Orica (ASX: ORI), the world’s largest manufacturer of commercial explosives and blasting systems announced it has been awarded the five-year explosives technology and services contract for Glencore’s Australian copper and zinc operations, effective January 2021.
Swiss commodities giant Glencore’s Australian copper and zinc operations include McArthur River Mine (NT), Lady Loretta Mine (QLD), Mount Isa Mines (QLD), Ernest Henry Mine (QLD) and CSA Mine (NSW). Orica has an existing supply agreement with Glencore’s nickel and cobalt operations at Murrin Murrin, in Western Australia.
As part of the deal, Orica will deliver the full suite of explosives technology and blasting services across the Glencore copper and zinc operations in Australia, including the supply of the world’s first fully wireless initiating system, WebGen, BlastIQ digital blast optimisation suite of products and smart explosives delivery system, Bulkmaster 7.
“Glencore’s Ernest Henry mine in North West Queensland was the first site in the world to trial and adopt our wireless explosives technology, WebGen,” Orica Chief Executive Alberto Calderon said in a media release.
This deal shows Glencore’s confidence in our technology roadmap as well as aligning with their strategic vision for technology to deliver added value to their operations.”
Orica will work closely with Glencore to ensure uninterrupted supply to each operation, during the rapid mobilisation and transition period.