Modern Mining April 2020

explosives industry

experience in underground and surface mining. He furthermore states that AECI’s existing relationships with global mining customers will stand the company in good stead. Cutting-edge innovations AECI Mining’ growth is supported by continued investments into research and development (R&D). This is in line with the company’s mission to keep its operations on the frontier of technology through the delivery of ground-breaking innovations and state- of-the-art technological solutions. Ludick says a strong R&D drive puts the company at the forefront of cutting-edge innovations. A case in point is the current focus on autonomous mobile manufacturing units (MMUs) set to usher in new stan- dards in the explosives industry. “In future, we will see autonomous MMUs with patented technology and smart loading capabilities, which will intelligently deliver explosives according to satellite positioning. We believe that going autono- mous will significantly contribute to improving safety

and accuracy in blasting processes,” says Ludick. In terms of emulsions, Ritzema Nel, Product Manager at AECI Mining Explosives, says that a sig- nificant new development in AECI’s value offering is the development of the Company’s Powergel X2 range. Powergel X2 emulsion is designed for surface mining applications, where extreme blasting condi- tions like, hot blast holes and reactive ground, or a combination of both conditions, exist. The product will be introduced to the market in H1-2020. “Powergel X2 is a revolutionary break-through as it has the ability to cater for both hot hole and reac- tive ground conditions,” explains Nel, adding that most other products available in the market cater for either reactive ground or hot holes, but not both. The product was developed and tested by some of the most dedicated and creative minds at AECI Mining’s R&D department. Other key benefits include the elimination of the need to use plastic sleeving in reactive holes. Meanwhile, AECI Mining Explosives recently broke new ground with its underground emulsion at

In future, we will see autonomous MMUs with patented technology and smart loading capabilities, which will intelligently deliver explosives according to satellite positioning.

April 2020  MODERN MINING  11