Blasting and explosives specialist BME is bolstering its presence in Africa through strategic expansions and a strong emphasis on sustainability and local partnerships.

The company, a division of chemical manufacturing company Omnia Group, is actively enhancing its operations in regions such as the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Zambia and West Africa.

In the DRC, specifically, BME Southern Africa operations GM Nic Dreyer says the company is revitalising its business model to better compete in the region.

This is evidenced by BME finalising the refurbishment of its in-country manufacturing facility, which will bring a new dynamic to its operations in the DRC. This facility is expected to streamline production processes, reduce costs and improve supply chain efficiency in the region.

Dreyer emphasises that this development positions BME more favourably in the competitive landscape of the DRC mining industry.

BME also partnered with DRC-based services provider Ultimate Industrials, managed by Dido Kazadi, as part of its commitment to local collaboration, and as a means to enhance the availability and quality of BME’s services in the DRC.

“We are enabling a locally-owned business in becoming a product and services provider that could compete in a highly contested market within the DRC,” Dreyer explains to Mining Weekly.

The partnership has assisted Kazadi in building his business, supplying blasting products, including initiating systems and explosives sourced from South Africa, and managing his own operations.

Further, in partnership with Omnia, BME is implementing its ReelLife Gardening initiative to enhance food security in the DRC. It will also be specifically designed to contain local favourite vegetable varieties, adds Dreyer.

This initiative, which has been successful in South Africa, aims to create sustainable food supplies and boost local economies. BME aims to replicate this success in the DRC, he notes.

BME is also establishing used-oil collection points and a processing facility in the DRC to manage harmful waste responsibly. This initiative aligns with the company’s commitment to environmental sustainability and responsible waste management.

Zambian Footprint

In Zambia, BME benefits from a stable political environment and a robust supply chain from South Africa, which the company uses to manufacture bulk emulsions and distribute products to various markets.

Dreyer emphasises the importance of local partnerships, noting that the company makes use of significant local procurement, transport and bulk delivery services, and adds that BME is investigating future opportunities for “win-win” collaborations.

Zambia’s strategic location and political stability make it an ideal hub for BME’s operations, he states, adding that the com- pany’s local manufacturing capabilities enable it to meet the demands of the Zambian mining industry, effectively.

“By leveraging local resources and expertise, we ensure that our operations are not only efficient, but also contribute to the economic development of the region,” notes Dreyer.

For Zambia specifically, he says BME remains open to engaging with upcoming opportunities, and leveraging its stable presence and comprehensive service offerings.

“Our value offering includes mining chemicals from Protea Mining Chemicals, providing a complete package for the mining, to mineral beneficiation, process. This collaboration offers non-harmful processing chemicals and a full value proposition to our customers,” says Dreyer.

BME’s corporate social responsibility initiatives in Zambia include establishing a postnatal hospital ward in collaboration with a local customer. This initiative is part of BME’s broader commitment to community support and development.

West Africa

Operating in West Africa presents unique challenges. “Political instability is a key aspect of the business risk, but we keep our ear on the ground and ensure that we have our emergency plans in place.”

In this regard, BME gathers market intelligence to respond swiftly to changes, ensuring the safety of its personnel.

BME’s operations in West Africa 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 mainly involved in the copper industry, with options for growth in iron-ore, gold and silver; while in Mali, BME focuses on gold mining, though Dreyer says there are growth opportunities in iron-ore, uranium and manganese.

Despite the political uncertainties, BME remains committed to maintaining and expanding its operations in West Africa, he adds, specifically highlighting growth opportunities for BME in Senegal, Côte d'Ivoire and Guinea, where the company plans to pursue opportunities on a tender basis.

Responsible Leadership

BME demonstrates its commitment to responsible growth and long-term success in Africa’s diverse mining landscape through its strategic focus on local partnerships, sustainable practices and community upliftment, says Dreyer.

“The people that actually work currently in that process are predominantly local,” he says, emphasising BME’s dedication to providing extensive training to local talent in areas such as safety, operational procedures, equipment operation and quality management.