Modern Quarrying Q1 2025

LOADING AND HAULING

“Mines can save costs while enhancing safety, by applying the latest technologies in digital blast initiation,” said BME’s General Manager Technology and Marketing Nishen Hariparsad. This was one of the key points of a webinar hosted by blasting experts BME recently, where specialists highlighted the advances made by the company’s leading AXXIS™ initiation system. W ith a focus and emphasis on safety, Hariparsad introduced the topic of discussion for the webinar, which was the company’s digital initiation system, AXXIS™. The webinar blast that is predictable and consistent makes the entire mining process much easier and more efficient. BLASTING TECHNOLOGY LEADS WITH SAFETY, FLEXIBILITY, AND INTEGRATION

And efficient operations reduce mining costs. “Through game-changing innovation, AXXIS™ creates not only smarter blasts but safer blasts that put control in the hands of the operator,” said BME Global EIS Development Manager Andries Posthumus. “With our team of dedicated electronic and blast specialists and years of experience in designing electronic initiation systems, we have created a world-class initiation system that helps clients achieve the best possible blast outcomes.” Tom Dermody, BME’s International Manager Technology and Field Services, emphasised that the fundamentals of AXXIS™ are based on safer technology. “An important part of the safety features offered by AXXIS™ is that the system is flexible,” said Dermody. “With this flexibility, we can simulate what’s going to happen ahead of time. Simulations are extremely beneficial in allowing us to predict possible outcomes of a blast and further manage those outcomes. While we always aim for the best possible outcome, an important part of the simulation is understanding and

showcased the features and benefits of the electronic initiation system used in mine blasting. The AXXIS™ system boasts safety, precision, and accuracy, and has been designed and developed over time to create a safe and accurate initiation system for blasting within the mining environment. Cost savings for mines One of the greatest benefits posed by the AXXIS™ system is its ability to contribute to cost savings within the mine. Hariparsad noted that the mining industry’s reliance on electricity is well-known, and many mines are seeking a means of reducing depen dency on diesel generators. “One fundamental benefit of using our AXXIS™ elec tronic blasting system is through electronic initiation,” he said. “It is one way of contributing to mining com panies consuming less energy. Having an accurate

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