South Africa-based explosives supplier BME will exhibit for the fifth consecutive year at the 2014 Investing in African Mining Indaba, which the company regards as a platform to increase its international exposure.

“Each year, BME has noticed the raising of the bar at the Mining Indaba, with an increase in the number of individuals, companies and countries participating in the event, making it bigger and better every year,” says BME marketing manager Hayley Wayland.

“BME is well known on the African continent, but as more international companies become involved in Africa, the Mining Indaba offers us a platform to increase awareness of our brand and showcase our innovative blasting products and services.”

She notes that the Mining Indaba, which will take place at the Cape Town International Convention Centre from February 3 to 6, has provided BME with good business leads as well as a feel for upcoming projects and areas of interest.

“BME expects to increase its exposure at this year’s event to established companies and greenfield projects. As a South African company that has been operating in Africa for 30 years, BME has a wealth of experience with many operations throughout the continent, which is an important consideration when looking for an explosives supplier,” says Wayland.

She adds that the growth of the Mining Indaba is indicative of the global mining industry’s positive outlook on Africa, adding that Africa’s position as a mineral- resource-rich emerging continent makes it a very attractive mining destination for investors.

“The Mining Indaba is an important event to showcase the investment opportunities that exist in Africa and it is only fitting that this event be held in South Africa to showcase the enormous future opportunities on the continent.”

BME MD Francois Hay notes: “BME is also positive about Africa’s mining industry and, having noted the growth of the industry on the continent over the years, we believe there is still more to come. The commodities market will determine whether we will see new mining operations or whether mines will aim to expand on existing brownfield projects rather than establish new greenfield projects.”

Hay adds that BME is increasing its capacity and footprint in Africa to ensure that it is in a favourable position to take advantage of the future growth of the continent’s mining industry.

Mining is based on projected future demand patterns and commodity prices and, in South Africa, these are currently under pressure, with increased uncertainty – particularly in the gold and platinum sectors, he says.

“A volatile labour force has also had an impact on South African mining,” he says.

“However, BME continues to do well in the South African mining industry, with a strong presence in surface and quarrying operations, and, while underground mining has had its challenges, the company remains optimistic as it has some exciting research and development projects for underground mining in the pipeline.”

Hay adds that the company is aiming to help its customers reduce costs and increase value through technological innovations, such as those used in narrow-reef equipment, and services innovations, which would, for instance, involve better blast planning.

“Going forward, BME will continue to focus on blasting technology as an important avenue for adding value. There is significant potential in the realm of software and electronic-delay detonator technology to achieve value-add,” says Hay, noting that technical support, advice, expertise and skills development are important value-add services that are needed throughout Africa.

“BME will continue to focus on customer service, knowledge and skills development. We have some major customers that have been with us since the company was established and we will continue to listen to what they want and will adapt to their needs,” he concludes.