BME is the leading supplier of explosives to the South African open pit mining and quarrying industry. It offers ground breaking solutions to all its customers and has operations in South Africa, Namibia, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Mali, Swaziland, Mauritania, Malawi, Senegal and Zambia. It also trades into Mozambique and the DRC.
BME strives to remain at the forefront of technology by regularly participating in the research and trials of new blasting techniques and products, as well as attending and participating at technical conferences worldwide. BME continues to commercialise the new generation of electronic detonator as well as developing alternative products for the industry.
Non-explosive Products
HEFTM (High Energy Fuel) emulsion is classified as a non-explosive oxidiser in its ungassed state and can be stored for up to three months in field tanks. This means that you can safely store HEF until you need it and you can have immediate access to adequate quantities at all times.
HEF 100TM Series are gas sensitised pure emulsion or aluminised emulsion products.
HEF 200TM Series are PPAN based Heavy ANFO’s and emulsion blends. Blends containing more than 50% emulsion are gas sensitised.
PPAN is supplied in bulk tankers, break bulk and 50 kg bags, for clients who may want to formulate their own explosives.Bulk Explosives Products
Bulk Products
ANFO
ANFO is an oxygen-balanced mixture of porous prill ammonium nitrate (PPAN) and fuel oil. It is soluble in water and insensitive to normal handling or an open flame. PANFOTM has excellent heave and good fragmentation characteristics. It is supplied in bulk or 50 kg bags.
Heavy ANFO
BME supplies a full range of high-energy bulk explosives for every mining application. The BME trucks are capable of delivering any formulation from pure emulsion explosives to any blend ratios of emulsion and porous prill. These trucks are able to supply you with a custom explosive blend that has the energy characteristics and performance you need.
Special enhanced energy formulations are also supplied for difficult blasting conditions. These are formulated to individual customer needs.
Underground Pumpable Emulsion
MegapumpTM is a gas-sensitised waterproof explosive that is carried underground in bulk containers and pumped into blastholes in a similar fashion to the charging of holes in opencast mines but with specially designed underground ECU’s (emulsion charging units),. The non-explosive emulsion is transported to the mine in standard chemical tankers, stored in silos or tanks at the shaft head and underground and is sensitised and pumped into the blastholes by the ECU’s.
MegapumpTM is a light gold in colour and has a high viscosity that allows it to be pumped into up-holes.
The density of MegapumpTM can be changed on site to increase or decrease the relative bulk strength. The VOD varies between 4500 m/s and 5400 m/s depending on hole diameter and charged density.
MegapumpTM is stored in surface silos and transported underground in cassettes that vary in size depending on the operational needs.
Applications
- Hard rock underground blasting
- Ring blasting and underground bulk blasting
- Shaft sinking
- Tunnelling in hard rock
Advantages over conventional explosives
- Safe storage and handling - MegapumpTM is non-explosive until sensitised just prior to charging
- Cost effective because of savings in labour, storage and transportation
- Cost effective because of improved fragmentation and face advance
- Faster charging cycles
- Resistant to water compared to ANFO
- Density is controllable
- Full coupling compared to cartridged explosives
Sensitivity
Once it has been sensitized during the charging process, MegapumpTM is cap sensitive and can be initiated using an 8D strength detonator. It is advisable to use a 15 g booster for efficient initiation.
Storage and Transportation
MegapumpTM is classified as an oxidising agent and transportation, storage and handling must be in accordance with the appropriate regulations. MegapumpTM can be transported in tankers to site and stored in silos on surface or underground. Magazine facilities are not necessary.
Packaged explosives
Bagged ANFO
PanexTM is an oxygen-balanced mixture of porous prill ammonium nitrate (PPAN) and fuel oil. It is soluble in water and insensitive to normal handling or an open flame. PanexTM has excellent heave and good fragmentation characteristics. It is supplied in bulk or 25 kg bags. In bags, you have the choice of receiving it with or without four smaller internal bags of 6.25 kg each.
PanexTM has a poured density of 0.78 g/cm3.
Cartridged Explosives
MegamiteTM is a high-energy cap sensitive emulsion explosive suitable for use in tough breaking conditions in hard rock mining environments. MegamiteTM is water resistant, safe to handle and has excellent performance characteristics.
