What's Happening?
Orica is focusing on implementing advanced technologies in smaller mines and quarries across North America. Elliott Giles, Area Business Manager for US Quarries and Construction, highlights the company's efforts to bring innovations originally developed
for large-scale mining to the wider extractive sector. Technologies like FRAGTrack™, a fragmentation measurement tool, and WebGen™, a wireless initiating system, are being adapted for smaller operations. These advancements aim to optimize blasting processes, improve safety, and enhance environmental outcomes. Orica's initiatives reflect a growing trend of digital solutions becoming integral to quarrying and mining operations, offering significant efficiencies and cost savings.
Why It's Important?
The adoption of advanced technologies in smaller mining and quarrying operations represents a significant shift in the industry. By leveraging innovations like FRAGTrack™ and WebGen™, these operations can achieve greater efficiency, safety, and environmental benefits. This trend is driven by a new generation of digitally savvy operators who recognize the value of data-driven decision-making. As larger companies implement these technologies across multiple sites, smaller operators are likely to follow suit, leading to widespread improvements in the sector. Orica's focus on technology highlights the importance of innovation in maintaining competitiveness and addressing challenges such as proximity to communities and regulatory compliance.
