Orica debuts explosives system at MINExpo

Orica launched 4D, its latest bulk explosives technology, at MINExpo International 2021 in Las Vegas.

Orica says the 4D bulk system enables the real-time tailoring of explosives energy to geology across a blast, delivering improvements in fragmentation, on-bench productivity and an overall reduction in drill and blast costs.

The 4D bulk explosives technology will enable users to seamlessly match a greater range of explosives energy across a mine’s geology and target specific blast outcomes in real-time, Orica adds.

By combining emulsion blended with ammonium nitrate porous prills, the company says 4D supports both pumped and augered loading methods across dry, wet and dewatered hole conditions.

“Our 4D capability demonstrates the convergence of our new technologies and solutions, allowing our customers to think differently, mine more efficiently and operate more precisely,” says Angus Melbourne, Orica chief technology officer. “By combining our range of advanced digital, formulation chemistry and explosives delivery technologies with our technical expertise, we are able to offer this breakthrough solution that will unlock greater value for our customers across their operations.”

Orica says 4D delivers up to 23 percent more relative bulk strength for hard rock applications and up to a 43 percent reduction in soft rock, enabling it to take on a broader range of applications.

“Traditionally blast designs are often driven by powder factor, which is the overall consumption of explosives for the blast, rather than the energy required for different parts of the blast based on geology, resulting in the same type of explosive being applied across a blast pattern regardless of changes in geology or the required blast outcome,” says Adam Mooney, Orica vice president of blasting technology. “4D now enables us to consider another dimension: the application of energy in real-time matched to the rock strength of the blast pattern, as well as the desired blast outcomes, such as consistent fragmentation, fume risk reduction or better vibration control.

“This is a really powerful technology that will allow customers to manage their drill and blast operations and achieve improved blast outcomes,” Mooney adds.