MegamiteTM is classified by the South African Chief Inspector of Explosives as a Class E explosive. The classification is UN 0332 Explosive, blasting type 1.5 D. Transportation, storage and handling must be in accordance with the appropriate Explosive Act Regulations.
Electronic Delay Detonators
DeltadetTM - Remote Electronic Delay Detonator
CE Certified (European Standard)
SANS 1717 compliant (South African National Standard)
Leading-edge initiation technology providing:
- Accuracy
- Safety
- Programmability
- Reliability
- Ease of use
What you design is what you get
- Integrated with advanced blast optimization software – BlastMapTM.
- Digital transfer of the designed delay timing to the detonators down the hole.
- Eliminating human error out in the field.
Usage
- Vibration control
- Fragmentation optimization
- Rock movement
- Pit wall control
- Rock slope stability
- Grade control
Application
The product is used for the precise initiation of the primer (booster) in surface blasting applications.
The detonator consists of an electronic board and a precise seismic instantaneous electric detonator. The electric board contains components including a microprocessor and capacitor, which allow for variable programmable delay periods. The capacitors are only energized at the time of blasting. The stored energy is then released at the exact pre-programmed delay interval after the firing button has been pressed.
Product specification
Delay Intervals:
The DeltadetTM EDD can be programmed in intervals of 1ms from 0ms to 5000 ms Detonators per Blast: The quantity of detonators per blast could be anything up to a maximum of:
- Multi-line blasting equipment: 380 DeltadetsTM
- Multi Muli-line system: 2 000 DeltadetsTM
Programming:
Programming of the DeltadetsTM can be done either by
- Doint the time design on the hand held field terminal , or
- Doing and optimising the timing design on a PC using BlastMapTM software and then transferring it digitally to the field terminal.
Programming time: Less than 1 second per detonator
Energizing time: ± 90 seconds to arm the capacitors independent of the number of detonators in the blast.
Safety Features
Radio Interface:
Communication commands between the Blasting Box and the Base Station (Multi-line System) are coded and encrypted, preventing interference from external sources and accidental initiation.
Unique features of the DeltadetTM system
Lightning and thunderstorms:
Should an electric storm occur nearby, all charging operations must be suspended until the electric storm is over, as would apply to all electrical and pyrotechnic initiation systems in combination with explosives. A direct hit with lightning carries similar risks as in the case of electric and pyrotechnic initiation systems.
Remote Communication:
RF Communication allows for a wireless system which contributes to safe blasting practices. It is also very convenient and cost effective.
Two-Way Communication:
The system allows for a complete two-way communication whereby the functionality of each detonator can be confirmed by the detonator itself which contributes to the safety and success of each blast.
Series Connection:
The DeltadetTM detonators are connected in series allowing for each one to be programmed centrally from a safe position.
PC Based Timing Design (optional):
The PC based timing design has the following features:
- It allows for the optimization of the blast design using the advanced blast design software (BlastMapTM)
- It gives the Blast Engineer full control over the correct programming of the detonators: “What you design is what you get” is an inherent feature of the DeltadetTM system.
- The Blaster's function remains relatively simple.
- The timing design and the wiring can be altered with ease in a very short period of time.
DeltaDet Accessories
| Name | Length(s) | Function |
| delta Extension Wire | 5m | To be used as extension of DeltadetTM surface wire between two detonators |
| delta Blasting Wire | 150m | Serves as connection between the blasting lines and the blasting equipment (Mono-line blasting box or Multi-line Base Station) |
Shocktube initiation systems
BME supplies a full range of shocktube initiation systems for underground applications. This includes units for stoping (MegadetTM TwinTM) and tunnelling (MegadetTM AdvanceTM).
All associated accessories and equipment centralized blasting systems, boosters, detonating cord and starters are provided by BME. For more details contact info@bme.co.za.
BME-Tech
Blastinfo
BME’s team of highly qualified and experienced team of blasting engineers (Blastinfo) provides the best advice for any blasting problem from vibration control through to complex blasting designs. Blasting dynamics are determined using state-of-the-art equipment such as seismographs, high speed video cameras, fragmentation analysis systems, face profiling equipment and auditing tools.
