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Explosives News
Vale’s Moatize coal operation benefiting from increased production and transport capacity
By: Keith Campbell 24th February 2017 Production at the Moatize coal mine, owned by Brazilian mining major Vale and located in the Tete province of Mozambique, hit a record of 5.5-million tons last year, 500 000 t (or 10.7%) higher than in 2015. This was composed of 3.5-million tons of metallurgical – or coking – coal and 2-million... →
Raubex
27th January 2017 With more than four decades of experience in the Southern African construction and mining industry, infrastructure development and materials handling specialist Raubex Group is a leading player on the sub-continent. Listed on the JSE since 2007, Bloemfontein-headquartered Raubex specialises in... →
Propellant-based rock breaking system mooted as alternative to traditional explosives
By: Ilan Solomons 27th January 2017 It is generally acknowledged that South Africa’s narrow-reef mining sector is in a precarious state as its viability is challenged by declining global commodity prices, labour instability, uncertain government policy, overregulation and declining productivity. Adding to the problem is mine... →

IMPROVING SAFETY The 1.4S initiation system propellant powders produce no shock energy, which ensures improved hanging wall conditions, and therefore a safer working environment
Explosives manufacturer launches electronic blasting system
27th January 2017 Explosives manufacturer and distributor AEL Mining Services launched what it claims is its most advanced electronic initiating system, the intelliShot, in December. The electronic initiating system is designed to work in partnership with the company’s DetNet. →

Explosives reloading system helping Gold One to reduce mining costs
By: Dylan Slater 20th January 2017 An innovative infrastructure to use emulsion explosives for all 70 of gold miner Gold One’s underground narrow-reef stope panels at its Modder East mine has been initiated as part of the miner’s strategy to reduce its cost per ton mined. →

Possible commodity price upturn, cost-cutting innovations augur well for mining sector, BME conference delegates told
By: Dylan Slater 9th December 2016 The possibility of an upturn in commodity prices may be positively turning, as well as news of cost-saving innovations for mines as they struggle to remain profitable, were the highlights of the yearly BME Drilling and Blasting Conference, held in Pretoria last month. The volume of total mining... →

Sibanye testing alternative to explosives-based rock breaking
By: Ilan Solomons 9th December 2016 The South African mining industry requires a paradigm shift in its fundamental approach to mining processes to ensure that it can move away from the use of explosives, says diversified miner Sibanye Resources safe technology and innovation project engineer Alex Fenn. He argues that explosives are... →

NONEXPLOSIVE MINING ENABLER The Multi-Track1000 is 930 mm in height and has four independent track assemblies, which are capable of three different degrees of motion
Omnia H1 profit down 11% y/y amid drought, plant breakdown
By: Megan van Wyngaardt 29th November 2016 South African chemicals producer Omnia on Tuesday reported that negative impacts on its agriculture division, including the drought and a breakdown at its Nitric Acid 2 complex, have seen its gross profit decrease by 11% year-on-year to R1.5-billion for the six months to September 30. The... →

Introducing change could yield financial value
By: Kimberley Smuts 18th November 2016 Introducing a proactive blast design approach and new technology can be intimidating for mining companies, as it requires change, but they should keep an open mind as downstream improvements are a catalyst for financial value, says international blast engineering and consulting firm RA McClure... →

EXCAVATION EFFICIENCY Overcoming blasting inaccuracies improves all the downstream processes
Mining’s future needs innovation from suppliers
18th November 2016 The fate of mining does not lie in the hands of mines alone, everyone involved in the mining supply chain must accept that the recovery and future of the industry relies on the best value creation at every step in that chain, emphasises South Africa-based cold emulsion explosives innovator BME.... →

Importance of using lightning prediction networks emphasised
By: Kimberley Smuts 18th November 2016 Globally, every year there are about two recorded explosions at opencast mining operations due to lightning strikes during blasting activities, explosives firm BME blasting science director Tony Rorke tells Mining Weekly. He adds that if lightning strikes a blast area that has been charged, the... →

Mobile technology helps eliminate blasting obstacles
By: Kimberley Smuts 18th November 2016 Explosives firm BME explored how mobile technology and centralised data could provide mine managers with an edge to comprehensively eliminate potential blast problems, through among others management of blast inputs, thereby improving blast results, at its annual Drilling and Blasting Conference.... →
New approach to deliver safe, efficient blasting and cost savings – AEL
By: Mia Breytenbach 11th November 2016 South African explosives manufacturer and distributor AEL Mining Services has launched IntelliBlast, a holistic and flexible approach to help clients on their unique journey to optimal blast outcomes using AEL’s differentiated products and services. IntelliBlast was launched at AEL’s Blasting... →

