BHP has signed an agreement with Incitec Pivot’s business unit Dyno Nobel to invest in a blast technology research programme, which is aimed at improving safety and productivity across its operations in Australia.
The technology improvements are expected to directly benefit mining operations.
BHP will provide input to Dyno Nobel’s research and development under the collaborative research programme, with focus in areas with the greatest potential impact.
Additionally, Dyno Nobel will develop semi-autonomous mobile processing units (MPU) by the end of this year, followed by the development of fully-autonomous MPUs.
Incitec Pivot managing director and CEO Jeanne Johns said: “Our industry leading technology is on the ground today, and this joint value sharing Technology Alliance Agreement is an example of our customer focused approach to building strong collaborative partnerships.
“Our leading explosives technology is clever in design, adds immediate value to BHP’s operation through productivity, safety and environmental benefits, and demonstrates the potential of technology to transform the Australian resources industry.”
Dyno Nobel’s Differential Energy technology acted as a crucial aspect to the alliance.
The technology, which has already recorded success in US markets, is now being launched in mine sites across Australia.
The latest agreement also forms an integral part of a set of contract renewals for the supply of explosives products and services to BHP’s open-cut operations at BMA, Nickel West and BHP Iron Ore.