Blast design advice is available for individual blasts at remote mining sites via the Internet. Hole coordinate information or block geometries are sent to Blastinfo staff who return designs for hole patterns or blast timing to the client. The client then uses BlastMapTM on site to view the information or to download it directly to the XploLoggerTM or DeltadetTM system.
To make the best use of BME’s range of explosives and electronic detonators, BME supplies advanced blast engineering tools which are integrated with each other. These tools provide detailed control over the entire blasting procedure: design, electronic monitoring of drilling and charging, detailed reporting and individual detonator timing on centralized remote blasting.
BlastMapTM is a powerful design tool that interfaces with mine design codes and survey data to allow rapid transfer of information to the blast engineer. It provides costing information and energy comparison data, and has simulation models, which predict the likely results of blast designs. These models include fragmentation modeling, vibration prediction and wave interference maps. BlastMapTM is designed to interface with BME's DeltadetTM electronic detonator system, so that timing designs can be directly downloaded to the electronic detonators in a blast.
The XploLoggerTM system is an electronic data logging and reporting system. It records all field activities during drilling and charging and reports information such as hole depth, charge quantity in each hole, stemming lengths and charging time. The information is reported graphically, showing any deviances from the blast design. The XploLoggerTM system can also used separately as a field auditing system for checking data input quality and collaring accuracy of blastholes amongst other things.
BME offers a wide range of basic and advanced training courses in blasting technology. These courses are presented on site and include the examination and certification of delegates. Training modules include:
- Blasting certificate
- Explosives energy and performance
- Drilling and charging basics
- Designing bench blasts
- Vibration, air blast and fly rock control
- Presplitting and wall control
- Blast timing methods and design
BME also hosts regular seminars presented by leaders in the industry to disseminate the latest knowledge in explosives and blasting technology.
BlastLabs
There is an increasing trend in the mines to improve blasting results so that plant throughput and efficiencies increase. This is often referred to in the industry as “mine to mill” optimization. We provide a service that supports this process and enhances blasting results.
With advanced software and technology becoming available on the market, BME has introduced a service to our clients called BlastLabs. Experts in BlastLabs provide useful analytical solutions to many of our client and BME field staff. The services that BlastLabs provide include fragmentation analyses, blast-face profiling analyses, rock blastability assessments vibration and analyses. These are all derived from data that is e-mailed from our customers and field staff to BlastLabs, usually in the form of scaled digital images. The analytical reports from the analyses are produced within 24 hours of data being e-mailed. The reports are comprehensive and detailed and provide critical quantitative results for improving blasting performance.
BlastTronics
Support and marketing of BME’s DeltadetTM system is carried out by the BlastTronics team of engineers and technologists. The team is focused on achieving the best results from electronic blasts, using knowledge gained through research on timing designs that optimise fragmentation, blast throw, wall control and vibration.
The significant gain that can be obtained by using precise electronic detonators is realised by deploying the BlastTronics team to design and apply DeltadetTM initiation systems in your blasting.
Business Units
International Operations
BME is the main supplier of bulk and packaged explosives and related accessories to the African continent. Customers include underground, surface and quarry operations. The supply focuses on simple supply or trading of product, to down hole services and full blasting services. BME is also involved in blast design and optimization of blasting operations and mine to mill projects on client sites. BME has over 12 years experience in supplying hazardous products and chemicals to remote sites on the continent.
Mali
BME formed a company in Mali in 2000 to support the gold mining industry there. To date, BME has two emulsion manufacturing facilities, located strategically in the country. BME currently supports the opencast operations in Mali with full blasting and mine to mill services.
Mauritania
BME entered the Mauritanian market in 2004 with bulk emulsions, packaged product, accessories and related support services to copper and gold mines. BME also has an emulsion plant in central Mauritania
Zambia
In 2000, BME registered a company in Zambia, BME Zambia supports the surface and underground mining operations. Activities are concentrated in the copperbelt between Kitwe, Chingola and Solwezi. BME offers simple supply, down-hole service and full blasting services to the mining industry in Zambia.
Zimbabwe
BME currently supplies surface mines, underground mines and quarries with explosives and accessories in Zimbabwe. Current clients include international and local mining players. BME is known to have a well-established logistical support infrastructure in Zimbabwe, to deliver products timeously and reliably.
