About us

Since 1984, we’ve worked hard to consistently raise the bar on industry, safety and environmental standards.

BME is a leader in the explosive's industry, providing one of the broadest ranges of products, services and expertise in the field.

We partner with our customers, to provide ongoing support, sustainable solutions and services that create value across the blasting cycle, for the customer, their workforce and the broader mining community.

From our establishment, over 3 decades ago, we have championed the development of solutions that drive our customer’s safety and sustainable success and minimize environmental impact.

Our product stable is founded on innovation and offers premium blasting and explosives materials, technology, services and software across the entire value chain. We pride ourselves on our ability to cater to the full spectrum of blasting and explosives industries, from surface and underground mining to construction and demolition.

Our goal is to ensure that our customers are always equipped to keep their team safe, their communities happy and reduce their carbon footprint. BME connects over three decades of experience with extensive expertise, to serve big and small players across industries and continents. BME’s global footprint extends to 21 countries and 6 continents and includes a vast network of manufacturing, innovation and product development facilities.

We maintain strategic partnerships around the world to ensure availability of scarce materials, leverage unique product expertise and offer trusted advice to help our customers optimise their businesses, workers, broader communities and the environment.

Timeline

2022

BME’s recycling initiative awarded

BME’s used-oil initiative awarded ‘Responsible Care Initiative of the Year’ (Category A) by the Chemical and Allied Industries’ Association (CAIA)

2022

2021

Blast Alliance launched

BME launched their integrated software portfolio – Blast Alliance.

2021

2020

CAIA Sustained High Performance Award 2020

BME named winner of the CAIA Sustained High Performance Award 2020 (Category B)

2020

2019

Expansion of footprint

Finalise joint venture with Indonesian partner – expanding our global footprint.

2019

2018

The Americas

Expansion into North and South America.

2018

Software for field data-collection

Xplolog is commissioned at a large open cast copper mine to gather blasting information in the field.

CBS for improved safety

Launch AXXIS underground centralised blasting system – allowing underground mining operations to initiate blasts from a safe and convenient place on surface.

World-record blast

World-record blast of 7350 AXXIS electronic detonators fired at an Australian coal-mine.

2017

Automated lines

Two automated lines are commissioned for AXXIS detonators.

2017

World-record blast

Another world-record blast of 6690 AXXIS electronic detonators is fired at a Zambian copper mine.

2016

Australia contract won

BME Australia is awarded a two-year contract with a large coal-mining company.

2016

World-record blast

A world-record blast of 5665 detonators is fired at an Australian coal mine.

2015

Portable Charging Unit

Launch first Portable Charging Unit (PCU) for use in the narrow reef environment at a platinum mine.

2015

Electronic detonators

AXXIS second electronic generation detonator launched.

World-first vertical drop

Commission a bulk emulsion vertical drop at 318 m at a gold min—a world-first.

2014

30 years old

BME celebrates being in business for 30 years.

2014

AXXIS Australia

BME enters the Australian market with the sale of AXXIS electronic detonators in Australia.

2013

Yet another plant commissioned

BME‘s twelfth emulsion plant is commissioned.

2013

Narrow reef emulsion

The narrow reef emulsion system is launched, bringing the benefits of emulsion blasting to narrow reef operations.

2012

PGAN

Omnia’s patented PGAN (Porous Granular Ammonium Nitrate) plant is commissioned, using raw materials from Omnia’s nitric acid and ammonium nitrate facilities to supply the Southern African market.

2012

Nitric acid supply security

A second Nitric Acid Complex is launched in Sasolburg, boosting South Africa’s nitric acid output by 330 000 tons a year, bringing the country’s capacity to about 1,4 million tons a year. This ensures supply security for BME customers.

Blast and timing design software

Develop new generation of blasting software, 
Blastmap, an advanced blast and timing design software package.

2010

Rock-breaking qualification

Receive approval for accreditation as a Training Provider with the Mining Qualification Authority, leading to the offering of their Rock-breaking qualification.

2010

AXXIS electronic detonator

First new generation AXXIS electronic detonator blasts successfully fired.

2009

Three more plants are commissioned

A second plant is commissioned in Mauritania.
An emulsion plant is established in Zambia
A modern shock tube assembly plant with testing facilities.

2009

Used-oil collection division

A used-oil collection division is established to compliment the introduction of used oil in emulsions.

2008

Two more plants are commissioned

A third plant is commissioned in Mali.
An emulsion plant is commissioned in Senegal.

2008

2006

Brand development

BME launches its new logo and branding.

2006

2005

Another two plants are commissioned

A third emulsion plant in Mauritania.
A second emulsion plant in Mali.

2005

2004

Another plant commissioned

A second bulk emulsion facility is commissioned at Losburg.

2004

2003

Entrance into electronic detonator market

The acquisition of a French electronic detonator company opens the door for BME to enter the sophisticated detonator market.

2003

2000

Two plants commissioned

BME‘s first plant in West Africa is commissioned in Mali.
The first international emulsion plant in East Africa is established in Tanzania.

2000

1998

Expand into Tanzania

BME starts operating in Tanzania—the first BME client outside South Africa.

1998

First plant commissioned

The first working uphole emulsion project is commissioned at PMS Phalaborwa.

1995

Technical consulting division

Blastinfo, BME‘s technical consulting division, is established to provide advanced technical support to its clients.

1995

1994

One plant commissioned

The Megamite plant is built and commissioned to supply cartridge explosive products for underground operations.

1994

1992

Underground explosives

BME diversifies into underground explosives and accessories.

1992

1991

Major supplier of bulk explosives

BME takes over the full supply of bulk explosives products to Optimum Colliery, positioning BME as a major supplier of bulk explosives to South African surface mines.

1991

Expansion of explosives range

BME‘s explosives product range is expanded with the establishment of the ANFO manufacturing and bagging plant near Rustenburg.

Porous prill ammonium nitrate facility

Omnia establishes a porous prill ammonium nitrate facility at Sasolburg.

1988

First emulsion truck

First emulsion truck built.

1988

1987

Heavy ANFO trucks

First heavy ANFO truck built.

1987

One plant commissioned

Dryden emulsion plant commissioned.

Entrance into mining explosives market

Omnia acquires BME from MSI to diversify into the mining explosives market.

1985

Minimisation of environmental impact

Introduce used oil (supplied by Sishen Iron Ore mine) into manufacturing of HEF emulsions, for huge environmental benefits.

1985

1984

Cold emulsion technology

MSI (Mining Services International) USA, a business based on cold emulsion technology, establishes BME in South Africa, for the supply of bulk explosives to Sishen.

1984
5/5

Click to contact us

Connect your business with over 3 decades of industry experience.

Partners

Colour Mining Canada512 px
Consbec.png

Toll free:
888 511-6128

BME USA Branch
7350 E Progress Pl, Greenwood Village CO 80111, North USA

© 2020 OMNIA Group. All rights reserved.

All rights reserved.