• TECHNOLOGY
Emulsion explosives are our forte , and the safety advantages are well-known – as the emulsion is not explosive until it is activated in the blasthole . Through ongoing research and development , we achieve emulsions that can endure the often-lengthy transportation and storage periods demanded by remote mining locations around Africa .
Indeed , BME was also a blasting pioneer in Africa , being the first explosives company to be licensed in countries like Mauritania and Sierra Leone . This contribution was not just commercial and technical , but regulatory . Our experience meant we could assist government authorities there in the drafting of legislation that would pave the way for the safe and responsible application of explosives .
Reputation and risk The mining sector ’ s environmental , social and governance ( ESG ) focus also applies to mines ’ supply chains , making every partner jointly responsible for their customers ’ sustainability performance .
Security of blasting supplies is a cornerstone of efficient production .
This extends to their reputational risk , and demands that companies like BME align with the exacting ESG standards of their mining customers .
Systems and protocols are therefore critical across the supply chain , especially in the fields of safety and sustainability . Through our daily commitment to our Safety for Life brand , BME successfully achieved one of its key safety targets – a zero recordable case rate ( RCR ).
Suiting the mines platform A vital aspect of the digital disruption underway in mining is the range of technologies being independently developed , which in the end have to be applied on a mine site in conjunction with existing or other platforms . This makes it critical that technology partners have the depth of in-house digital expertise to ensure that any technology-based solution suits the customer ’ s preferences and systems . BME takes this interoperability seriously , with a highly skilled team of developers who understand not just the technology but the application .
The range of mechanical , chemical , electronic and digital technologies being developed and applied in the blasting sector are substantial – and these are all making a valuable contribution to positive disruption on various fronts within the mining industry . What we need to remember , though , is that all this progress must be generated from a secure supply base from which we can meet the mining industry ’ s daily requirements for efficient operations . •
46 • African Mining • January 2024 www . africanmining . co . za