What is a key purpose of using a detonating cord in mining?

The key purpose of using a detonating cord in mining is to connect blasting caps for detonation. This cord serves as a reliable means of initiating explosives, providing a safe and efficient way to trigger multiple blasting caps simultaneously. Detonating cord is typically made of a flexible plastic tubing filled with high explosives, allowing it to transmit a detonating wave quickly and effectively. This feature is crucial in controlled blasting operations, where precise timing and sequencing are essential for optimal fragmentation of the rock, safety, and minimizing environmental impacts.

Other choices present functions that are not directly related to the use of detonating cord. Stabilizing rock formations involves different techniques such as shotcrete or rock bolts rather than explosive detonation. Ventilating underground spaces is typically managed through ventilation systems and air quality control methods, not through detonation. Drilling holes into coal seams is a separate process that involves drilling equipment and does not utilize detonating cord, which is specifically meant for explosive detonation usage.