Mining Indaba a platform to highlight blasting solutions

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"BME is offering technological innovations as a spearhead for growth, through our state-of-the-art blast planning software, electronic delay detonator (EDD) technology and narrow-reef equipment," said Francois Hay, managing director of BME. "This all contributes to downstream cost reduction for our customers, as part of BME's drive to promote the health and profitability of the mining industry."

Footprint in Africa

Celebrating its 30th year in 2014, BME has increased its footprint into Africa and established a strong network of offices, depots and robust supply lines. "Supply security continues to be a huge consideration for Africa and we will continue to build containerised plants where it makes logistical sense," said Hay. "Adding value through technical support, advice and expertise continues to be important throughout Africa, and we are also encouraging local skills development as an integral part of our business going forward."

According to Hayley Wayland, marketing manager at BME, the business is now well known on the African continent. "However, as more international companies become involved in Africa, the Indaba offers us a platform to increase awareness of our brand and showcase our innovative blasting products and services."

Wayland said BME expected to increase its exposure to established companies and green field operations, reinforcing its message of quality products and blasting services. "As a South African company that has been operating in Africa for 30 years, we have a wealth of experience with many operations throughout the continent - an important consideration when looking for an explosives supplier."

Partnerships are required

The company's active participation in the Indaba was driven by its commitment to growth in Africa. "Creating a successful future in Africa requires true partnerships between all stakeholders in the industry," said Wayland. "The Indaba facilitates the beginning of these partnerships. We have our entire African business management team there to catch up with current customers and meet new prospects - as well as to be exposed to project opportunities in the pipeline. The brand awareness opportunities and the environment for networking make the mining Indaba one of the biggest events in our calendar."

She said the growth of the Mining Indaba was evidence that there is a positive outlook for Africa, with the world looking toward the exciting investment opportunities in emerging and developing countries.

"We are committed to mining in Africa," said Hay. "We have been gearing up our capacity and increasing our footprint on the continent to ready ourselves for this growth, and we are finally seeing the fruits of that investment. The steady growth in numbers at the Indaba shows that exciting times lie ahead. Africa is poised to benefit in this investment trend especially with the vast mineral resources on the continent."

Customer service

BME would continue to focus on customer service and building knowledge throughout Africa. "BME has some key customers who have been with us since our inception, and we will continue to listen to what they want and adapt to their needs," he said.

Despite commodity prices being under pressure, with increased uncertainties in South Africa's gold and platinum sectors, BME continued to do well in the local mining industry with a strong presence in surface and quarrying. "While underground mining in SA has had its challenges, we remain optimistic and have some exciting research and development projects for underground in the pipeline," he said.