the blast operator for each actuated detonator.

147. The blasting apparatus of claim 83, wherein the at least one time assessment component communicates with the at least one time approval component at least in part via satellite communication means.

148. The blasting apparatus of claim 147, wherein the at least one time approval component is a computer connected to the internet, and communicates with the at least one time approval component at least in part via the internet.

151. The apparatus of claim 1 for controlling actuation of at least one detonator for a blasting event at a blast site, the apparatus comprising:

at least one blasting machine for transmitting command signals to said at least one detonator via direct electrical connection or wireless communication;

said at least one parameter assessment component comprising at least one blast number assessment component for determining a number of previous blasts at said blast site;

said at least one parameter approval component comprising at least one blast number approval component, for comparing said number of previous blasts with an approved number of previous blasts, said at least one detonator being actuatable upon receipt from said at least one blasting machine of at least one command signal to FIRE, only if said number of previous blasts is less than said approved number of previous blasts.

152. The apparatus of claim 151, wherein said number of previous blasts at said blast site as determined by said at least one blast number assessment component comprises a number of previous blasts within a predetermined time period at said blast site.

153. The apparatus of claim 151, wherein each of said at least one blast number assessment component is in association with, and in direct electrical communication with, a corresponding blasting machine.

154. The apparatus of claim 151, wherein each of said at least one blast number assessment component comprises a counter in association with at least one detonator and/or at least one blasting machine, for counting a number of command signals to FIRE transmitted by said at least one blasting machine.

155. The apparatus of claim 151, wherein each of said at least one blast number approval component is located remote from the blast site.

156. The apparatus of claim 152, wherein each of said at least one blast number approval component includes a memory comprising a database of numbers of previous blasts each corresponding to a different predetermined time period at said blast site.

157. The apparatus of claim 151, wherein each of said at least one blast number approval component is in association with, and in direct electrical communication with, a corresponding blasting machine.

158. The apparatus of claim 151, wherein each of said at least one blast number approval component is in communication with said at least one blasting machine at least in part via wireless communication means.

159. The apparatus of claim 151, wherein said apparatus further comprises a central command station located remote from the blast site for generating and transmitting at least one command signal to said at least one blasting machine.

160. The apparatus of claim 159, wherein said at least one blast number approval component is in association with, and direct electrical communication with, said central command station.

161. The apparatus of claim 159, wherein each of said at least one blast number approval component, upon determining that said number of previous blasts at said blast site is less than an approved number of previous blasts, causes activation of said central command station for transmission of said at least one command signal.

162. The apparatus of claim 159, wherein said blast number approval component, upon determining that said number of previous blasts at said blast site is equal to or more than said approved number of previous blasts, causes shut down of said central command station.

163. The apparatus of claim 151, wherein each of said at least one blast number approval component comprises a cell phone having an internal database having stored therein said approved number of previous blasts and being in wireless communication with said at least one blast number assessment component, either directly or via at least one antenna of a cell phone network, whereby each cell phone:

receives information from at least one associated blast number assessment component regarding said number of previous blasts prior to said blasting event;

compares said number of previous blasts with said internal database; and

if required generates a decision signal indicative of whether said number of previous blasts is less than said approved number of previous blasts, optionally transmitting said decision signal to one or more other components of the apparatus, and if said number of previous blasts is less than said approved number of previous blasts, said decision signal causing said apparatus to maintain or adopt an activated state suitable for actuation of said at least one detonator upon receipt thereby of at least one appropriate command signal from said at least one blasting machine.

164. The apparatus of claim 163, wherein each decision signal is optionally relayed via said at least one antenna, and processed by said at least one blast number assessment component and/or said at least one blasting machine and/or said at least one detonator, thereby to control activation of selected components of the apparatus.

165. The apparatus of claim 163, wherein each of said blast number assessment component comprises a counter in association with said at least one blasting machine.

166. The apparatus of claim 163, wherein said at least one blast number approval component comprises a single cell phone.

167. The apparatus of claim 166, wherein said single cell phone further includes voice and/or password recognition means for identifying whether a blast operator using the cell phone is an authorized blast operator, and if said voice and/or password recognition means positively identifies said blast operator as an authorized blast operator, said cell phone being caused to adopt or maintain an active state suitable for function as a blast number approval component, whereas if said voice and/or password recognition means does not positively identify said blast operator as an authorized blast operator, said cell phone being caused to adopt or maintain an inactive state unsuitable for function as a blast number approval component.

168. The apparatus of claim 151, wherein said at least one blast number approval component comprises at least one computer having an internal database for storing said approved number of previous blasts, whereby each computer:

receives information from at least one associated blast number assessment component regarding said number of previous blasts prior to said blasting event;

compares said number of previous blasts with said internal database having stored therein said approved number of previous blasts; and

if required generates a decision signal indicative of whether said number of previous blasts is less than said approved number of previous blasts, optionally transmits said decision signal to one or more other components of the apparatus, and if said number of previous blasts is less then said approved number of previous blasts, said decision signal causing said apparatus to maintain or adopt an activate state suitable for actuation of said at least one detonator upon receipt thereby of at least one appropriate command signal from said at least one blasting machine.

169. The apparatus of claim 168, wherein each computer is connected to the internet, and communicates at least in part with said at least one blast number assessment component via the internet.

170. The apparatus of claim 168, wherein each of said at least one blast number assessment component comprises a cell phone network connection means for connecting to a local cell phone network via at least one antenna at or near to a vicinity of the blast site.

171. The apparatus of claim 170, wherein each cell phone network connection means provides for connection of said at least one blast number assessment component to the internet for communication with said at least one computer.

