Modern Mining July 2024

with a competitive edge in the explosives market.” Sustainability through innovation Its innovation focus has led to several pioneering green mining achievements over the years, including used-oil emulsions. These emulsion products incorporate used oil as a fuel source, thereby removing from circulation a waste product that has a high potential for environmental harm – and transforming it into a stable emulsion with superior performance. The consumption of used oil as a fuel phase also allows less dependence on the price of fuel. Another early innovation from BME was its dual salt emulsions; this formulation not only offers superior product performance, it also contributes significantly to meeting ESG goals. “Our advanced formulation – when combined with used oil – enables the manufacture of finished products at lower temperatures, resulting in reduced energy consumption during the production process,” said Dhoorgapersadh. “This energy efficiency in turn translates directly to lower carbon emissions, a growing imperative in mining.” Hydrogen peroxide breakthrough Among BME’s most exciting sustainability initiatives in recent years has been its strategic partnership with Swedish company Hypex Bio Explosives Technology, a specialist in nitrate-free emulsion explosives. Since the 1970s, explosive emulsions have been formulated using ammonium nitrate (AN) as the primary salt, according to Scott Scovira, Global Manager of Blasting Science at BME. Other emulsions sometimes include an alternate salt – calcium nitrate or sodium nitrate – in place of AN. “The ability of hydrogen peroxide to act as the oxidiser has been known for decades,” explained Scovira. “However, all research outside of Hypex Bio has been focused on water gel technology – an old-technology bulk product system – or emulsions requiring ‘rocket grade’ concentrations of hydrogen peroxide of over 60%.” He highlighted that BME’s value proposition for its customers is strongly aligned with environmental goals. The chemistry of HPEs is incapable of creating ammonia and nitrate products like

The chemistry of HPEs is incapable of creating ammonia and nitrate products.

BME’s used oil truck collects used oil from customers.

premature closure.” He emphasised that BME’s market research has determined that HPE’s value proposition for its customers is strong – with no drawbacks that would impact costs negatively. In this sense, hydrogen peroxide technology truly differentiates BME, he asserts, while supporting customers’ efforts to raise their ESG performance. Good stewardship Dhoorgapersadh summed up by highlighting that green mining is a crucial aspect of modern mining operations aiming to balance the demand for minerals with the need to protect the environment. “By incorporating sustainable practices into mining operations, BME plays an integral role in the mining industry’s efforts to preserve natural ecosystems,” he said. “At the same time, we align with the ESG objectives of minimising environmental impact, fostering social responsibility, and ensuring robust governance.” He notes that this approach not only enhances the reputation of mining companies, it also ensures their operations are viable in the long term, meeting the expectations of stakeholders and contributing to a more sustainable future. “BME is a key enabler to customers in realising this concept,” he said. “BME brings to the table immense knowledge and innovative change that unlocks potential for businesses – while ensuring that operations are conducted in a manner that guarantees sustainability and responsible product stewardship.” 

nitrogen oxide (NOx) gas as there are no nitrogen-based components used in the formulation. HPEs are therefore inherently environmentally friendly and safer in terms of post-blast toxic gas formation. Fumes and water contamination “Many mines have operational restrictions due to NOx gases,” he continued. “Globally, in underground applications, cycle time and hence efficiency are impacted due to the time spent waiting for post-blast fumes to dissipate.” Furthermore, in surface operations in many areas, mines are constrained by weather conditions to prevent NOx gas clouds from impacting neighbouring properties and communities. This is a particular concern in developed regions where NOx emissions are carefully monitored and reported; any non-compliance can impact on mine operating permits. Scovira also pointed to the need to manage ammonia and nitrate in mine water discharge, which can be a challenge since virtually all bulk explosives contain ammonium nitrate. “The use of other nitrate salts like calcium or sodium nitrate mitigates a large percentage of the ammonia discharge; however these salts have little impact on the nitrates,” he said. “Mines in many countries – and those in environmentally sensitive areas – need to remediate their water runoff and discharge to reduce ammonia and nitrates to permissible levels. There are historical cases of increased costs making mines uneconomical and forcing

JULY 2024 | www.modernminingmagazine.co.za  MODERN MINING  27