Modern Mining March 2025

ESG

Driving down carbon emissions while optimising production has become a key imperative for mines, making BME’s strategic contribution through quality blasting and metallurgical processing more valuable than ever. BME underpins mines’ green targets with decarbonisation focus

Dr Ramesh Dhoorgapersadh, General Manager for Operational Excellence & SHERQ at BME.

T he process of decarbonising has much to do with reducing energy consumption, given that most electricity generated in countries like South Africa is coal-fired. Energy efficiency therefore translates almost directly into a lower carbon footprint, and invariably into cost savings. Through continuous innovation over the past four decades, BME has developed emulsions, equipment and electronic initiation technology that enhance mines’ environmental sustainability efforts on various fronts. According to Dr Ramesh Dhoorgapersadh, General Manager for Operational Excellence & SHERQ (Safety, Health, Environment, Risk and Quality) at BME, the company’s commitment to productivity and sustainability has allowed its mining customers to improve their mining efficiencies – which impacts importantly on the energy they consume. Responsible care “Raising the bar in environmental and safety standards is part of our corporate culture,” says Dhoorgapersadh, “and aligns with the purpose of the Omnia Group – innovating to enhance life, together creating a greener future.”

BME’s success in putting vision into action is regularly recognised by industry bodies – the most recent accolade coming from the Chemical and Allied Industries Association (CAIA). In October, BME was named as runner-up in the Responsible Care® Sustained High Performance Awards – for continuous improvement in overall performance of the business. “Our approach ensures that we safeguard and protect not only our employees but also the environment and the communities in which we operate,” he says. Through the value chain Following a rebranding by the Omnia Group, BME now operates through two core divisions. BME Blasting Solutions specialises in explosives and initiation systems, while BME Metallurgy provides advanced mining chemicals and metallurgical processing solutions. This allows the company to contribute at both the front and back end of the mining cycle. “This means that we break rock through blast design and execution, but also contribute to mineral processing in the plant,” said Nishen

Nishen Hariparsad, General Manager Technology and Marketing.

28  MODERN MINING  www.modernminingmagazine.co.za | MARCH 2025