172. The apparatus of claim 170, wherein each computer further comprises biometric recognition means for identifying whether a blast operator using each computer is an authorized blast operator, and if said biometric recognition means positively identifies said blast operator as an authorized blast operator, each computer being caused to adopt or maintain an active state suitable for function as a blast number approval means, whereas if said biometric recognition means does not positively identify said blast operator as an authorized blast operator, each computer being caused to adopt or maintain an inactive state unsuitable for function as a blast number approval means.

173. The apparatus of claim 172, wherein said biometric recognition means analyses a biometric feature of said blast operator selected from the group consisting of:

a fingerprint, a hand, a foot, a face, an iris, a voice, a DNA fingerprint, a skin spectroscopy analysis, and a finger vein pattern analysis.

174. The apparatus of claim 170, wherein each computer further comprises password recognition means for identifying whether a blast operator using the computer is an authorized blast operator, and if said password recognition means positively identifies said blast operator as an authorized blast operator, each computer being caused to adopt or maintain an active state suitable for function as a blast number approval means, whereas if said password recognition means does not positively identify said blast operator as an authorized blast operator, each computer being caused to adopt or maintain an inactive state unsuitable for function as a blast number approval means.

175. The apparatus of claim 174, wherein said password recognition means analyses a password selected from the group consisting of:

a verbal password, and a typed password comprising numeric and/or alphanumeric characters.

177. The apparatus of claim 151, wherein each detonator has assigned thereto a unique identification code, the apparatus further comprising a logging database for logging detonator actuation, and a recordal component for transmitting to the database an actuation signal corresponding to actuation of each detonator, the logging database storing data regarding the place of actuation of each detonator.

178. The apparatus of claim 177, wherein the logging database is integral with the blast number approval component.

179. The apparatus of claim 177, wherein the logging database further records a time for actuation of each detonator.

180. The apparatus of claim 177, wherein the apparatus includes a biometric analyzer for recording at least one biometric feature of a blast operator, the logging database further recording a biometric signature or an identity of the blast operator for each actuated detonator.

181. The apparatus of claim 151, wherein said at least one blast number approval component comprises a computer having an internal database for storing said approved number of previous blasts, whereby said computer:

receives information from at least one associated blast number assessment component regarding said number of previous blasts;

compares said number of previous blasts with said internal database having stored therein said approved number of previous blasts; and

if required generating a decision signal indicative of whether said number of previous blasts is less than said approved number of previous blasts, optionally transmitting said decision signal to one or more other components of the apparatus, and if said number of previous blasts is less then said approved number of previous blasts, said decision signal causing said apparatus to maintain or adopt an activate state suitable for actuation of said at least one detonator upon receipt thereby of at least one appropriate command signal from said at least one blasting machine;

and wherein said computer further comprises said logging database;

and wherein each detonator has assigned thereto a unique identification code, the apparatus further comprises a recordal component for transmitting to the logging database an actuation signal corresponding to actuation of each detonator, the logging database storing data regarding the actuation and the location of actuation of each detonator;

and wherein the logging database further records a time for actuation for each detonator;

and wherein the apparatus further includes at least one biometric analyzer for recording at least one biometric feature of a blast operator, the logging database further recording a biometric signature or an identity of the blast operator for each actuated detonator.

183. The method of claim 2 for controlling at least one detonator at a blast site using an apparatus of claim 151, the method comprising the steps of:

determining via the at least one blast number assessment component a number of previous blasts at said blast site prior to said blasting event;

determining via the blast number approval component whether the number of previous blasts is less than an approved number of previous blasts; and

only if said number of previous blasts is less than an approved number of previous blasts then causing said apparatus to adopt or maintain an active state suitable for actuation of said at least one detonator upon receipt thereby from said at least one blasting machine of at least one command signal to FIRE.

184. The method of claim 183, wherein said number of previous blasts at said blast site as determined by said at least one blast number assessment component comprises a number of previous blasts within a predetermined time period at said blast site.

185. The method of claim 183, wherein each of said at least one blast number assessment component is in association with, and in direct electrical communication with, a corresponding blasting machine.

186. The method of claim 183, wherein each of said at least one blast number assessment component comprises a counter in association with at least one blasting machine.

187. The method of claim 183, wherein each of said at least one blast number approval component is located remote from the blast site.

188. The method of claim 183, wherein each of said at least one blast number approval component includes a memory comprising a database of approved numbers of previous blasts, the step of determining whether said number of previous blasts is less then said approved number of blasts comprising scanning said database.

189. The method of claim 183, wherein each of said at least one blast number approval component is in association with, and in direct electrical communication with, a corresponding blasting machine.

190. The method of claim 189, wherein each of said at least one blast number approval component is in communication with said at least one blasting machine at least in part via wireless communication means.

191. The method of claim 183, wherein said apparatus further comprises a central command station located remote from the blast site, the method further comprising the step of:

causing said central command station to generate and transmit at least one command signal to said at least one blasting machine, and if said at least one command signal includes a command signal to FIRE, and if said apparatus adopts or maintains said active state, said at least one blasting machine relaying said command signal to FIRE to said at least one detonator to cause actuation thereof.

192. The method of claim 191, wherein said at least one blast number approval component is in association with, and direct electrical communication with, said central command station.

193. The method of claim 191, wherein the step of causing said apparatus to adopt or maintain an active state comprises activation of said central command station for transmission of said at least one command signal.

194. The method of claim 183, wherein said apparatus further comprises a central command station located remote from the blast site for transmitting at least one command signal to said at least one blasting machine, and if said blast number approval component determines that said number of previous blasts is equal to or greater than said approved number of previous blasts, the method further comprising the step of:

causing said central command station to shut down such that it is unable to generate and transmit at least one command signal to said at least one blasting machine.

