Modern Mining March 2019

PRODUCT News

Blasting solutions take mines into digital age

collection capability provides faster insights and improved blast predic- tion using advanced analytics and data tools; it also allows data visu- alisation through dashboards and easier information accessibility.” In similar fashion, BME’s XPLOLOG technology closely monitors the activ- ity and performance of teams conducting drilling, charging and stemming on a blast site – and controls the utilisation of key resources like emulsions.

As mining companies rapidly shift their strategies and operating models to leverage digital transformation, new technologies in blasting and explosives are making an ever more vital contribu- tion to bottom-line improvements. According to Joe Keenan, MD of blasting leader BME, a combi- nation of market volatility, changing global demand and radically different input economics has contributed to a seismic shift in the industry. “Automation in mines, new analytic capabilities, digital workers and remote operation are just some examples where technologies are disrupting the mining industry today,” said Keenan. “At BME, our turnkey blasting offering is based on our ongoing investment in technology in precisely these fields; combining the power of mobile computing and cloud data storage to enhance safety, productivity and information transparency, allowing quicker and better decision-making.” He highlighted the ‘Internet of Things’ (IoT) as an important driver of mine profitability through safe, efficient and automated operations. “Our AXXIS centralised blasting system (CBS), for example, takes the benefits of electronic detonation into the underground environment – with active monitoring and detection that gives mines the ability to take corrective action before a blast instead of just remedial action afterwards,” he said. “The system’s data

BME’s XPLOLOG is a fully integrated and real-time blast data management system.

“XPLOLOG captures detailed information on each hole, picking up inconsistencies or issues that could reduce the quality of a blast,” he said.“This easy-to-use tool can upload and download data, pre- senting it on a dashboard for better management decision-making – and integrates with our powerful BLASTMAP III design software.” Driving this work is BME’s Innovation Hub, a dedicated division that commercialises its technology to benefit customers. Staffed by experts including physicists, engineers and chemists, it con- tinuously improves various aspects of the company’s offerings – from emulsion formulations and blast modelling to mobile app technology and data transparency. BME, website: www.bme.co.za

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