Mining in focus
Not only do poor blasting
practices erode mines’
financial bottom lines —
they are also bad for the
environment, writes
Tony Rorke.
S
Blasting rock releases greenhouse gases, but poor blast
results have a major negative impact on greenhouse gases.
everal greenhouse gases are generated in
the explosives chain; however, one is
particularly dangerous. Nitrous oxide
(N2O) is almost 300 times more harmful to
the climate system than carbon dioxide.
Ironically, there is little public awareness
of N2O, which is why it is sometimes
referred to as the ‘forgotten greenhouse
gas’. Containing N2O emissions can also
present an opportunity to mines and other
explosives users to significantly improve
their carbon footprint.
As a leading supplier of emulsion
explosives, Omnia Group company BME is
concerned about ensuring production process