In the stope
Block preparation for an Axxis blast.
Images courtesy of BME
Will blasting remain relevant in a world where technology continues to interrupt traditional ways of doing things? Do you think mining and specifically blasting will be disrupted and how are blasting companies countering and preparing for the‘ fourth revolution’?
The fourth revolution has already arrived in the mining industry in the form of digital technologies that allow quicker and more effective data management and data evaluation. Companies like BME, for instance, are using more machine learning to maximise the output of our plants, trucks and personnel.
As equipment and systems become more sophisticated, managing the data that they produce on a regular basis becomes the new challenge. Mastery of this data – through systems that we are developing in-house – will help companies like BME to stay one step ahead.
What are the latest trends in the blasting industry?
Several important technical developments have defined the trajectory of the blasting industry in recent times. Electronic detonators, for instance, have been around for more than a decade now as a‘ mass market’ product. Bulk emulsions themselves have been around for much longer – over 30 years. Alongside these innovations, several product extensions and new product developments continue apace – keeping these technologies fresh for new market needs.
But I think that the latest trend in the blasting industry is getting back to basics and listening to the customer. One factor behind this is the economic‘ down cycle’, which put both the blasting industry and the customers under a real stress test. It has therefore become more vital than ever that we work together to solve problems – and our success in doing this has allowed for mutual gain that underpinned our survival during the most recent crisis.
What are the challenges the mining industry will face in the next few years?
Tough times in the mining sector invariably lead to many experienced people moving away to find a living in other lines of work; so, there will certainly be a challenge in finding sufficient skilled labour when the sector recovers.
Clearly, we also need to face the changing regulatory environment, which is not conducive to growth – and this comes hand-in-hand with political risk. The poor outlook for South Africa’ s economy brings a currency risk, as the exchange rate is likely to be sensitive to ongoing political and economic developments.
The generally trying conditions facing most mining companies are also likely to restrain the amount of funding that they can make available for innovation. This is particularly concerning in mature segments like gold mining, where we urgently need to leverage the power of innovation and technology to address increasingly demanding mining conditions.
What are the challenges that the blasting industry will face, and especially BME?
BME and our competitors in the blasting sector will not be exempt from any of the risks that I’ ve mentioned above; we all need to be working hard – with both our own resources and in collaboration with customers and stakeholders in the sector – to play our role in putting mining back on a sustainable footing.
The biggest risk is not to understand
[ 30 ] MINING MIRROR JANUARY 2018