Modern Mining July 2025

SUSTAINABILITY

BME’s debut at CIM Connect 2025 a success The mining industry’s alignment with global sustainability goals was under the spotlight at CIM Connect 2025 in Montreal in May, with BME Mining Canada attracting considerable attention in its debut appearance among over 600 companies exhibiting at this year’s popular industry event.

H osted by the Canadian Institute of Mining, Metallurgy and Petroleum (CIM), the conference and expo draws thousands of visitors globally – with around 270 technical papers presented. The theme this year was ‘Minerals, Innovation and the Energy Transition’. According to Neil Alberts, General Manager at BME North America, the busy event highlighted just how far the mining sector had progressed in its sustainability approach – and how much potential there was for the future. “The theme of the CIM Connect 2025 pinpointed a vital focus in the mining industry,” said Alberts. “What came through strongly in the theme and the presentations was that enabling the energy transition was not just government’s role but that of mine operators and their technology partners and suppliers.” Culture of engagement He emphasised the need for fostering a culture of engagement around sustainability, especially as it affected communities and key natural resources like water. Stronger partnerships are required with community stakeholders, based on efforts by mining industry players to mine responsibly to meet the energy transition’s demand for critical minerals.

BME’s flagship electronic detonation system AXXIS raised interest at the event.

“Speakers on mining best practice highlighted how the sector is using technology – including digital tools and artificial intelligence – to meet both production and sustainability targets,” he explained. “It was also acknowledged that mining is sometimes a slow adopter of available technology, and the role that service providers and supply partners could play in helping accelerate this rate of adoption.” Alberts noted that the ideas and possibilities discussed in the conference sessions quickly found their way to the expo floor, where visitors were on the look-out for practical tools and strategies to pursue the sustainability agenda. Strong interest “The level of engagement at our exhibition booth was incredible, with visits from senior executives through to operational professionals – representing potential customers, future partners and even competitors,” said Alberts. Of particular interest was BME Mining Canada’s Hydrogen Peroxide Emulsion (HPE) offering, developed by Hypex Bio. As a sustainable explosives solution, HPE represents a significant step forward in delivering enhanced environmental benefits compared to conventional emulsion products.

18  MODERN MINING  www.modernminingmagazine.co.za | JULY 2025