Patented mining technology to be released month-end
By: Aarifah Nosarka 28th October 2016 Local ultra-low-profile mining machinery and equipment supplier CMTI Consulting expects to release its patented MT100, MT1000 and automated brake tester technologies for mines by the end of this month. The technology, developed by CMTI Consulting, in Pretoria, comprises 70% local content and is... →

Consultant promotes technology over subsidies to ensure sustainability
By: Nadine James 16th September 2016 Coal mining companies need to embrace the technological revolution if they are to overcome current challenges, including lower commodity prices, rising labour costs and increased regulatory pressures, says commodity and industrial consulting firm Bryanston Resources. According to Bryanston... →

Sentinel at forefront of global mining technology
9th September 2016 Canadian base metals producer First Quantum Minerals’ (FQM’s) $2.1-billion Sentinel mine, in Zambia’s North-Western province, is described by the Zambian Chamber of Mines (CoM) as the country’s mining industry’s “most ambitious venture ever” and the single-largest upfront infrastructure... →

Omnia still pursuing North American entry after Nordex offer is withdrawn
By: Megan van Wyngaardt 22nd August 2016 JSE-listed Omnia Holdings has withdrawn and terminated its offer to acquire all of the issued and outstanding shares of Canadian firm Nordex Explosives. The chemicals company on Monday said Nordex shareholders had approved the change of control private placement and going private transaction with... →
Impeded release of nitrates mitigating enviro impact of mining explosives
By: Dylan Slater 19th August 2016 Developments over the past three decades by mining explosives manufacturer BME, have resulted in a lowered negative impact on the environment through the impeded release of nitrates during blasting operations, thereby, preventing possible groundwater contamination and allowing enhanced recycling... →

Detonation system’s Australian footprint expanding
By: Sebastian Whyle 5th August 2016 The AXXIS Digital Initiation System from explosives company BME has been well received in Australia and is regarded highly in its mining sector, BME technical director Tony Rorke tells Mining Weekly. →

ADVANCING IN AUSTRALIA BME is actively working towards growing its customer base in Australia
Omnia raises bid for Nordex
By: Natasha Odendaal 4th August 2016 Shareholders of Canadian firm Nordex Explosives have one month to accept a now-formal fully funded, all-cash inflated takeover bid by JSE-listed Omnia Group. Omnia this week, through its mining division BME, raised the stakes with an offer of C$0.22 per Nordex share, taking the deal to... →
Explosionproof hoists, cranes
22nd July 2016 Operating electrical equipment in explosive atmospheres requires specially designed and constructed lifting equipment to avoid the risk of explosion posed by gases, liquids, dusts, vapours and other substances, states lifting solutions company Konecranes. Owing to the risks involved, Konecranes... →

Omnia urges Nordex shareholders to accept its buyout offer
By: Creamer Media Reporter 21st July 2016 JSE-listed Omnia Holdings believes its C$0.20 a share all-cash offer to acquire Canadian firm Nordex Explosives still provides the highest value to Nordex shareholders. This comes after Nordex on July 18 announced that another bidder, Société Anonyme d'Explosifs et de Produits Chimiques (EPC),... →
South Africa’s BME to make play for Canadian explosives firm
By: Creamer Media Reporter 15th July 2016 JSE-listed Omnia Holdings will, through its BME subsidiary, make an all-cash offer to acquire Canadian firm Nordex Explosives for C$0.20 a share. “Today, we are announcing our intention to make this premium all-cash offer to Nordex shareholders. Unfortunately, the directors of Nordex were unable... →
Omnia remains ‘leading player’ in African opencast sector, despite dwindling global mining revenues
By: Mia Breytenbach 8th July 2016 Despite the downturn in global mining revenues and volumes, JSE-listed Omnia’s Mining division has been “remarkably resilient” and continues “to forge ahead in maintaining its position as a leading player” in the opencast mining industry on the African continent, says group CEO Rod Humphris. The... →

South America attractive market for explosives manufacturer
By: Nadine James 1st July 2016 South African explosives manufacturer and distributor AEL Mining Services has increased its presence in South America, owing to the nature and resilience of the South American mining industry. AEL GM for business development in South America and West Central Africa Alois Kwenda notes that,... →