195. The method of claim 183, wherein each of said at least one blast number approval component comprises a cell phone having an internal database having stored therein said approved number of previous blasts and being in wireless communication with said at least one blast number assessment component, either directly or via at least one antenna of a cell phone network, wherein the step of determining via said blast number approval component whether said number of previous blasts is less than said approved number of previous blasts is conducted by each cell phone by the steps of:

receiving information derived from at least one associated blast number assessment component regarding said time;

comparing said number of previous blasts with said internal database; and

if required generating a decision signal indicative of whether said number of previous blasts is less than said approved number of previous blasts, optionally transmitting said decision signal to one or more other components of the apparatus, and if said number of previous blasts is less than said approved number of previous blasts said decision signal causing said apparatus to maintain or adopt said active state.

196. The method of claim 195, further comprising the steps of:

optionally relaying said decision signal via said at least one antenna; and

processing said decision signal by said at least one blast number assessment device and/or said at least one blasting machine and/or said at least one detonator, thereby to selectively activate or deactivate components of the apparatus.

197. The method of claim 195, wherein each of said at least one time assessment component comprises a counter in association with at least one blasting machine.

198. The method of claim 195, wherein each of said cell phone network connection means comprises said at least one cell phone.

199. The method of claim 198, wherein said at least one blast number approval component comprises a single cell phone.

200. The method of claim 199, wherein said single cell phone further includes voice and/or password recognition means, and the method further includes the step of:

identifying with said voice and/or password recognition means whether a blast operator using the cell phone is an authorized blast operator, and if said voice and/or password recognition means positively identifies said blast operator as an authorized blast operator, said cell phone being caused to adopt or maintain an active state suitable for function as a blast number approval means, whereas if said voice and/or password recognition means does not positively identify said blast operator as an authorized blast operator, said cell phone being caused to adopt or maintain an inactive state unsuitable for function as a blast number approval means.

201. The method of claim 183, wherein said at least one blast number approval component comprises at least one computer having an internal database for storing said approved number of previous blasts, the step of determining via said blast number approval component whether said number of previous blasts is less than said approved number of previous blasts being conducted by each computer by the steps of:

receiving information derived from at least one associated blast number assessment component regarding said number of previous blasts;

comparing said number of previous blasts with said internal database; and

if required generating a decision signal indicative of whether said number of previous blasts is less than said approved number of previous blasts, optionally transmitting said decision signal to one or more other components of the blasting apparatus, and if said number of previous blasts is less than said approved number of previous blasts said decision signal causing said apparatus to maintain or adopt said active state.

202. The method of claim 201, wherein each computer is connected to the internet, and receives information said at least one blast number assessment component at least in part via the internet.

203. The method of claim 201, wherein each of said at least one blast number assessment component comprises a cell phone network connection means for connecting to a local cell phone network via at least one antenna at or near to a vicinity of the blast site.

204. The method of claim 203, wherein each cell phone network connection means provides for connection of said at least one blast number assessment component to the internet for communication with said at least one computer.

205. The method of claim 201, wherein each computer further comprises biometric recognition means, the method including the step of:

identifying via said biometric recognition means whether a blast operator using each computer is an authorized blast operator, and

if said biometric recognition means positively identifies said blast operator as an authorized blast operator, causing each computer being to adopt or maintain an active state suitable for function as a blast number approval component, or if said biometric recognition means does not positively identify said blast operator as an authorized blast operator, causing each computer to adopt or maintain an inactive state unsuitable for function as a blast number approval component.

206. The method of claim 205, wherein the step of analyzing comprises scanning a biometric feature selected from the group consisting of:

a fingerprint, a hand, a foot, a face, an iris, a voice, a DNA fingerprint, a skin spectroscopy analysis, and a finger vein pattern.

207. The method of claim 201, wherein each computer further comprises password recognition means, the method further comprising the step of:

identifying via said password recognition means whether a blast operator using each computer is an authorized blast operator, and if said password recognition means positively identifies said blast operator as an authorized blast operator, causing each computer to adopt or maintain an active state suitable for function as a blast number approval component, or if said password recognition means does not positively identify said blast operator as an authorized blast operator, causing each computer to adopt or maintain an inactive state unsuitable for function as a blast number approval component.

208. The method of claim 207, wherein the step of identifying via said password recognition means comprises analyzing a password selected from the group consisting of:

a verbal password, and a typed password comprising numeric and/or alphanumeric characters.

209. The method of claim 183, the blasting apparatus further comprising a location assessment component for determining a geographical location of the blast site and a location approval component for confirming whether the geographical location is an approved location for blasting, the method further comprising the step of:

checking via said location assessment component and said location approval component that a location for said blasting event corresponds with an approved location, said apparatus being able to cause actuation of said at least one detonator upon receipt by said at least one detonator from said at least one blasting machine of at least one command signal to FIRE, only if said geographical location and any of said at least one approved location correspond, and further if said number of previous blasts is less than an approved number of previous blasts.

210. The method of claim 183, wherein each detonator has assigned thereto a unique identification code, the apparatus further comprising a logging database for logging detonator actuation, and a recordal component for transmitting to the database an actuation signal corresponding to actuation of each detonator, the method further comprising the step of:

storing in the logging database data received from the recordal component corresponding to the time of actuation of each detonator.

211. The method of claim 210, wherein the logging database is integral with the blast number approval means.

212. The method of claim 210, wherein the step of storing further comprises recording on the logging database a location for actuation of each detonator.

213. The method of claim 210, wherein the apparatus further comprises a biometric analyzer for recording at least one biometric feature of a blast operator, the step of storing further comprising recording on the logging database a biometric signature or an identity of the blast operator for each actuated detonator.

