Having completed its local electronic detonator manufacturing plant – only the second such plant in Canada – BME Mining Canada is forging ahead with a range of facilities to produce blasting-related offerings for the mining, quarrying and construction sectors.
According to Neil Alberts, General Manager at BME Mining Canada, its development site outside Nairn Centre, Ontario, is becoming a fully integrated production complex for its blasting technology, including detonators, ammonium nitrate emulsions and nitrate-free emulsions.
“We are excited at the completion of our detonator plants, which are the first to be built locally for the past 35 years,” said Alberts. “It can produce both our Viperdet non-electric detonators, as well as our AXXIS Titanium and AXXIS Silver electronic detonators.”
These plants have been designed with redundancy to allow ramping up with growing demand. He explained that additional lines will be installed as the business grows, and we are in consultation with existing and prospective customers.
“As we have implemented our plans and communicated our progress to the market, the response has been overwhelmingly positive,” he explained. “This infrastructure will pave the way for our customers to optimise their mine-to-mill costs while reducing their supply chain risks.”
He noted that some of the world’s largest mining companies are active in this region. Strategically located in the heart of Canada’s mining region, the BME Mining Canada facility is well placed to make use of the extensive rail and road networks. Construction work at the site includes a dedicated rail spur and the addition of an on-ramp to the main highway.
“Our geographic position is key to building a strong and reliable supply chain close to our customers,” he said. “Within a 1,000 km radius, we can reach about 40% of Canada’s mining industry.”
BME Managing Director Ralf Hennecke emphasised that, alongside the quality of its products and services, the security of the company’s supply chain is rated as a key driver in its global expansion.
“Having built a business delivering quality outcomes to blue chip customers all over Africa, as well as in countries including Australia and Indonesia, we recognise the stringent operational demands in mining,” said Hennecke. “Combining our global experience with local expertise and infrastructure in Canada positions us well to meet and exceed the expectations of local players.”
Developing the complex is creating considerable local employment opportunities, with about 50 direct jobs arising from this activity – as well as additional 80 indirect jobs. Among the next steps, is the development of a bulk emulsion manufacturing plant, which will incorporate the company’s INNOVEX™ emulsion plant to be moved here from its current location near Sudbury.
Alberts also noted the strong environmental focus in the Canadian market, especially on maintaining water quality and related ecosystems. This is raising interest in BME Mining Canada’s plans to develop the country’s first nitrate-free emulsion manufacturing plant next year. The business will leverage the world-leading technology of its strategic partner Hypex Bio, in which Omnia Holdings acquired a stake last year.
Omnia CEO Seelan Gobalsamy affirmed that BME’s strategic execution reinforces the company’s position as a global leader in the explosives market.
“The robustness of our operations, combined with our unwavering commitment to sustainability, positions us strongly for long-term growth,” said Gobalsamy. “Our solutions are designed to reduce environmental impact and lower nitrous oxide (NOx) emissions—both of which are critical priorities for the mining industry.”
He emphasised that in independent field tests conducted across multiple mining sites, Hypex Bio’s non-nitrate explosive emulsions consistently delivered a 90% reduction in NOx emissions. This significant improvement not only supports mining operations in meeting increasingly stringent environmental regulations but also reduces costs associated with emission controls and compliance management.
“This technology is transformative for the explosives supply industry,” Gobalsamy continued. “By addressing key environmental challenges, we empower our customers to meet their sustainability goals while gaining a competitive edge in highly regulated markets. These innovative solutions enable mining companies to enhance operational efficiency, boost profitability, and strengthen their reputation with stakeholders.”
In Canada, said Alberts, discussions continue with interested mining companies, who were looking for innovative strategies to minimise their environmental impacts.
“Given the country’s strict regulations on water quality, and the potential water contamination risks faced by mining companies, we expect interest to rise in our nitrate-free emulsions,” he concluded.
About BME
Established in 1984, BME initially specialised in bulk mining explosives and blasting technology. Today, it has transformed into a global, diversified supplier offering both specialised explosives and blasting technology, as well as minerals processing products for the mining and quarrying industries. BME now functions as a unified mining segment within Omnia Holdings, a JSE-listed company that provides solutions across the mining, chemicals, and agriculture sectors.
In 2024, Omnia Holdings implemented a strategic brand refresh, aligning Protea Mining Chemicals (PMC) with BME to create a comprehensive mining segment. This alignment established two core divisions: BME Blasting Solutions, focusing on mining explosives and initiating system technology, and BME Metallurgy, specialising in mining chemicals and metallurgical solutions. BME is a globally trusted provider of mining solutions and technical services, with emphasis on safety, ESG principles, and technological innovation to support sustainable strategies aligned with Omnia’s purpose of “innovating to enhance life, together creating a greater future.”
BME’s international presence spans 19 countries across Africa, including South Africa, Namibia, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Zambia, Eswatini, Tanzania, Guinea, Mozambique, DRC, Sierra Leone, Mali, Mauritania, and Senegal. Additionally, the company has established legal entities in Australia, Canada, Indonesia, and the USA. For more information, visit www.bme.co.za
