Successful TAN blast conducted in Spain

11 June, 2024

A successful low-carbon ammonium nitrate blast has been conducted in Spain

Orica and Fertiberia successfully execute first low-carbon ammonium nitrate blast in Spanish quarry

ORICA and Fertiberia have partnered to successfully execute the first blast using low-carbon* technical ammonium nitrate (TAN) at Canteras de Santullán’s limestone quarry, near Bilbao, in northern Spain. This milestone follows the announcement in September 2023, when Orica and Fertiberia unveiled their collaboration to provide low-carbon TAN to customers seeking sustainable blasting solutions.

For the blast at the Canteras de Santullán quarry, Orica used ammonium nitrate produced by Fertiberia using renewable hydrogen, resulting in a low-carbon explosive product. For the first time, conventional explosives were replaced with an innovative and more sustainable product, marking its first industrial-scale use.

Fertiberia’s director of industrial development and projects, Gonzalo Fernández Ozalla, said: ‘The decarbonization of mining, a crucial sector for the energy transition due to its role in extracting copper and other essential industrial minerals, is set to begin with the first use of a more sustainable product. The blast marks a further step towards reducing the carbon footprint of mining activities.

Low-carbon TAN has the potential to transform the industry, as it provides a more sustainable and environmentally friendly solution to conventional TAN.

Ammonium nitrate produced with renewable hydrogen, resulting in a low-carbon explosive product

Pedro de Andrés Sáez, general manager of Canteras de Santullán, said: ‘We are proud that Fertiberia and Orica selected Santullán's quarry for this pioneering moment in mining, both in Spain and Europe. The blast involves the use of ammonium nitrate produced with a lower carbon footprint. As a company, we are deeply committed to sustainability, environmental stewardship, and maintaining a strong relationship with the local community. This product supports that commitment.’

Orica’s commercial lead for Southern Europe, Jesus Domingo, said: ‘Mining is a necessity as the world transitions, and it is crucial we mine safely, more efficiently, and more sustainably. The collaboration between Orica, Fertiberia, and Canteras de Santullán to use low-carbon ammonium nitrate represents a significant advancement in the explosives industry, and for the broader mining industry.’

* Based on a mass balance allocation approach applied by Fertiberia, currently undergoing third-party certification.