214. The method of claim 183, wherein said at least one blast number approval component comprises at least one computer having an internal database for storing said approved number of previous blasts, the step of determining via said blast number approval component whether said number of previous blasts is less than said approved number of previous blasts being conducted by each computer by the steps of:

receiving information derived from at least one associated blast number assessment component regarding said number of previous blasts;

comparing said number of previous blasts with said internal database; and

if required generating a decision signal indicative of whether said number of previous blasts is less than an approved number of previous blasts, optionally transmitting said decision signal to one or more other components of the blasting apparatus, and if said number of previous blasts is less than said approved number of previous blasts said decision signal causing said apparatus to maintain or adopt said active state;

and wherein each detonator has assigned thereto a unique identification code, the apparatus further comprising a logging database for logging detonator actuation, and a recordal component for transmitting to the database an actuation signal corresponding to actuation of each detonator, the method further comprising the step of;

storing in the logging database data received from the recordal component corresponding to the time of actuation of each detonator;

and wherein the apparatus further includes at least one biometric analyzer for recording at least one biometric feature of a blast operator, the logging database further recording a biometric signature or an identity of the blast operator for each actuated detonator.

215. The blasting apparatus of claim 151, wherein the at least one blast number assessment component communicates with the at least one blast number approval component at least in part via satellite communication means.

216. The blasting apparatus of claim 215, wherein the at least one blast number approval component is a computer connected to the internet, and communicates with the at least one blast number approval component at least in part via the internet.

217. The method of claim 183, wherein the at least one blast number assessment component communicates with the at least one blast number approval component at least in part via satellite communication means.

218. The method of claim 217, wherein the at least one blast number approval component is a computer connected to the internet, and communicates with the at least one blast number approval component at least in part via the internet.

219. The apparatus of claim 1 for controlling actuation of at least one detonator for a blasting event at a blast site, each detonator having assigned thereto an identification code:

said at least one parameter assessment component comprising at least one detonator identification code assessment component for determining or storing at least one detonator identification code of at least one detonator;

said at least one parameter approval component comprising at least one detonator identification code approval component, for comparing said at least one detonator identification code of said at least one detonator with at least one approved detonator identification code;

each of said at least one detonator being actuatable upon receipt from said at least one blasting machine of at least one command signal to FIRE, and/or said blasting machine being able to transmit a command signal to FIRE to each detonator, only if a detonator identification code for the detonator and any of said at least one approved detonator identification codes correspond.

220. The apparatus of claim 219 further comprising a location assessment component, each detonator identification code being assigned to a designated location, said blasting apparatus being unable to cause detonator actuation and/or each detonator being unresponsive to said blasting machine if said blasting apparatus or at least one component thereof, or said at least one detonator, is determined by said location assessment component to be in a location other than said designated location.

221. The apparatus of claim 219 further comprising a time assessment component, each detonator identification code being assigned to a designated time or time window, said blasting apparatus being unable to cause detonator actuation and/or each detonator being unresponsive to an associated blasting machine if said time or time window is determined by said time assessment component to include a time other than said designated time or time window.

222. The apparatus of claim 219 further comprising a blast operator assessment component, each detonator identification code being assigned to a designated blast operator, said blasting apparatus being unable to cause detonator actuation and/or each detonator being unresponsive to an associated blasting machine, if a blast operator is determined by said blast operator assessment component to be a blast operator other than said designated blast operator.

223. The apparatus of claim 1, for controlling actuation of at least one detonator for a blasting event at a blast site, each detonator having assigned thereto an identification code, the apparatus further comprising:

at least one detonator identification code assessment component for determining or storing at least one detonator identification code of at least one detonator; and

at least one detonator identification code approval component, for comparing said at least one detonator identification code of said at least one detonator with at least one approved detonator identification code;

each of said at least one detonator being actuatable upon receipt from said at least one blasting machine of at least one command signal to FIRE, and/or said blasting machine being able to transmit a command signal to FIRE to each detonator, only if a detonator identification code for the detonator and any of said at least one approved detonator identification codes correspond.

2. A method of controlling a blasting event at a blast site with a blasting apparatus, the blast site having positioned therein at least one detonator and associated explosive charges, each detonator being adapted to receive via direct electrical connection or wireless communication command signals transmitted or relayed by at least one associated blasting machine, the method comprising:

determining a parameter for said blasting apparatus or a component thereof;

determining whether the parameter matches at least one approved parameter, and

if said parameter corresponds to at least one approved parameter then causing said at least one detonator or at least one component of the blasting apparatus to adopt or maintain an active state suitable for actuation of said at least one detonator.

39. A method of claim 2 for controlling a blasting event at a blast site having positioned therein at least one detonator and optionally associated therewith explosive charges, each detonator being adapted to receive via direct electrical connection or wireless communication command signals transmitted or relayed by at least one associated blasting machine, the method comprising:

determining a geographical location of said at least one blasting machine, and/or said at least one detonator;

determining whether the geographical location matches at least one approved location; and

only if said geographical location matches at least one approved location then causing said at least one detonator or at least one associated component to adopt or maintain an active state suitable for actuation of said at least one detonator.

40. A method of controlling at least one detonator at a blast site according to claim 2, using an apparatus of claim 3, the method comprising the steps of:

determining via the at least one location assessment component a geographical location of said at least one blasting machine, and/or said at least one detonator;

determining via the location approval component whether the geographical location matches any of said at least one approved location; and

only if said geographical location matches at least one approved location then causing said apparatus to adopt or maintain an active state suitable for actuation of said at least one detonator upon receipt thereby from said at least one blasting machine of at least one command signal to FIRE.

41. The method of claim 40, wherein said at least one approved location comprises a plurality of approved locations to define an area of said blast site, within which actuation of said at least one detonator may proceed upon receipt by said at least one detonator of said at least one command signal to FIRE.

42. The method of claim 40, wherein each of said at least one location assessment component is in association with, and in direct electrical communication with, a corresponding blasting machine.

