Modern Mining December 2023

BLASTING AND EXPLOSIVES

South Africa-based company, Omnia Holdings, has announced a strategic partnership with Swedish-based Hypex Bio Explosives Technology (Hypex) and the acquisition of a minority equity stake in the company. Hypex is at the forefront of innovative and sustainable civil explosives solutions and has developed a ground-breaking emulsion using hydrogen peroxide (HP) and offering substantially enhanced environmental benefits compared to conven tional products. Omnia Holdings and Hypex in strategic partnership

T his collaboration marks a significant milestone for both Omnia and Hypex as it will nota bly enhance the ongoing development and commercial rollout of Hypex’s HP emulsion technology in key markets. In addition, it provides Omnia, the parent company of global blasting solu tions provider BME, with access to state-of-the-art technology, the company said. Omnia, in conjunction with BME, has established a reputation for its dedication to innovation and mar ket-driven product solutions. Extending its services across Africa, Australasia, North America and Brazil, BME offers cutting-edge products and services at every stage in the mining explosives and blasting solutions supply chain, using technology to maxi mise safety and minimise environmental impact. Commenting on the transaction, Seelan Gobalsamy, CEO of Omnia said, “Hypex is a good strategic fit for BME and aligns with Omnia’s sustain ability and high-growth objectives, including pollution and CO 2 reduction. Hypex has developed the first non-nitrate explosive emulsions in the market and reduced the carbon content by 90% over traditional sources. This technology has the potential to com pletely change the explosives supply industry.” Ralf Hennecke, Managing Director of BME adds, “As one of the largest explosives and blasting solu tions suppliers on the African continent, BME is pursuing a globalisation strategy which is optimally aligned to the sustainable, nitrate-free emulsion

technology offered by Hypex.” Hypex’s experience in rapid yet safe development cycles, combined with the company’s proven track record in commercialisation activities, will utilise the proceeds from this transaction to further strengthen the organisation and invest in accelerated growth. Thomas Gustavsson, CEO of Hypex, said, “We are thrilled to announce the partnership with Omnia, and I am very happy not only to have an ideal investor on board but also a company whose culture is well aligned with ours. I foresee significant synergies and accelerated accomplishments as a direct result. The team and I are grateful for the hard work done by both sides to accomplish this deal.” This partnership agreement aligns seamlessly with Omnia’s capital allocation framework of add ing new revenue streams in future high-growth international markets while maintaining a diversi fied and cash-generative business, improving the Group’s competitive advantage and resilience given anticipated market changes, and aligning with its sustainability journey. “As a responsible industry leader, we are commit ted to sustainable innovation and the responsible use of chemicals for the health, safety and well-being of our planet and its people. Our partnership with Hypex strengthens our ability to develop and distrib ute eco-friendly products and technologies and is testament to our purpose of creating a greener and safer future for all,” said Gobalsamy. 

Seelan Gobalsamy, CEO of Omnia.

Ralf Hennecke, Managing Director of BME.

BME is pursuing a globalisation strategy.

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30  MODERN MINING  December 2023