Botswana
BME entered the Botswana market in 2002. Activities are focused in the Francistown region, where bulk explosives, accessories and associated services are supplied to nearby mining operations.
Senegal
BME entered the Senegalese market in 2007, has established a local entity, and is in the process of commissioning a local production facility on one of its customers’ sites.
Namibia
BME is the major supplier of raw materials, explosives and accessories to the surface and quarrying operations in Namibia. A large emulsion explosives plant is being constructed in Namibia.
Surface Operations
BME’s Bulk Operations Division supplies our surface client operations in Southern Africa with a broad range of bulk explosives and accessories. BME is the largest supplier to the surface mining industry in Southern Africa. This success is due to the broad range of client-specific blasting solutions with proven reliable products.
The Bulk Operations Division offers a wide range of solutions and packages from 'down the hole' to 'full blasting services' and is assisted by the BME-Tech Division with their expertise and blasting tools to provide economic, safe and effective blasting results.
Underground Operations
BME’s Underground Operations Division supplies our underground client operations with a broad range of packaged explosives (MegapumpTM and PanexTM ranges), bulk pumpable explosives (MegapumpTM) and initiation systems (MegadetTM AdvanceTM and MegadetTM TwinTM Shocktube systems).
The Underground Operations Division provides a broad range of technical support services with their team of Technical Engineers and assistance from the BME-Tech Division
Production
BME has production facilities in South Africa and other countries in Africa.
BME sources its ammonium nitrate and calcium nitrate from our parent company Omnia, who have the largest nitric acid plant in South Africa.
Large capacity HEFTM emulsion plants operate from Dryden to the east of Gauteng and Losberg to the West. These plants produce a range of bulk emulsions for surface use (HEFTM 100 series and HEFTM 207) and underground use (MegapumpTM).
BME boasts a high-tech packaged explosives factory at Losberg that manufactures the full range of MegamiteTM packaged explosives.
BME produces shocktube assemblies (MegadetTM) and electronic detonators (DeltadetTM) from its modern plants at Losberg and Rustenburg.
R&D
BME’s R&D department is based at the Losberg factory. Research and testing is carried out on improved explosives formulations and explosives for specialized applications.
The work is carried out by a team of experienced and dedicated chemists and engineers who have access to BME’s wide range of testing facilities at Losberg.
Distribution
BME’s distribution is undertaken through a large dedicated fleet, mostly comprising purpose built vehicles. These include road tankers which are engaged in transferring bulk emulsions and chemicals to BME and customer sites throughout Southern Africa as well as container vehicles for packaged products which also undertake shaft head deliveries.
All these vehicles operate under constant surveillance using sophisticated fleet monitoring and management systems.
The stringent regulatory requirements governing the transportation of dangerous goods, necessitates regular operational audits, which are conducted by qualified BME personnel as well as auditors certified by the Chemical and Allied Industries Association (CAIA) to ensure compliance and conformance to safety standards.
BME also has a dedicated export department which manages the supply chain supporting all its International Business Operations as well as its global sourcing services.
PROTEA MINING CHEMICALS
Protea Mining Chemicals is a supplier of an extensive range of speciality and commodity chemicals specifically required by the mining industry in Africa. Additionally its innovative vendor managed inventory model, Protea Process, has provided a significant point of differentiation in the management of supply chain challenges for our many customers throughout the sub region.
Furthermore, Protea Mining Chemicals has the necessary in-house engineering expertise and practical experience to custom design and build reagent handling plants and dosing facilities that operate in the demanding environments that are a feature of the mining industry in Africa.
This market trend to outsource reagent supply, storage, make-up, and dosing to vendor management provides the cornerstone on which the continued growth of the Protea Mining Chemicals business will be built. The registered Protea Process has de-facto become the industry standard for this customer service model.
Global and local partnerships with key chemical suppliers ensure that Protea Mining Chemicals customers are provided with quality products, and supported by on-site facilities and product application expertise – a value proposition unique in the mining industry in Africa.
Based on the nature and intensity of its service to both its principals and customers alike, Protea Mining Chemicals is ‘more than just a chemical supplier’.