BME target drill-and-blast partners in the US

South African blasting specialist establishes facilities in Colorado and Utah to serve the US market

WITH an existing successful joint venture in Canada, blasting specialists BME have now also established themselves in the US with an office in Denver, Colorado, and explosive magazines in Utah.

The South African-based company is now set to service and supply its explosives product range, including electronic and non-electric initiation systems and packaged explosive products, across the US.

‘We are confident that BME’s world-class, proven technologies will excite the US market, especially those large US drill and blast companies looking for a better deal and specialist service from their explosive supplier,’ said BME’s managing director Joe Keenan (pictured).

‘We are also enthusiastic about the opportunities for partnerships, joint ventures and distribution agreements in the US.

‘In addition to BME’s AXXIS electronic initiation line, our private label arrangement with a major explosive manufacturer gives BME a complete product line in the US.’

BME now have capability to offer a full range of initiating systems for surface and underground applications, including electronic, electric and non-electric detonators, as well as detonating cord, packaged emulsion products and cast boosters.

The well-known AXXIS digital initiation system – which has been embraced all over the world – is already raising significant interest, according to Aaron Austin, general manager Americas at BME.

The AXXIS system has already delivered critical ‘mega blasts’ and both current and previous world records for the largest number of detonators initiated in a single blast in South Africa, Zambia and Australia.

‘Our second-generation AXXIS technology – the GII suite – is available to US customers for safe, controlled and cost-effective blasts,’ said Mr Austin.

He emphasized that BME could at this point add value to construction companies and quarrying operations in the US, providing a depth of expertise, high service levels and a full product range.

This month will also see the company launch its global online technical services and solutions platform, allowing explosives users in the US to consult with experienced explosive engineering professionals.

‘This service will come from BME’s in-house technical staff, and also from other recognized third-party specialists in blasting, mining and construction – with the aim of realizing the best project outcomes for the client,’ said D. Scott Scovira, BME’s global manager of blasting science.

‘The initial on-line consultation to discuss and scope out a blasting project will be free of charge, and the service is not limited to existing BME clients only.’

Following this consultation, the company will provide a written project plan and lump-sum fee offer to execute the proposed service or solution. He said a wide variety of services are offered.

‘We can provide blast fragmentation distribution prediction for surface greenfield sites, and fragmentation distribution optimization to support mine-to-mill initiatives at established surface and underground sites,’ said Mr Scovira.

‘Companies can also look to us for rock characterization and specifications for blasting in hot or reactive ground, highwall blast design and management, or novel and disruptive blast design and mining methods.’

With their global headquarters in Johannesburg, South Africa, and part of the JSE-listed Omnia Group, BME are among the leading emulsion explosive and initiation systems providers to quarries, mines and the construction and demolition industry.