Press releases

BME – Culture protocols key to blast safety on mines

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Created: Monday, 10 October 2022 12:55

BME – media release on safety in mining

Culture, protocols key to blast safety on mines

A recent global safety report for mining indicates a gradual but steady improvement in mine safety, with a total recordable injury (TRI) frequency rate at a low 2,90 – down from 5,07 just a decade ago.

The Safety Performance Report by the International Council on Mining and Metals (ICMM) benchmarked the progress of its members during 2021. The ICMM noted that the industry has focused on “operational, cultural and leadership transformation” in reducing fatalities in recent years.

Blasting solutions specialist BME has concurred that a growing safety culture is a major factor behind positive safety trends in mining, as well as uncompromising compliance with strict safety protocols. According to Ramesh Dhoorgapersadh, General Manager for Safety, Health, Environment, Risk and Quality (SHERQ) at the JSE-listed Omnia Group company, safety must be ingrained into every activity, in line with recognised standards and procedures.

“The blasting philosophy of BME is expressed through our innovative products and leading initiation technologies,” said Dhoorgapersadh. “This also means aligning our policies with customer’s own safety protocols and broader regulatory requirements.”

Fresh projects are needed for mining to meet demand

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Created: Wednesday, 21 September 2022 08:27

Times are good for the mining sector, but more exploration and mine development is vital if it is to keep up with future demand – for battery minerals in particular. With the focus now on minerals that can build a low-carbon future, Ralf Hennecke, Managing Director of Omnia Group company BME, has emphasized a commodity pipeline that is falling short.

“Greenfield projects to boost the production of key commodities are scarce,” he said. “Minerals like nickel, copper, cobalt and platinum group metals are likely to experience supply shortages in the not-too-distant future if new projects are not initiated soon.”

He reiterated that new mining operations – or even large expansions – typically take 7-10 years to progress from the planning stage to the production of metal. There is a likelihood that the demand-supply gap in many minerals could worsen if levelling production rates are not augmented with new sources of supply. The demand for battery minerals is being driven by a range of green technologies – even though there is still uncertainty about which minerals will be most in demand in the future.