Tracking the Usage Patterns of Explosives Devices from Birth to Death: A Case of the Inspectorate Division of Minerals Commission, Ghana*

Abstract

The Inspectorate Division of the Minerals Commission in Ghana plays a pivotal role in overseeing the safe and responsible usage of explosive devices within the Ghanaian mining industry. The proper management of explosives devices in the Ghanaian mining industry is a challenge. Lack of absolute control has caused several incidents and accidents in mining communities of Ghana. This study sought to develop a comprehensive tracking system, called Harmonised Explosive Management System (HEMS), for the usage patterns of explosive devices throughout their lifecycle within the jurisdiction of the Inspectorate Division of Ghana. The implementation of the robust tracking system will enhance regulatory oversight, ensure compliance with safety standards, and contribute to the sustainable and secure management of explosive materials in the mining sector. The procedure used involved a multi-faceted approach including data collection, analysis,  stakeholder  engagement and  system  design. Data was garnered from regulatory records, industry reports, and field inspections for developing the HEMS. A systematic software development approach was adopted to design and deploy the management system. The study investigated the complete lifecycle of explosive devices, starting from the point of acquisition by mining, quarrying, civil and oil and gas companies to their eventual disposal or demilitarization. Factors influencing usage patterns, such as geological conditions, mining practices, and regulatory compliance, were considered and analyzed to identify trends and potential areas for improvement. After deploying the software, the results revealed that, the proposed system was able to take inventory of all explosive devices imported or manufactured in the country, track their usage patterns, ensure compliance, and effectively extend the monitoring arm of the Inspectorate Division.