43. The method of claim 40, wherein each of said at least one location assessment component comprises a global positioning system (GPS) device or a local positioning system (LPS) device in association with at least one detonator and/or at least one blasting machine, said step of determining a geographical location comprising receipt and processing by said GPS device or LPS device of appropriate GPS or LPS signals.

44. The method of claim 40, wherein each of said at least one location assessment component comprises cell phone network connection means for connecting to a cell phone network via at least one antenna of the cell phone network at or near to a vicinity of the blast site, wherein said step of determining said geographical location comprises:

analyzing a known geographical location of each of said at least one antenna.

45. The method of claim 40, wherein each of said at least one location approval component is located remote from the blast site.

46. The method of claim 40, wherein each of said at least one location approval component includes a memory comprising a database of approved locations, the step of determining whether said geographical location matches at least one approved location comprising scanning said database for a match.

47. The method of claim 40, wherein each of said at least one location approval component is in association with, and in direct electrical communication with, a corresponding blasting machine.

48. The method of claim 45, wherein each of said at least one location approval component is in communication with said at least one blasting machine at least in part via wireless communication means.

49. The method of claim 40, wherein said apparatus further comprises a central command station located remote from the blast site, the method further comprising the step of:

causing said central command station to generate and transmit at least one command signal to said at least one blasting machine, and if said at least one command signal includes a command signal to FIRE, and if said apparatus adopts or maintains said active state, said at least one blasting machine relaying said command signal to FIRE to said at least one detonator to cause actuation thereof.

50. The method of claim 49, wherein said at least one location approval component is in association with, and direct electrical communication with, said central command station.

51. The method of claim 49, wherein the step of causing said apparatus to adopt or maintain an active state comprises activation of said central command station for transmission of said at least one command signal.

52. The method of claim 40, wherein said apparatus further comprises a central command station located remote from the blast site for transmitting at least one command signal to said at least one blasting machine, and if said location approval component is unable to determine that said geographical location matches said at least one approved location, or if said location approval component determines that said geographical location is a forbidden location for a blasting event, the method further comprising the step of:

causing said central command station to shut down such that it is unable to generate and transmit at least one command signal to said at least one blasting machine.

53. The method of claim 40, wherein each of said at least one location approval component comprises a cell phone having an internal database having stored therein said at least one approved location and being in wireless communication with said at least one location assessment component, either directly or via at least one antenna of a cell phone network, wherein the step of determining via said location approval component whether said geographical location matches said at least one approved location is conducted by each cell phone by the steps of:

receiving information derived from at least one associated location assessment component regarding said geographical location;

comparing said geographical location with said internal database; and

if required

generating a decision signal indicative of whether said geographical location and any of said at least one approved location correspond, and optionally transmitting said decision signal to one or more other components of the apparatus, and if said geographical location and any of said at least one approved locations correspond said decision signal causing said apparatus to maintain or adopt said active state.

54. The method of claim 53, further comprising the steps of:

optionally relaying said decision signal via said at least one antenna; and

processing said decision signal by said at least one location assessment device and/or said at least one blasting machine and/or said at least one detonator, thereby to selectively activate or deactivate components of the apparatus.

55. The method of claim 53, wherein each of said at least one location assessment component comprises a cell phone network connection means for connecting to said cell phone network via at least one antenna at or near to a vicinity of the blast site, and wherein the step determining a geographical location comprises analyzing a known geographical location for each of said at least one antenna.

56. The method of claim 55, wherein each of said at least one location assessment component comprises a global positioning system (GPS) device or a local positioning system (LPS) device in association with at least one detonator and/or at least one blasting machine, said step of determining a geographical location comprising receipt and processing by said GPS device or LPS device of appropriate GPS or LPS signals.

57. The method of claim 55, wherein each of said cell phone network connection means comprises said at least one cell phone.

58. The method of claim 53, wherein said at least one location approval component comprises a single cell phone.

59. The method of claim 58, wherein said single cell phone further includes voice and/or password recognition means, and the method further includes the step of:

identifying with said voice and/or password recognition means whether a blast operator using the cell phone is an authorized blast operator, and if said voice and/or password recognition means positively identifies said blast operator as an authorized blast operator, said cell phone being caused to adopt or maintain an active state suitable for function as a location approval means, whereas if said voice and/or password recognition means does not positively identify said blast operator as an authorized blast operator, said cell phone being caused to adopt or maintain an inactive state unsuitable for function as a location approval means.

60. The method of claim 40, wherein said at least one location approval component comprises at least one computer having an internal database for storing said at least one approved location, the step of determining via said location approval component whether said geographical location matches said at least one approved location being conducted by each computer by the steps of:

receiving information derived from at least one associated location assessment component regarding said geographical location;

comparing said geographical location with said internal database; and

if required

generating a decision signal indicative of whether said geographical location and any of said at least one approved location correspond, optionally transmitting said decision signal to one or more other components of the apparatus, and if said geographical location and any of said at least one approved locations correspond said decision signal causing said apparatus to maintain or adopt said active state.

61. The method of claim 60, wherein each computer is connected to the internet, and receives information from said at least one location assessment component at least in part via the internet.

62. The method of claim 60, wherein each of said at least one location assessment component comprises a cell phone network connection means for connecting to a local cell phone network via at least one antenna at or near to a vicinity of the blast site.

63. The method of claim 62, wherein said step of determining said geographical location comprises:

analyzing a known geographical location of each of said at least one antenna.

64. The method of claim 62, wherein each cell phone network connection means provides for connection of said at least one location assessment component to the internet for communication with said at least one computer.

65. The method of claim 60, wherein each of said location assessment component comprises a global positioning system (GPS) device or a local positioning system (LPS) device in association with at least one detonator and/or at least one blasting machine, each GPS device or LPS device determining said geographical location through receipt of GPS or LPS signals.

