TECHNOLOGY •
Blasting can significantly reduce the cost and energy consumption of downstream phases .
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BME MD Ralf Hennecke .
industry to embrace digital solutions – so that business could continue in a non-contact environment where remote working became mainstream .
Secure supply chain While few people could have foreseen the pandemic and its consequences , BME ’ s momentum in the digital space had put us in an advantageous position . Our systems were quickly able to respond to working remotely where necessary , and our robust supply chain ensured that all customers remained well serviced . In fact , even with our extensive footprint into some of the most remote parts of Africa , none of our customers experienced a stockout during those difficult lockdown periods .
It is interesting to note that Covid-19 , while spurring on technological progress , also led mining companies to temporarily re-assess their priorities – and to undergo a back-to-basics phase of ensuring that supply chains were solid . Security of blasting supplies is a cornerstone of efficient production , and we were pleased to never disappoint – especially with our access to Omnia ’ s wellresourced chemical plants .
These advances have in fact been decades in the making , but certain aspects have accelerated in recent years with the progress being forged in the digital space . As one of the first stages in the mining process , blasting has the capacity to significantly reduce the cost and energy consumption of downstream phases . This supports not only cost control over rising electricity costs , but mines ’ growing focus on sustainability and reducing carbon emissions as well .
As part of the JSE-listed Omnia group – which celebrated its 70th anniversary last year – BME has been an active player in pushing the boundaries of technology and disrupting the business-as-usual approach . The Covid-19 pandemic certainly encouraged every
Innovating a sustainable future Since the pandemic , there has been a welcome return to mining ’ s embrace of the latest blasting technologies and innovations . We have seen this willingness , for instance , in the enthusiastic uptake of our latest-generation electronic initiation system – AXXIS Titanium . Our continuous development of this brand is in direct response to what mines seek from their technology partners : better safety , more productivity , sustainable solutions and real-time data through which to control and improve processes .
The transition to electronic detonation systems – especially over the past decade or more – has transformed the quality and reliability of blasting . The accuracy of the timing delays means that blasts can be
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