Mining explosives and blasting technology supplier BME’s supply chain security has been further strengthened with the commissioning of a new storage tank for ammonium nitrate in solution (ANS) – a project undertaken by BME holding group – diversified chemicals company Omnia.

In operation since January, the facility can store 5 000 t of ANS, according to Omnia manufacturing operations and supply chain executive Jacques de Villiers.

The new facility will deliver further benefits in managing BME’s distribution network of semi-finished and finished ammonium nitrate-based goods.

He says the tank allows an expanded and constant supply of ANS to BME’s Dryden and Losberg plants, in Mpumalanga and the North West province, respectively, as well as to the existing BME supply chain network.

“The additional storage capacity will facilitate a consistent supply from the Sasolburg site, in the Free State, to BME and will allow the BME sites to manage their stock levels and further improve their distribution process to clients,” says De Villiers.

He adds that for BME, a key strategic focus is on security of supply to clients, with this additional storage system adding to the confidence that BME clients have in the company’s supply capabilities.

Further, the investment demonstrates Omnia’s long-term commitment to strengthening critical infrastructure that supports mining operations across Southern Africa, contributing to regional economic growth and resilience.

Location is Key

The new ANS tank is installed at Omnia’s Sasolburg complex and is strategically located between the two nitric acid and ammonium nitrate production plants, allowing for future expansion within the complex.

The ANS tank infrastructure is controlled and monitored by an advanced distributed control system, with additional safety features incorporated into its design and operation.

In line with Omnia’s sustainability and environmental, social and governance goals, the ANS tank enables the production facilities to run at a consistent and predictable rate, streamlining the plant’s energy efficiency.

Thermal insulation of the tank and its transfer lines reduces the energy requirement to maintain temperature stability, while pumps in the system have also been engineered to operate at their most efficient parameters.

In highlighting the importance that Omnia and BME place on security of supply initiatives – including their dual sourcing of ammonia through the Richards Bay Terminal in KwaZulu-Natal and Sasol supply – BME CEO Deon Swart says the ANS tank investment further bolsters supply security by reaffirming storage in the next step in the value chain.

This, he says, enables BME to deliver on its commitments and ensure storage availability to weather any changes in commodity and market cycles.

Swart notes that it is not only the South African market that will benefit from this investment, but also the company’s broader network across the Southern African Development Community region.

“Omnia and BME are continually looking at ways to deliver an improved service offering to our customers, and this is an important enhancement to our products, services and supply chain,” concludes Swart.