66. The method of claim 60, wherein said computer further comprises biometric recognition means, the method including the step of:

identifying via said biometric recognition means whether a blast operator using the computer is an authorized blast operator, and

if said biometric recognition means positively identifies said blast operator as an authorized blast operator, causing said computer being to adopt or maintain an active state suitable for function as a location approval means, or if said biometric recognition means does not positively identify said blast operator as an authorized blast operator, causing said computer to adopt or maintain an inactive state unsuitable for function as a location approval means.

67. The method of claim 66, wherein the step of analyzing comprises scanning a biometric feature selected from the group consisting of:

a fingerprint, a hand, a foot, a face, an iris, a voice, a DNA fingerprint, a skin spectroscopy analysis, and a finger vein pattern.

68. The method of claim 60, wherein said computer further comprises password recognition means, the method further comprising the step of:

identifying via said password recognition means whether a blast operator using the computer is an authorized blast operator, and if said password recognition means positively identifies said blast operator as an authorized blast operator, causing said computer to adopt or maintain an active state suitable for function as a location approval means, or if said password recognition means does not positively identify said blast operator as an authorized blast operator, causing said computer to adopt or maintain an inactive state unsuitable for function as a location approval means.

69. The method of claim 68, wherein the step of identifying via said password recognition means comprises analyzing a password selected from the group consisting of:

a verbal password, and a typed password comprising numeric and/or alphanumeric characters.

70. The method of claim 40, the blasting apparatus further comprising a blasting event time approval means, the method further comprising the step of:

checking via said blasting event time approval means that a time for said blasting event corresponds with a pre-specified time window for said blasting event, said apparatus being able to cause actuation of said at least one detonator upon receipt by said at least one detonator from said at least one blasting machine of at least one command signal to FIRE, only if said geographical location and any of said at least one approved location correspond, and further if said time for said blasting event corresponds with said pre-specified time window for said blasting event.

71. The method of claim 40, wherein each detonator has assigned thereto a unique identification code, the apparatus further comprising a logging database for logging detonator actuation, and a recordal component for transmitting to the database an actuation signal corresponding to actuation of each detonator, the method further comprising the step of:

storing in the logging database data received from the recordal component corresponding to the place of actuation of each detonator.

72. The method of claim 71, wherein the logging database is integral with the location approval means.

73. The method of claim 71, wherein the step of storing further comprises recording on the logging database a time for actuation of each detonator.

74. The method of claim 71, wherein the apparatus further comprises a biometric analyzer for recording at least one biometric feature of a blast operator, the step of storing further comprising recording on the logging database a biometric signature or an identity of the blast operator for each actuated detonator or a blasting event.

75. The method of claim 40, wherein said at least one location approval component comprises at least one computer having an internal database for storing said at least one approved location, the step of determining via said location approval component whether said geographical location matches said at least one approved location being conducted by each computer by the steps of:

receiving information derived from at least one associated location assessment component regarding said geographical location;

comparing said geographical location with said internal database; and

if required

generating a decision signal indicative of whether said geographical location and any of said at least one approved location correspond, optionally transmitting said decision signal to one or more other components of the apparatus, and if said geographical location and any of said at least one approved locations correspond said decision signal causing said apparatus to maintain or adopt said active state;

and wherein each detonator has assigned thereto a unique identification code, the apparatus further comprising a logging database for logging detonator actuation, and a recordal component for transmitting to the database an actuation signal corresponding to actuation of each detonator, the method further comprising the step of;

storing in the logging database data received from the recordal component corresponding to the place and time of actuation of each detonator;

and wherein the apparatus further includes at least one biometric analyzer for recording at least one biometric feature of a blast operator, the logging database further recording a biometric signature or an identity of the blast operator for each actuated detonator.

80. The method of claim 40, wherein the at least one location assessment component communicates with the at least one location approval component at least in part via satellite communication means.

81. The method of claim 80, wherein the at least one location approval component is a computer connected to the internet, and communicates with the at least one location approval component at least in part via the internet.

82. The method of claim 40, wherein the at least one location assessment component comprises at least one GPS device or an LPS device located at the blast site that determines said geographical location through receipt of GPS signals or LPS signals.

114. The method of claim 2 for controlling a blasting event at a blast site having positioned therein at least one detonator and associated explosive charges, each detonator being adapted to receive via direct electrical connection or wireless communication command signals transmitted or relayed by at least one associated blasting machine, the method comprising:

determining a time for said blasting event;

determining whether the time matches at least one approved time, and

only if said time matches at least one approved time then causing said at least one detonator or at least one associated component to adopt or maintain an active state suitable for actuation of said at least one detonator.

115. The method of claim 2 for controlling at least one detonator at a blast site using an apparatus of claim 83, the method comprising the steps of:

determining via the at least one time assessment component a time of said blasting event;

determining via the time approval component whether the time matches any of at least one approved time; and

only if said time matches at least one approved time then causing said apparatus to adopt or maintain an active state suitable for actuation of said at least one detonator upon receipt thereby from said at least one blasting machine of at least one command signal to FIRE.

116. The method of claim 115, wherein said at least one approved time comprises consecutive approved times to define a time window, within which actuation of said at least one detonator may proceed upon receipt by said at least one detonator of said at least one command signal to FIRE.

117. The method of claim 115, wherein each of said at least one time assessment component is in association with, and in direct electrical communication with, a corresponding blasting machine.

118. The method of claim 115, wherein each of said at least one time assessment component comprises a crystal clock in association with at least one detonator and/or at least one blasting machine.

119. The method of claim 115, wherein each of said at least one time approval component is located remote from the blast site.

120. The method of claim 115, wherein each of said at least one time approval component includes a memory comprising a database of approved times, the step of determining whether said time matches at least one approved time comprising scanning said database for a match.

