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