At this year’s Investing in African Mining Indaba, blasting and explosives specialist BME will share its commitment to decarbonisation and advanced technologies, supporting the mining sector’s drive to reduce its environmental footprint while enhancing operational efficiency.

BME is a silver sponsor of this year’s Mining Indaba, where BME technology and marketing GM Nishen Hariparsad will participate as a panellist in the ‘The role of technology in building and undermining sustainability in African mining’ session, on February 4.

“We feel that these are vital conversations for the sector, on topics we are confident to share our own insights and learnings on,” says BME MD Ralf Hennecke.

He adds that BME’s own sustainability journey enables the company to impact positively on its customers’ mining efficiencies and sustainability goals.

Known for its emulsions, equipment and electronic initiation technology that enhance mines’ environmental sustainability efforts, BME is an integral part of chemical manufacturing company Omnia Group.

Omnia CEO Seelan Gobalsamy will participate in a panel discussion on ‘Sustainable investment: catalyst or constraint for mining development?’ during Mining Indaba, on February 5.

Driving Decarbonisation

BME’s approach to sustainability addresses some of mining’s most pressing challenges, particularly the need to reduce carbon emissions, with Hennecke emphasising the critical link between energy efficiency and carbon reduction.

“Reducing energy consumption is a direct path to lowering carbon footprints, particularly in countries like South Africa where coal-fired electricity dominates,” he says, adding that BME’s innovations, from emulsions to electronic initiation systems, empower mines to achieve significant energy savings while meeting stringent environmental standards.

BME’s technological advancements have been critical in delivering these efficiencies, notes Hariparsad, pointing to the company’s AXXIS technology which, for instance, enables mines to improve blasting precision and efficiency.

“Our AXXIS Titanium system supports larger, more controlled blasts, reducing the frequency of interruptions and streamlining operations,” he explains. “This streamlines energy consumption and also contributes to better rock fragmentation, which reduces energy demands in subsequent loading and crushing phases.”

Integrating BME’s Blastmap III blast planning software further enhances a mine’s ability to optimise blasting outcomes, producing a ripple effect on energy efficiency and reducing fuel consumption and greenhouse-gas (GHG) emissions across the mining process.

“Our ESG-focused initiatives extend across the value chain, ensuring that we safeguard the environment and communities while enabling our mining customers to achieve their green goals,” says Hariparsad.

BME’s dual salt emulsions also contribute to this focus area, offering an alternative to traditional explosives. By reducing nitrate leaching greenhouse gas emissions, BME says these emulsions reduce the risk of environmental damage, and help mines to comply with local regulations and international standards.

“The manufacturing process for dual salt emulsions is also more energy efficient, as it operates at lower temperatures, further reducing energy consumption and carbon emissions,” he explains.

Recycling Used Oil, Global Growth

Another aspect of BME’s sustainability portfolio is its use of recycled oil in its emulsions, effectively removing millions of litres of potentially hazardous waste from the market.

This innovation prevents water and soil contamination while promoting a circular economy, with BME supporting local economies through this initiative, partnering with small businesses to collect and deliver recycled oil.

Meanwhile, following a rebranding exercise under the Omnia Group, BME now operates through two core divisions: BME Blasting Solutions and BME Metallurgy, giving the company a broader impact to strengthen customer’s sustainability efforts across the mining cycle, according to BME.

“Our ability to contribute at both the blasting and mineral processing stages gives us a definite edge in the market,” says Hariparsad, adding that, from breaking rock to optimising mineral recovery, BME’s solutions align with the mining sector’s ESG priorities and help mines meet Scope 1, 2 and 3 emission targets.

As for global growth, BME is progressing its strategy through its global growth trajectory, evidenced by the company’s successful integration of its Indonesian joint venture (JV), along with expanding operations in Canada, Australia and West Africa.

“We’re leveraging our expertise to support the growing demand for green metals and other critical resources. BME’s investment in local operations and infrastructure, including the progress on detonator plants in Canada and Australia, underscores our commitment to sustainable growth,” says Hennecke.

In Indonesia, he notes that the integration with BME’s JV partner, mining explosive and blasting services company MNK, is progressing well, and that three new contracts were secured in Indonesia, signalling further growth in the region.

The company boosted its presence in Canada by commissioning a non-electric detonator plant, while its organic growth strategy and infrastructure development in Australia is progressing well, with the commissioning of a detonator plant underway.