CE certification for Orica’s fully lead-free electronic detonators

20 March, 2025

Orica have received CE certification for their fully lead-free electronic detonators

Certification marks significant milestone in company’s commitment to innovation and sustainability

ORICA have received CE certification for their fully lead-free Neo electronic detonators, marking a significant milestone in the company’s commitment to innovation and sustainability in the mining and quarrying industries. The lead-free detonators will be available in Europe across Orica’s entire range of electronic blasting systems, including the new eDev II Neo, uni tronic 600 Neo, and i-kon III Neo.

The new lead-free electronic detonators have undergone rigorous testing to ensure they meet the safety and performance standards required for commercial use. The CE certification states that the product range has been successfully assessed and approved by the German Notified Body Bundesanstalt für Materialforschung und -prüfung (BAM).

With CE certification now in place, Orica are progressing to a comprehensive field-testing programme including field testing and verification to ensure optimal performance and reliability in all surface and underground applications, in all climate conditions. The extensive field trial programme will pave the way for the official market launch.

The fully lead-free electronic detonator delivers several safety and environmental benefits by eliminating lead from both the production process and blasting emissions. The lead-free products do not contain any Substances of Very High Concern (SVHC) according to the European Union’s Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and Restriction of Chemicals (REACH) regulation.

Orica’s fully lead-free electronic detonator will be available across the company’s entire range of electronic blasting systems

The transition to lead-free electronic detonators aligns with Orica’s ongoing commitment to reducing their environmental impact while maintaining superior performance, reliability, and safety in their operations. Eliminating lead from products can help better protect workers, communities, and the environment from harmful substances traditionally used in the extractives industries, in the context of the relevant EU legislation on ESG.

Orica group executive and EMEA president James Bonnor said: ‘We are proud to have achieved CE certification for our lead-free electronic detonators, a testament to our commitment to environmental responsibility and operational excellence. We are now focused on completing the final validation steps, ensuring our customers receive a product that meets the high standards of safety, performance, and sustainability.’