Propellant-based rock breaking system mooted as alternative to traditional explosives

It is generally acknowledged that South Africa’s narrow-reef mining sector is in a precarious state as its viability is challenged by declining global commodity prices, labour instability, uncertain government policy, overregulation and declining productivity. Adding to the problem is mine management’s apparent apathy to embrace innovation to ease these burdens. Mining is by and large a price taker and cannot pass on cost increases to the final consumer, therefore, solutions to improve efficiencies are vital to the survival of the industry. This according to blasting solutions provider Master Blaster CEO Mark Davis.         He contends that modern mines’ problems cannot be solved by yesterday’s technology. Davis notes that mining service and equipment suppliers have been compelled to cut prices to the extent that there is no more room left for them to manoeuvre. At the same time skill levels in the mining and explosives services industry are declining rapidly.