Modern Mining April 2024

AECI continues to develop cutting-edge products and technologies for a changing mining industry. “At AECI we are constantly innovating to provide clients with customised solutions and thereby remain relevant. Apart from our advanced product range, we are progressing a digital platform to optimise our operating processes. AECI has a combination of explosives and mining chemicals expertise, which add value to different parts of the mining value chain. Our offering provides extensive benefits to our cli ents,” Riemensperger explains. The company invests 2% of its revenue into research and development, and going forward, will look to invest twice as much as it focuses on being a market pioneer. A five-year contract for the supply of explosives and the provision of services to Newcrest Mining’s (Newcrest) Lihir gold mining operation in Papua New Guinea (PNG) was awarded to AECI in October 2023. “This is an exciting venture and has a number of challenges,” Riemensperger says. “Based on our legacy with the coal mining industry, which requires explosives solutions, AECI has capability to pioneer solutions for a similar challenge. Moreover, given AECI’s mining chemicals expertise, we are also able

equipment, that make mining safer, while its mining chemicals range increases the yield of commodities, such as platinum. In 2021, the company delivered a record-break ing 980m Emulsion Vertical Drop System (EVDS) for Non-Ferrous China Africa’s Chambishi mine in Zambia’s Copperbelt Province, one of the largest underground mines in the country. “We innovate and pioneer technology to enhance value for our mining clients,” says Riemensperger. Celebrating a 100 years of excellence On 20 th March 2024, South Africa and Africa’s first explosives company, AECI, will commemorate 100 years of being a registered business with a cer emony held at the JSE - an accolade for any South African business. The 100 th anniversary of AECI will be celebrated with a variety of activities and events throughout the year, highlighting its appreciation for its employees, customers, and the company’s esteemed heritage. 

The company innovates and pioneers technology to enhance value for its mining clients.

AECI is ranked in the tier one group of explosives companies in the world.

to assist clients with their water challenges. The area lacks freshwa ter and our water treatment solution is suitable for treating waste water, which will offer immense benefit to the mine and the surrounding community.” Discussing AECI’s other innova tions, Riemensperger says that to ensure safety and product perfor mance, the company developed a range of portable underground pumps and centralised blasting

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