121. The method of claim 115, wherein each of said at least one time approval component is in association with, and in direct electrical communication with, a corresponding blasting machine.

122. The method of claim 119, wherein each of said at least one time approval component is in communication with said at least one blasting machine at least in part via wireless communication means.

123. The method of claim 115, wherein said apparatus further comprises a central command station located remote from the blast site, the method further comprising the step of:

causing said central command station to generate and transmit at least one command signal to said at least one blasting machine, and if said at least one command signal includes a command signal to FIRE, and if said apparatus adopts or maintains said active state, said at least one blasting machine relaying said command signal to FIRE to said at least one detonator to cause actuation thereof.

124. The method of claim 123, wherein said at least one time approval component is in association with, and direct electrical communication with, said central command station.

125. The method of claim 123, wherein the step of causing said apparatus to adopt or maintain an active state comprises activation of said central command station for transmission of said at least one command signal.

126. The method of claim 115, wherein said apparatus further comprises a central command station located remote from the blast site for transmitting at least one command signal to said at least one blasting machine, and if said time approval component is unable to determine that said time matches said at least one approved time, or if said time approval component determines that said time is a forbidden time for a blasting event, the method further comprising the step of:

causing said central command station to shut down such that it is unable to generate and transmit at least one command signal to said at least one blasting machine.

127. The method of claim 115, wherein each of said at least one time approval component comprises a cell phone having an internal database having stored therein said at least one approved time and being in wireless communication with said at least one time assessment component, either directly or via at least one antenna of a cell phone network, wherein the step of determining via said time approval component whether said time matches said at least one approved time is conducted by each cell phone by the steps of:

receiving information derived from at least one associated time assessment component regarding said time;

comparing said time with said internal database; and

if required

generating a decision signal indicative of whether said time and any of said at least one approved times correspond, optionally transmitting said decision signal to one or more other components of the apparatus, and if said time and any of said at least one approved times correspond said decision signal causing said apparatus to maintain or adopt said active state.

128. The method of claim 127, further comprising the steps of:

optionally relaying said decision signal via said at least one antenna; and

processing said decision signal by said at least one time assessment device and/or said at least one blasting machine and/or said at least one detonator, thereby to selectively activate or deactivate components of the apparatus.

129. The method of claim 127, wherein each of said at least one time assessment component comprises a crystal clock in association with at least one detonator and/or at least one blasting machine.

130. The method of claim 127, wherein each of said cell phone network connection means comprises said at least one cell phone.

131. The method of claim 130, wherein said at least one time approval component comprises a single cell phone.

132. The method of claim 131, wherein said single cell phone further includes voice and/or password recognition means, and the method further includes the step of:

identifying with said voice and/or password recognition means whether a blast operator using the cell phone is an authorized blast operator, and if said voice and/or password recognition means positively identifies said blast operator as an authorized blast operator, said cell phone being caused to adopt or maintain an active state suitable for function as a time approval means, whereas if said voice and/or password recognition means does not positively identify said blast operator as an authorized blast operator, said cell phone being caused to adopt or maintain an inactive state unsuitable for function as a time approval means.

133. The method of claim 115, wherein said at least one time approval component comprises at least one computer having an internal database for storing said at least one approved time, the step of determining via said time approval component whether said time matches said at least one approved time being conducted by each computer by the steps of:

receiving information derived from at least one associated time assessment component regarding said time;

comparing said time with said internal database; and

if required

generating a decision signal indicative of whether said time and any of said at least one approved times correspond, optionally transmitting the decision signal to one or more other components of the apparatus, and if said time and any of said at least one approved times correspond said decision signal causing said apparatus to maintain or adopt said active state.

134. The method of claim 133, wherein each computer is connected to the internet, and receives information from said at least one time assessment component at least in part via the internet.

135. The method of claim 133, wherein each of said at least one time assessment component comprises a cell phone network connection means for connecting to a local cell phone network via at least one antenna at or near to a vicinity of the blast site.

136. The method of claim 135, wherein each cell phone network connection means provides for connection of said at least one time assessment component to the internet for communication with said at least one computer.

137. The method of claim 133, wherein each computer further comprises biometric recognition means, the method including the step of:

identifying via said biometric recognition means whether a blast operator using the computer is an authorized blast operator, and

if said biometric recognition means positively identifies said blast operator as an authorized blast operator, causing each computer being to adopt or maintain an active state suitable for function as a time approval means, or if each biometric recognition means does not positively identify said blast operator as an authorized blast operator, causing each computer to adopt or maintain an inactive state unsuitable for function as a time approval means.

138. The method of claim 137, wherein the step of analyzing comprises scanning a biometric feature selected from the group consisting of:

a fingerprint, a hand, a foot, a face, an iris, a voice, a DNA fingerprint, a skin spectroscopy analysis and a finger vein pattern.

139. The method of claim 133, wherein each computer further comprises password recognition means, the method further comprising the step of:

identifying via said password recognition means whether a blast operator using each computer is an authorized blast operator, and if said password recognition means positively identifies said blast operator as an authorized blast operator, causing each computer to adopt or maintain an active state suitable for function as a time approval means, or if said password recognition means does not positively identify said blast operator as an authorized blast operator, causing each computer to adopt or maintain an inactive state unsuitable for function as a time approval means.

140. The method of claim 139, wherein the step of identifying via said password recognition means comprises analyzing a password selected from the group consisting of:

a verbal password, and a typed password comprising numeric and/or alphanumeric characters.

141. The method of claim 115, the blasting apparatus further comprising a location assessment component for determining a geographical location of the blast site and a location approval component for confirming whether the geographical location is an approved location for blasting, the method further comprising the step of:

checking via said location assessment component and said location approval component that a location for said blasting event corresponds with an approved location, said apparatus being able to cause actuation of said at least one detonator upon receipt by said at least one detonator from said at least one blasting machine of at least one command signal to FIRE, only if said geographical location and any of said at least one approved location correspond, and further if said time for said blasting event corresponds with an approved time for said blasting event.

