What's Happening?
Orica is focusing on bringing advanced explosives and blasting technologies, originally developed for large-scale mining, to smaller mines and quarries in North America. At the CONEXPO CON/AGG 2026, Orica highlighted technologies like FRAGTrack, a fragmentation
measurement tool, and WebGen, a wireless initiation system, which are now being adapted for use in smaller operations. These innovations aim to optimize blasting processes, improve safety, and enhance productivity in the quarrying sector.
Why It's Important?
The adaptation of advanced mining technologies for smaller operations represents a significant opportunity for efficiency gains in the quarrying industry. By leveraging tools like FRAGTrack and WebGen, smaller mines can achieve better fragmentation, reduce operational costs, and enhance safety. This shift also reflects a broader trend of technology trickling down from large-scale operations to smaller ones, democratizing access to innovations that can drive competitive advantage. As the quarrying industry faces increasing pressure to improve environmental performance and reduce costs, these technologies offer a pathway to achieving these goals.
