Can you provide an overview of Orica Mining’s operations in Brazil?

Orica Mining has been operating in Brazil for over 50 years, offering state-of-the-art products and technology to the mining, construction, and quarrying industries. While the mining industry has faced challenges in recent years, Orica’s business in Brazil is now split almost equally between mining and Q&C (quarrying and construction). Orica usually deals directly with mining and construction companies, as there is no established explosives distribution network in Brazil.

What products does Orica Mining offer to the Brazilian market?

Orica Mining offers its entire product portfolio in Brazil, which ranges from packaged explosives to bulk emulsions and includes a wide variety of initiation systems, from conventional devices to cutting-edge electronic solutions. Orica can cater to the explosives needs of any application, from small-scale quarrying to larger tunneling and mining projects. In Latin America, the mining industry is recognizing the value of adopting new technologies, even though the initial cost may be higher than traditional methods.

Apart from product sales, what additional services does Orica Mining offer to its clients to add value?

Orica Mining places great importance on providing services to its clients. Rather than just being an explosives provider or blasting contractor, Orica bases its services around delivering rocks to customers’ exact specifications. Orica prepares the rock for the mill and ensures that there is no ore dilution at the mine site. For some large customers, Orica is responsible for the entire chain of rock preparation from the loading of the explosive charges to delivery to the mill. Additionally, Orica offers vibration reduction consulting to help clients carry out blasting work without negatively impacting local communities and staying within Brazilian law.

What differentiates Orica Mining from smaller low-cost blasting contractors?

While there is certainly a space in the market for smaller local consultancies that offer specific services, Orica Mining can provide a total solution to its clients, from blasting to ore recovery. If clients choose to work with several smaller companies, services become split up, making project management more complicated. Orica also stands out for the quality of its personnel, as it maintains a well-qualified workforce through its worldwide graduate program, which has recruited 65 professionals in Latin America over the last five years.

How have safety regulations for explosives handling developed in Brazil in recent years?

Regulations for explosives storage have become stricter in Brazil in recent years, primarily to combat the problem of criminals stealing charges for use in ATM robberies. However, legislation pertaining to on-site handling is outdated, and safety standards are being driven forward by mining companies themselves. Multinational producers such as Vale and Anglo-American have their own regulations that go beyond Brazilian law, setting an example for other companies operating within the country.