142. The method of claim 115, wherein each detonator has assigned thereto a unique identification code, the apparatus further comprising a logging database for logging detonator actuation, and a recordal component for transmitting to the database an actuation signal corresponding to actuation of each detonator, the method further comprising the step of:

storing in the logging database data received from the recordal component corresponding to the time of actuation of each detonator.

143. The method of claim 142, wherein the logging database is integral with the time approval means.

144. The method of claim 142, wherein the step of storing further comprises recording on the logging database a location for actuation of each detonator.

145. The method of claim 142, wherein the apparatus further comprises a biometric analyzer for recording at least one biometric feature of a blast operator, the step of storing further comprising recording on the logging database a biometric signature or an identity of the blast operator for each actuated detonator.

146. The method of claim 115, wherein said at least one time approval component comprises at least one computer having an internal database for storing said at least one approved time, the step of determining via said time approval component whether said time matches said at least one approved time being conducted by each computer by the steps of:

receiving information derived from at least one associated time assessment component regarding said time;

comparing said time with said internal database; and

if required

generating a decision signal indicative of whether said time and any of said at least one approved time correspond, optionally transmitting said decision signal to one or more other components of the apparatus, and if said time and any of said at least one approved times correspond said decision signal causing said apparatus to maintain or adopt said active state;

and wherein each detonator has assigned thereto a unique identification code, the apparatus further comprising a logging database for logging detonator actuation, and a recordal component for transmitting to the database an actuation signal corresponding to actuation of each detonator, the method further comprising the step of;

storing in the logging database data received from the recordal component corresponding to the time of actuation of each detonator;

and wherein the apparatus further includes at least one biometric analyzer for recording at least one biometric feature of a blast operator, the logging database further recording a biometric signature or an identity of the blast operator for each actuated detonator.

149. The method of claim 115, wherein the at least one time assessment component communicates with the at least one time approval component at least in part via satellite communication means.

150. The method of claim 149, wherein the at least one time approval component is a computer connected to the internet, and communicates with the at least one time approval component at least in part via the internet.

176. The apparatus of claim 115, further comprising a location assessment component and a location approval component for checking that a location for said blasting event corresponds with an approved location for said blasting event, said apparatus being able to cause actuation of said at least one detonator upon receipt by said at least one detonator from said at least one blasting machine of at least one command signal to FIRE, only if said geographical location and any of said at least one approved location correspond, and further if said number of previous blasts is less than said approved number of previous blasts.

182. The method of claim 2 for controlling a blasting event at a blast site having positioned therein at least one detonator and associated explosive charges, each detonator being adapted to receive via direct electrical connection or wireless communication command signals transmitted or relayed by at least one associated blasting machine, the method comprising:

determining a number of previous blasts at said blast site prior to said blasting event;

determining whether the number of previous blasts is less than an approved number of previous blasts, and

only if said the number of previous blasts is less than an approved number of previous blasts then causing said at least one detonator or at least one associated component to adopt or maintain an active state suitable for actuation of said at least one detonator.

224. A method of controlling at least one detonator at a blast site according to claim 2, using an apparatus of claim 219, the method comprising the steps of:

determining via the at least one detonator identification code assessment component an identification code for each detonator; and

determining via the at least one detonator identification code approval component whether the identification code for each detonator matches any of said at least one approved detonator identification codes;

each of said at least one detonator being actuatable upon receipt from said at least one blasting machine of at least one command signal to FIRE, and/or said blasting machine being able to transmit a command signal to FIRE to each detonator, only if a detonator identification code for the detonator and any of said at least one approved detonator identification codes correspond.

225. The method of claim 224, the apparatus further comprising a location assessment component, the method comprising the step of:

determining via said location assessment component a location of said apparatus, a component thereof, or said at least one detonator;

each detonator identification code being assigned to a designated location, said blasting apparatus being unable to cause detonator actuation and/or each detonator being unresponsive to said blasting machine if said blasting apparatus or at least one component thereof, or said at least one detonator, is determined by said location assessment component to be in a location other than a designated location.

226. The method of claim 224, the apparatus further comprising a time assessment component, the method further comprising the step of:

determining via said time assessment component a time or time window for said blasting event;

each detonator identification code being assigned to a designated time or time window, said blasting apparatus being unable to cause detonator actuation and/or each detonator being unresponsive to an associated blasting machine if said time or time window is determined by said time assessment component to include a time other than a designated time or time window.

227. The method of claim 224, the apparatus further comprising a blast operator assessment component, the method further comprising the step of:

determining via said blast operator assessment component an identification of a blast operator;

each detonator identification code being assigned to a designated blast operator, said blasting apparatus being unable to cause detonator actuation and/or each detonator being unresponsive to an associated blasting machine, if a blast operator is determined by said blast operator assessment component to be a blast operator other than a designated blast operator.

228. The method of claim 2, for controlling actuation of at least one detonator for a blasting event at a blast site, each detonator having assigned thereto an identification code, the apparatus further comprising:

at least one detonator identification code assessment component and at least one detonator identification code approval component, the method further comprising the steps of;

determining via said at least one detonator identification code assessment means at least one detonator identification code of said at least one detonator; and

comparing via said at least one detonator identification code approval means said at least one detonator identification code with at least one approved detonator identification code;

each of said at least one detonator being actuatable upon receipt from said at least one blasting machine of at least one command signal to FIRE, and/or said blasting machine being able to transmit a command signal to FIRE to each detonator, only if a detonator identification code for the detonator and any of said at least one approved detonator identification codes correspond.