Blasting and explosives specialist BME is making significant strides in Africa with strategic expansions and a strong focus on sustainability and local partnerships. As a division of Omnia Group, BME is enhancing its operations in key regions such as the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Zambia, and West Africa, positioning itself as a leader in the industry.
Revitalizing Operations in the DRC
In the DRC, BME is revitalising its business model to better compete in the region. According to Nic Dreyer, General Manager of BME Southern Africa Operations, the company is finalising the refurbishment of its in-country manufacturing facility. This upgrade is expected to streamline production processes, reduce costs, and improve supply chain efficiency, giving BME a competitive edge in the DRC mining industry.
“We ensure that our operations are not only efficient, but also contribute to the economic development of the region.”
Nic Dreyer, General Manager of BME Southern Africa Operations.
A key part of BME’s strategy in the DRC is its partnership with Ultimate Industrials, managed by Dido Kazadi. This collaboration aims to enhance the availability and quality of BME’s services in the region by enabling a locally owned business to compete in a highly contested market. Kazadi’s business benefits from supplying products sourced from South Africa and managing local operations, boosting local economic development.
Additionally, as a proud division of the Omnia Group, BME is dedicated to Omnia’s purpose of “innovating to enhance life, together creating a greener future.” In line with this purpose, BME has joined forces with Omnia to launch the “Veggie Patch” initiative in the DRC to enhance food security. This initiative, which has been successful in South Africa, aims to create sustainable food supplies and boost local economies. BME is also establishing used-oil collection points and a processing facility in the DRC, aligning with its commitment to environmental sustainability and responsible waste management.
Strengthening Footprint in Zambia
BME’s operations in Zambia benefit from the country’s stable political environment and robust supply chain from South Africa. The company manufactures bulk emulsions and distributes products to various markets, leveraging significant local procurement, transport, and bulk delivery services. Dreyer notes that BME is investigating future opportunities for “win-win” collaborations, emphasizing the importance of local partnerships.
Zambia’s strategic location and political stability make it an ideal hub for BME’s operations. The company’s local manufacturing capabilities enable it to meet the demands of the Zambian mining industry effectively. BME’s value offering includes mining chemicals from Protea Mining Chemicals, providing a comprehensive package for the mining to mineral beneficiation process with non-harmful processing chemicals.
BME’s corporate social responsibility initiatives in Zambia include establishing a postnatal hospital ward in collaboration with a local customer, demonstrating the company’s commitment to community support and development.
Navigating Challenges in West Africa
Operating in West Africa presents unique challenges, particularly political instability. BME addresses these risks by gathering market intelligence and maintaining emergency plans to ensure the safety of its personnel. The company’s operations span several countries, including Mauritania, Mali, Burkina Faso, and Sierra Leone, involving minerals such as copper, gold, iron-ore, and rutile.
In Mauritania, BME is primarily involved in the copper industry, with growth potential in iron-ore, gold, and silver. In Mali, the focus is on gold mining, though there are opportunities in iron-ore, uranium, and manganese. Despite political uncertainties, BME remains committed to expanding its operations in West Africa, with plans to pursue opportunities in Senegal, Côte d’Ivoire, and Guinea on a tender basis.
Commitment to Responsible Growth
BME’s commitment to responsible growth and long-term success in Africa’s diverse mining landscape is evident through its strategic focus on local partnerships, sustainable practices, and community upliftment. Dreyer highlights the importance of extensive training for local talent in areas such as safety, operational procedures, equipment operation, and quality management, ensuring that the people working in these processes are predominantly local.
By bolstering its presence in Africa through strategic expansions and a strong emphasis on sustainability and local partnerships, BME is poised to make a lasting impact in the region’s mining industry.
