Apps to make mining safer and more profitable
The powerful combination of mobile computing and ‘cloud’ data storage is starting to transform safety and productivity on mines that embrace technology, according to BME senior software developer Nicky Klacar.
BME emulsion triumphs in St Helena airport project
Delivering high-quality bulk emulsion explosive to a remote island in the Atlantic Ocean – and ensuing problem-free blasting for a two-year project – has proved BME’s ability to design and manufacture a safe and reliable product suited to the most demanding conditions.
World’s biggest blast at Australian coal mine
Daunia Open Cut coal mine in the north-eastern state of Queensland, Australia, has broken the world record for the largest electronic detonator blast ever – firing 5,665 detonators in 2,683 blastholes using the AXXIS™ digital detonation system from BME.
Drones, 3D photos and GPS harnessed to fine-tune blast quality
It is well known that good blast design ensures an effective distribution of powder that improves blast results and reduces drilling and blasting costs. Now, through the use of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs or drones), global positioning systems (GPS) and three-dimensional (3D) photogrammetric software, the field of blast design has been taken another step forward.
Blast emulsions now fine-tuned to suit every purpose
Bulk emulsion explosives have come a long way since BME introduced double-salt – ammonium nitrate and calcium nitrate (AN/CN) – cold emulsion products into South Africa over 30 years ago.
Record blast for AXXIS down under
In another record blast for BME’s AXXIS digital initiation system, Omnia Subsidiary Advanced Initiating Systems (AIS) successfully blasted 4,485 detonators in a coal mine in Australia’s north-eastern state of Queensland.
BME expertise to reduce blast vibrations for Singapore Rail Project
Umesh Chhika, general manager for Asia Pacific and strategic projects at BME, said the company has been engaged to provide electronic detonation systems and related technical advice to ensure low-vibration blasting in the 35 metre-deep box cut, from which three more rail tunnels will be developed.
Save the date for BME’s drill and blast conference
BME’s 23rd annual drilling and blasting conference is set to take place on the 12th of November 2015 at the CSIR in Pretoria.
Local economic development a priority for BME in Namibia
BME Namibia is building its local skills, technical capacity and supply chain to consolidate and grow its position in Namibia’s mining sector, according to Albie Visser, BME’s general manager for South Africa and Namibia.
On-site testing and emulsions solution for reactive ground
Rock that reacts with emulsion explosives can cause real headaches for blasting personnel, but BME’s double-edged solution allows customers to quickly identify reactive ground and apply the appropriate product.
