Initiation of blasting

A system for the initiation of blasting which comprises:

• an initial shock tube having, at one end thereof, an initiator connected thereto for the initiation of a detonation therein which propagates along its interior;
• a connection device for connecting the initial shock tube, at a position remote from the initiator, to a plurality of further shock tubes and for transferring the detonation from the initial shock tube to the further shock tubes;
• said plurality of further shock tubes for connection by the connection device to the initial shock tube, each for receiving a detonation transferred from the initial shock tube thereto by the connection device and for propagating the detonation to a charge of explosive in a borehole,
• said connection device is an assembly wherein a high explosive charge is a detonator with an end connected to the end of the initial shock tube, at the end of the initial shock tube remote from the initiator, the assembly comprising a securing strap for strapping each said further shock tubes to the detonator, whereby said further shock tubes are circumferentially disposed around the detonator, and extends alongside the detonator and initial shock tube substantially parallel thereto;
• wherein said assembly includes a stem fast with the detonator of said assembly, said stem projecting axially away from an end of the detonator remote from the initial shock tube, said stem having an end remote from the detonator fast with a floor of a cup for receiving said ends of said further shock tubes, said remote end of the stem being located at a radially interior central position of said cup,
• the connection device comprising said high explosive charge for connection to, and initiation by, said initial shock tube at a position remote from the initiator, and means for holding a plurality of said further shock tubes in close proximity to said high explosive charge whereby said further shock tubes are held by said connection device, said further shock tubes parallel to said initial shock tube where said initial shock tube is connected to the high explosive charge and spaced radially therefrom, and so that any transfer of a detonation from said initial shock tube to the further shock tubes takes place in a direction which is radial relative to the initial shock tube and radial relative to the further shock tubes.