Having completed the construction of its electronic detonator manufacturing plant in Canada, blasting solutions provider BME Mining Canada, a division of the JSE-listed Omnia Group, is forging ahead with a range of production facilities to supply blasting-related offerings for the mining, quarrying and construction sectors.

BME Mining Canada’s development site outside Nairn Centre, in Ontario, is becoming a fully integrated production complex for BME’s blasting technologies, including for the manufacture of detonators, ammonium nitrate emulsions and nitrate free emulsions, reports BME Mining Canada GM Neil Alberts.

“We are excited at the completion of our detonator plant, which is the first to be built locally for the past 35 years. It can produce both our Viperdet non-electric detonators, as well as our AXXIS Titanium and AXXIS Silver electronic detonators,” he says.

The plant has been designed with built-in redundancy to accommodate increased demand, with additional production lines to be installed as the business grows.

“As we have implemented our plans and communicated our progress to the market, the response has been overwhelmingly positive. This infrastructure will pave the way for our customers to optimise their mine-to-mill costs, while reducing their supply chain risks,” says Alberts.

Strategic Offering
Pointing out that some of the globe’s biggest mining companies are active in Canada, Alberts highlights that the BME Mining Canada facility is strategically located in the heart of Canada’s mining region. 

“Our geographic position is key to building a strong and reliable supply chain close to our customers. Within a 1 000 km radius, we can reach about 40% of Canada’s mining industry,” he says.

The facility is well-placed to make use of the extensive rail and road networks, with construction at the site including a dedicated rail spur and the addition of an on-ramp to the main highway.

Alongside the quality of its products and services, the security of BME’s supply chain is rated as a key driver in the company’s global expansion, says BME MD Ralf Hennecke.

“Having built a business delivering quality outcomes to blue chip customers all over Africa, as well as in countries including Australia and Indonesia, we recognise the stringent operational demands in mining,” he says. 

By combining its global experience with local expertise and infrastructure in Canada, Hennecke says BME is well positioned to meet and exceed the expectations of local mining companies.

Developing the complex is creating considerable local employment opportunities, with about 50 direct jobs arising from this activity, as well as additional 80 indirect jobs. 

Among the next steps at the complex, is the development of a bulk emulsion manufacturing plant, which will involve the company’s INNOVEX emulsion plant being moved from its current location near Sudbury, in Ontario, to the new complex outside Nairn Centre.

Future Expansion
Aligning with the strong environmental focus in the Canadian market, particularly in maintaining water quality and related ecosystems, BME Mining Canada plans to develop the country’s first nitrate-free emulsion manufacturing plant in 2027, says Alberts. 

BME Mining Canada will leverage new technology made available through its strategic partner – explosives technology company Hypex Bio, in which Omnia Holdings acquired a stake last year. 

BME’s strategy reinforces the company’s position as a significant global player in the explosives market, affirms Omnia CEO Seelan Gobalsamy, adding that the robustness of BME’s operations, combined with the company’s commitment to sustainability, positions BME strongly for long-term growth. 

“Our solutions are designed to reduce environmental impact and lower nitrous oxide [NOx] emission, both of which are critical priorities for the mining industry,” he says.

In independent field tests conducted across multiple mining sites, Gobalsamy says Hypex Bio’s non-nitrate explosive emulsions consistently delivered a 90% reduction in NOx emissions.

This significant improvement supports mining operations in meeting increasingly stringent environmental regulations while also reducing costs associated with emission controls and compliance management.

“By addressing key environmental challenges, we empower our customers to meet their sustainability goals while gaining a competitive edge in highly regulated markets. These innovative solutions enable mining companies to enhance operational efficiency, boost profitability and strengthen their reputation with stakeholders,” he says.

To bring its innovative solutions to the Canadian market, Alberts explains that BME Mining Canada is continuing discussions with interested mining companies looking for innovative strategies to reduce their environmental impacts.

“Given the country’s strict regulations on water quality, and the potential water contamination risks faced by mining companies, we expect interest to rise in our nitrate-free emulsions,” he concludes.