Omnia Holdings company BME, a silver sponsor at the 2025 Investing in African Mining Indaba, will be sharing its commitment to decarbonisation and advanced technologies – supporting the mining sector’s drive to reduce its environmental footprint while enhancing operational efficiency.
According to Ralf Hennecke, Managing Director of BME, the company is known for its emulsions, equipment and electronic initiation technology that enhance mines’ environmental sustainability efforts.
As an integral part of the Omnia Group, whose core purpose is ‘innovating to enhance life, together creating a greener future’ BME is pleased that Omnia CEO Seelan Gobalsamy will be participating in the 2025 Mining Indaba in Cape Town, in the panel discussion on ‘Sustainable Investment: Catalyst or Constraint for Mining Development?’
Further, Nishen Hariparsad, BME’s General Manager for Technology and Marketing, will participate as a panelist in the session on ‘The role of technology in building and undermining sustainability in African mining’.
“We feel that these are vital conversations for the sector, on topics that we are confident to share our own insights and learnings,” said Hennecke. “Our own sustainability journey has allowed us to impact positively on our customers’ mining efficiencies and sustainability goals.”
Driving decarbonisation
BME’s approach to sustainability addresses some of mining’s most pressing challenges, particularly the need to reduce carbon emissions, with Hennecke emphasising the critical link between energy efficiency and carbon reduction.
“Reducing energy consumption is a direct path to lowering carbon footprints, particularly in countries like South Africa where coal-fired electricity dominates,” he said. “Our innovations, from emulsions to electronic initiation systems, empower mines to achieve significant energy savings while meeting stringent environmental standards.”
Technology for sustainability
BME’s technological advancements have been critical in delivering these efficiencies, according to Hariparsad. The company’s AXXIS® technology, for instance, has allowed mines to take significant strides in enhancing blasting precision and efficiency.
“Our AXXIS Titanium® system supports larger, more controlled blasts, reducing the frequency of interruptions and streamlining operations,” he explained. “This streamlines energy consumption, and also contributes to better rock fragmentation, which reduces energy demands in subsequent loading and crushing phases.”
Integrating BME’s Blastmap™III blast planning software further enhance mines’ ability to optimise blasting outcomes. This has a ripple effect on energy efficiency, reducing fuel consumption and greenhouse gas emissions across the mining process.
“Our ESG-focused initiatives extend across the value chain,” Hariparsad added, “ensuring that we safeguard the environment and communities while enabling our mining customers to achieve their green goals.”
BME’s dual salt emulsions also contribute to this focus, offering a greener alternative to traditional explosives. By reducing nitrate leaching and greenhouse gas emissions, these emulsions reduce risk of environmental damage, and help mines to comply with local regulations and international standards.
“The manufacturing process for dual salt emulsions is also more energy-efficient, as it operates at lower temperatures – further reducing energy consumption and carbon emissions,” he explained.
Recycling used oil
Another aspect of BME’s sustainability portfolio is its pioneering use of recycled oil in its emulsions, effectively removing millions of litres of potentially hazardous waste from the market annually. This innovation prevents water and soil contamination while promoting a circular economy. The company also supports local economies through this initiative, partnering with small businesses to collect and deliver recycled oil.
Following an exciting rebranding exercise under the Omnia Group, BME now operates through two core divisions: BME Blasting Solutions and BME Metallurgy. This has given the company a broader impact to strengthen customer’s sustainability efforts across the mining cycle.
“Our ability to contribute at both the blasting and mineral processing stages gives us a definite edge in the market,” said Hariparsad. “From breaking rock to optimising mineral recovery, our solutions align with the mining sector’s ESG priorities and help mines meet Scope 1, 2 and 3 emission targets.”
Global growth
BME continues to take this strategy forward through its global growth trajectory. The company’s successful integration with its Indonesian joint venture, along with expanding operations in Canada, Australia and West Africa, highlight its ability to deliver value in diverse markets.
“We’re leveraging our expertise to support the growing demand for green metals and other critical resources,” says Hennecke. “BME’s investment in local operations and infrastructure, including the progress in detonator plants in Canada and Australia, underscores our commitment to sustainable growth.”
“In Indonesia, the integration with our joint venture partner, MNK, is progressing well,” he said. “Three new contracts were secured in Indonesia, signalling further growth in the region.”
The company boosted its in-country presence in Canada by commissioning a non-electric detonator plant, and its organic growth strategy and infrastructure development in Australia is progressing well – with the commissioning of a detonator plant underway.
He highlighted that safety underpinned the company’s positive performance, reflected in the way it maintained its Recordable Case Rate (RCR) of zero for the period. This world-class safety record was supported by the ‘Safety for Life’ programme and the collective efforts of the team.
“This focus is integral to our sustainability and ESG commitments, which align with Omnia’s efforts in creating a positive and sustainable impact for the planet and communities,” said Hennecke.