Despite volume slump, Omnia sees growth opportunities in mining sector
By: Mia Breytenbach 28th June 2016 Despite the downturn in global mining revenues and volumes, JSE-listed Omnia’s Mining division has been “remarkably resilient” and continues “to forge ahead in maintaining its position as a leading player” in the opencast mining industry on the African continent, group CEO Rod Humphris said on... →
Commodity markets entering period of stability, Orica CEO says
By: Bloomberg 23rd June 2016 Orica, the largest supplier of explosives to the mining industry, has begun to observe stability in commodity markets that have been marked by volatility, sinking profits and job cuts after a global boom ended. “We still see a lot of volatility, but I think that I’ve seen more stability than... →
Production, maintenance reporting systems to improve production fleet
17th June 2016 Mining and communications technology provider 3D-P has released the 3D-P Production Reporting and 3D-P Maintenance Reporting systems, powered by iVolve, to improve the efficiency of mines. Adding to its current portfolio of application integration solutions and wireless network services, 3D-P... →

EFFICIENCY OF MINES Production and maintenance reports contribute to better decision-making
Solution for disposal of used oil answer to reducing emissions
By: Robyn Wilkinson 17th June 2016 An environment-friendly product for the disposal of used oil generated by quarries and other mining operations has been developed by commercial explosives and blasting solutions developer AEL Mining Services. The solution is also expected to help the mining industry prepare for the carbon tax... →

Monitoring technology facilitates live tracking of explosives supply
By: Kimberley Smuts 27th May 2016 Commercial explosives producer and supplier AEL Mining Services has developed advanced monitoring technology to provide a fully integrated system that ensures technologically advanced supply chain management. Launched last month, the technology will be deployed throughout the year to AEL sites in... →

Australian opencast mine completes world’s largest blast
By: Kimberley Smuts 6th May 2016 The Daunia opencut coal mine, in the north-eastern state of Queensland, Australia, broke the world record for the largest-ever electronic detonator blast in December, firing 5 665 detonators in 2 683 blastholes using the South Africa-developed AXXIS digital initiation system from explosives firm... →

West African chamber to launch at Ghana mining event
8th April 2016 The newly formed West African Chamber of Mines (Wacom), which comprises chief executives from the chambers of mines in Ghana, Mali, Sierra Leone, Liberia and Burkina Faso, will be officially launched at the twelfth West African Mining & Power Exhibition (Wampex) in June. →

Explosives company helps expedite gold pour
8th April 2016 Developer, producer and supplier of commercial explosives AEL Mining Services has helped Canadian midtier gold miner Asanko Gold complete the first phase of the development of its new Obotan mine, in the Amansie West district of Ghana’s Ashanti region a month ahead of schedule. →

AECI generates 56% of total earnings from mining
By: Mia Breytenbach 4th March 2016 Explosives and specialty chemicals company AECI reported that 56% of the group’s revenue for 2015 has been generated from the global mining industry, of which explosives contributed 44% and mining extraction and chemicals 12%. Speaking at the company’s results presentation for the year ended... →

EXPLOSIVE PERFORMANCE Overall explosives volume sales in Africa increased by 14%, attributed to positive volume growth in the central and West Africa and favourable product mixes
Bulk land sale boosts AECI’s earnings to 6% a share
By: Mia Breytenbach 23rd February 2016 Explosives and specialty chemicals company AECI’s headline earnings per share (HEPS) rose 6% to 894c for the year ended December 31, mostly owing to benefits gained from the company’s bulk property sale in Somerset West in June 2015, which contributed 230c to HEPS. Speaking at the company’s... →

AEL’s Simon Tose accepted as SAIMM fellow
By: Anine Kilian 1st February 2016 Local explosives manufacturer and distributor AEL Mining Services mining optimisation manager Simon Tose has been accepted as a fellow of the South African Institute of Mining and Metallurgy (SAIMM). Tose said he would take the opportunity to give back to the industry, especially the youth.... →

Africa still focus of explosives company
22nd January 2016 JSE-listed Omnia Group’s mining explosives division, BME, continues to invest in its growing African footprint despite the depressed mining climate, as the continent remains a strategic focus area for opportunities in the mining industry. “BME is developing the business in various parts of Africa... →

AEL expands South American footprint
By: Megan van Wyngaardt 21st January 2016 Local explosives manufacturer and distributor AEL Mining Services is expanding its footprint in South America by now offering its full suite of products and technical expertise directly to its customers, rather than through distributors. This, AEL South America and West Central Africa business... →
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