Explosives manufacturer eyes key market

The electronic detonator assembly plant of blasting and mining solutions provider BME, in the Kalgoorie area of Western Australia, is an “exciting” initiative that is strategically positioned to best supply miners of key commodities, such as iron-ore, gold, nickel and lithium, the company reports.

BME expects to start production at the plant in the second half of the 2025 financial year and local mining companies have expressed a keen interest, as the location provides significant supply chain security and logistical benefits.

The plant has been able to draw on proven equipment and methods used in BME’s South African operations, including a semi- automated production line from the Losberg plant, in the North West province of South Africa.

BME Australia-Asia GM Michael Wiseman highlights that the company has considerable experience in establishing and operating these plants, adding that BME has established a similar facility in Canada as part of the company’s globalisation drive.

The detonator plant is part of BME’s continued evolution in this important market, where it is building infrastructure to support the safe, reliable and cost-efficient supply of explosives, and also addressing the full basket of goods and services for rock breaking above and below ground.

This is undertaken while seeking partnerships to accelerate further market traction.

“Australia remains an important primary market for us, and we are excited by the progress being made,” says Wiseman.

BME has been active in the Australian market for over a decade, primarily serving demand for its AXXIS electronic initiation system.

The company has grown organically in Australia and has developed direct access to this market, including supply to sizable mining companies, and mining and blasting contractors.

Optimal Benefits, Digitisation

BME highlights that the benefits of using electronic detonators include a more controlled and reliable blasting process, which achieves better rock fragmentation and streamlines mines’ loading, hauling and crushing stages of production.

These are significant energy-intensive activities on most opencast mines, and the subsequent efficiency reduces costs and carbon footprint.

For more than ten years, BME has marketed its AXXIS electronic initiation system in Australia, with Wiseman noting that mining companies in the country are taking note of the benefits.

This trend has driven demand for BME’s electronic detonators, with mines moving away from non-electric to electronics, and also from less robust electronic detonators to BME’s superior product, he says.

BME also points out that the qualities of the AXXIS product promote flexibility and ease of use.

“Our AXXIS detonator is regularly upgraded and has been well accepted; in Eastern Australia, [it has] been successfully deployed for over a decade.

“As we expand into Western Australia, we have conducted trials with AXXIS electronic detonators at various mines, with positive results. A consistent positive feedback from clients has been the robustness and ease-of-use of the product, which our clients tell us is a standard above what they are used to.”

Wiseman adds that BME’s electronic initiation systems can adapt to the constant advancement of the digital age – and this is the rationale behind the company’s Blast Alliance portfolio of integrated software and blasting tools.

BME’s Blastmap design application allows for complex designs to be rigorously trialled and simulated for the best results.

In addition, the integration of the company’s in-house blast timing software and blast loading software allows for the preparation and safe application of advanced timing methods, which get more useful work out of the same explosives without risking breach of vibration or other environmental tolerances.

Digital technology, such as the blast analysis solution Xplolog, also allows for blasthole data to be quickly and accurately monitored and checked, contributing to optimal blast outcomes.

Licensing, Upcoming Projects

The licensing process for BME’s detonator plant was one of the regulatory phases that was completed in preparation for the Kalgoorie facility, complying with all the necessary legal requirements.

In addition to the licence to manufacture, BME has secured licensed storage capacity for substantial quantities of Class 1 explosives, as well as detonators and boosters.

Wiseman notes that this process was undertaken with the same diligence followed by BME during all other operations, which also prioritises engagement with stakeholders such as government regulators and communities.

Noting other blasting manufacturing developments, BME says the bulk product import and dual-salt emulsion manufacturing capability is being established by the company, with timelines set for the second half of the 2025 financial year.

Wiseman highlights that the company’s modular emulsion plants can be implemented anywhere in the world, including at mine sites.

BME states that they are well positioned to continue growing in primary markets, including Australia, where the mining industry remains strong and diverse.

“BME is also leveraging its equipment manufacturing capacity – with over 300 BME-designed and -manufactured mobile manufacturing units in operation around the world, we can bring that skill set and economy of scale to the Australian market,” concludes Wiseman.