Modern Mining November 2017

PRODUCT News

BME breaks into US market with successful test blasts problems with detonators are picked up before the blast – as well as the ability to simulate the blast before it is initiated,” Brits said. “They also enjoyed the ease of use of both the BlastMap software and the AXXIS blast box.”

Africa-based blasting and explosives spe- cialist BME has taken its first steps into the US market with a number of successful test blasts making use of its cutting-edge digital initiation system, blast planning software and electronic detonators. According to BME Global Product Manager (AXXIS) Tinus Brits, six blasts were successfully conducted in these recent landmark tests – providing an important indication of satisfaction and acceptance by US blast experts. “We collaborated with the experi- enced blasting firm Controlled Blasting Incorporated (CBI) in Georgia, who employed our AXXIS digital initiation sys- tem, our BlastMap III software and our locally manufactured electronic detona- tors,”said Brits.“CBI president Larry Gilmore was impressed with the results, and the added benefits of using our planning and initiation systems.” Gilmore has over 30 years’ experience in blasting and has served as President of the International Society of Explosives Engineers (ISEE); he also serves as Chairman of the Georgia Blasting Safety Advisory Committee in the Georgia Insurance Commissioner’s Office. CBI conducted the blasts in a variety of applications, one of which was very close to the Piedmont Hospital in downtown Atlanta; this was a particularly stringent test of the equipment’s ability to facilitate careful control of both fly-rock and vibra- tion levels. “The CBI blasting team appreciated the testability of our systems – where any

The use of electronic detonators allows detonations to be precisely timed within milliseconds of each other, reducing out- of-sequence blasts for more controlled blasting and lower vibrations. To further enhance this vibration control, BlastMap can pick up any instances where two holes are inadvertently set to fire at once – avoid- ing this simultaneous firing also controls vibration and improves the quality of the blast. In blasts that used between 24 and 121 detonators each, BME and CBI worked together to ensure all tests were carried out within the specified vibration levels. “In line with US regulations, the con- tractors ran seismographs during each blast – which could transmit vibration reports to a mobile phone application for real-time monitoring,” said Brits. “All the blasts – which also included a housing development site, a building site and a road-widening project – were performed within the legal vibration limits set by the authorities, confirming the blasters’ confi- dence in our products.” Product was supplied to CBI by Powderman Products. The technical services for the blasts were provided by international blast engineering and consulting firm R.A. McClure, Inc, whose president Robert McClure is a regular amongst others. These enhancements were made with the focus of increasing task efficiency. New functionality within Pitram’s Event Editor and Pitram Mobile also aims to pro- vide increased productivity. This version also includes a number of resolved issues that seek to address the feedback provided by Pitram’s custom- ers. Key areas addressed include Pitram’s Reporting capabilities, Pitram’s Portal and

The use of electronic detonators allows detona- tions to be precisely timed. speaker at BME’s Annual Drilling and Blasting Conference in Pretoria. McClure is also a recipient of the ISEE’s Presidential Award for his contribution to the industry. BME, tel (+27 11) 709-8765

Atlas Copco splits into two global groups

Effective as from 1 November 2017, Atlas Copco has grown into two separate inter- national groups of companies. Globally, the entire Mining & Rock Excavation Technique Business Area together with the Construction Tools Division of Atlas Copco becomes part of Epiroc while the industrial segment remains with Atlas Copco. With Epiroc dedicated to the mining and civil engineering sectors and Atlas Copco focusing on the industrial market, the split provides the best growth opportunities for both listed companies. Epiroc is spearheaded globally by newly appointed CEO Per Lindberg, who is supported by a new board. Epiroc, still a subsidiary of Atlas Copco, has begun its jour- ney as an independent company operating under its own brand name and logo. Epiroc will continue to use several services from Atlas Copco. Locally, Sanjay Ahuja takes up the reigns as Regional General Manager of Epiroc South Africa. “Epiroc South Africa (Pty) Ltd is devoted to providing customers with products and services that enhance their productivity, energy efficiency, safety and ergonomics,” comments Ahuja. Epiroc South Africa will operate from Atlas Copco’s existing premises in Jet Park, Johannesburg.

Latest version of Pitram released MICROMINE has announced the release of Pitram 4.9, the latest version of its fleet management and mine control solution. Pitram 4.9 delivers major new functional- ity for users and also includes a number of resolved issues.

“4.9 will enable improved control over an operation, through enhancements across functionality, with specific focus on increasing task efficiencies,” says Pitram Technical Product Manager Julian Lim. Enhancements to Pitram’s Data Acquisition functionality include changes to Sign Controlled Areas and Shift Planner

Servers, and Pitram Mobile. MICROMINE, tel (+27 87) 150-7580, e-mail: mmafrica@micromine.co.za

November 2017  MODERN MINING  47