BME is lifting blasting performance across Australia’s mining industry, debuting a new electronic detonator plant in Kalgoorlie.
BME’s decision to set up an electronic detonator assembly plant in Kalgoorlie is an exciting milestone that promises big benefits for Australia’s mining industry.
By moving beyond overseas suppliers, the company is investing in local manufacturing that promises supply chain resilience, faster response times and closer support for miners across Western Australia.
The new facility positions BME as the first electronic detonator manufacturer in the state, addressing a long-standing industry need.
BME global manager strategic partnerships Rakhi Pathak told Australian Mining the facility will play a central role in meeting growing demand.
“The Kalgoorlie region is strategically located to serve as a key supply hub for iron ore, gold, nickel, lithium and other critical mineral mining customers,” Pathak said.
“Local mining companies have expressed keen interest, as the location gives them significant supply chain security and definite logistical benefits.”
The project has progressed quickly, harnessing BME’s strong international experience.
“This plant utilises proven equipment from our South African operations, including a semi-automated line from our Losberg plant,” Pathak said.
“BME has considerable experience in establishing and operating these facilities, and we have already established a similar facility in Canada as part of our globalisation drive.”
Licensing and compliance were key milestones. BME secured approval to commission and store substantial quantities of class one explosives, including detonators and boosters, following a detailed regulatory process that emphasised safety and transparency.
“We undertook this process with the same diligence as we adopt during all our operations, prioritising engagement with stakeholders such as government regulators and communities,” Pathak said.
The company has spent more than a decade building its Australian presence, primarily through the uptake of its AXXIS electronic initiation system.
Growth has been organic, driven by direct engagement with key mining customers, contractors and service providers seeking high-performance, easy-to-use blasting technology.
BME believes the Kalgoorlie plant deepens its commitment, marking the next phase in supporting customers across the country.
“The detonator plant is part of our continued evolution in this primary market,” Pathak said.
“We are building infrastructure to support safe, reliable and cost-efficient supply of electronic detonators, high explosives, and a full basket of goods and services for surface and underground customers.”
The shift toward electronic initiation is accelerating in Australia, with mining operations seeking greater control, improved fragmentation and better energy efficiency.
As sites move away from shock tube systems, BME’s AXXIS product has gained strong traction.
“As in other markets, mining companies are increasingly recognising the benefits of electronic initiation, driving demand for our detonators as operations transition away from shock tube systems,” Pathak said.
“BME takes pride in the AXXIS product’s market-leading robustness, ease of use, safety and flexibility, qualities that continue to set the benchmark for electronic blasting technology.”
BME has conducted trials across WA mines to demonstrate these benefits, while investing heavily in software and digital tools to further enhance blasting performance.
“Electronic detonation systems are well aligned with the ongoing advancements of the digital age, enabling continuous innovation and improved blasting efficiency,” Pathak said.
“Our BLASTMAP blast design application allows for complex designs to be rigorously trialled and simulated for best results.”
Integration of BME’s in-house blast timing and blast loading software allows for the safe application of advanced timing methods, achieving more useful work from the same explosives without risking vibration or other environmental exceedances.
For example, tools like XPLOLOG provide the data mining teams need for day-to-day performance improvements. Meanwhile, BME’s XPLOSMART – an artificial intelligence (AI)-enabled, comprehensive mine-to-mill software – provides a more holistic and predictive solution by integrating AI-driven insights and advanced geospatial tools across the entire mining value chain.
“This streamlines workflow and ensures continuity of data across the mining operation, optimising not just the blast itself but downstream processes like milling efficiency and resource utilisation, and linking these to financial and environmental, social and governance [ESG] imperatives,” Pathak said.
With the debut of the Kalgoorlie plant, BME is entering a new era in its Australian business, combining local manufacturing capability with digital innovation.
This feature appears in the February issue of Australian Mining magazine.