Industries such mining, quarrying, construction, and manufacturing rely on explosives to extract vital natural resources, produce certain high-value goods, and build essential structures. However, these can add a layer of complexity for companies striving to meet environmental, social, and governance (ESG) goals.
Companies in these sectors, along with innovative solutions providers like Mining and Energy Acuity (MEA), are actively seeking new solutions to minimise the environmental footprint associated with the use of explosives, while maintaining the effectiveness and safety of their operations.
When dealing with explosives, companies and their logistics partners further need to consider several key areas of environmental protection as they develop their annual and long-term ESG plans:
1. Reducing dust and particulate discharge
Dust and particulate matter are inevitable byproducts of blasting operations, particularly in industries like mining and quarrying. The fine particles generated during an explosion can travel vast distances, affecting air quality not only at the blast site but also in surrounding communities. The inhalation of these particles poses serious health risks, including respiratory problems, and can contribute to the degradation of local ecosystems.
MEA’s expertise extends to the selection and use of explosives. Using the correct type of explosives, as well as the correct burden, spacing, and blast timing can reduce the volume of dust produced, ensuring that each blast is as efficient and environmentally friendly as possible.
2. Chemical emissions management
A variety of chemicals are released during blasting operations, both in underground and open cast operations, some of which may be harmful to the environment and human health. These may include carbon dioxide, water vapour, and nitrogen, as well as other poisonous gases such as carbon monoxide and nitrogen oxides which are formed under suboptimal circumstances.
Managing these emissions is a complex challenge, but one that MEA is well-equipped to address. For instance, by carefully selecting the right explosives for each unique operational scenario, our team can help lower the release of harmful byproducts as far as possible.
MEA also assists clients in setting up proper blast design plans. Well-timed and sequenced blasts can minimise the release of harmful chemicals by ensuring that explosive energy is used efficiently, reducing waste gas production and enhancing overall blast effectiveness, decreasing the number of required explosions.
Additionally, residual gases may linger in the atmosphere following a blast, posing ongoing risk to workers, surrounding communities, and the environment. To address this, MEA helps clients implement a variety of post-blast ventilation techniques to disperse harmful emissions more quickly. These systems are especially important in confined spaces like underground mines, where air circulation is limited, and the concentration of pollutants can become dangerously high.
3. Protecting water sources
Blasting operations can pose significant risks to water quality, particularly through the contamination of surface and groundwater with explosive residues. Protecting water sources is a critical component of any comprehensive ESG strategy, and one that MEA takes very seriously.
By designing blasts that are tightly controlled and precisely targeted, operators can reduce the amount of material displaced, and thus the potential contaminants exposed to the environment.
4. Minimising noise pollution
Noise pollution is an often-overlooked aspect of blasting operations, yet it can have significant impacts on both human communities and wildlife. The loud, sudden noises generated by explosions can disturb local residents, disrupt wildlife behaviour, and even cause physical harm to animals.
By coordinating blasts to occur at times when they will have the least impact on nearby communities and wildlife, companies can significantly reduce the noise footprint of their operations. This requires an in-depth understanding of the local environment and the needs of the surrounding community.
Companies in the mining, quarrying, construction, and manufacturing sectors that partner with explosives solutions experts such as MEA are better positioned to meet their ESG goals and become leaders in sustainable industrial practices.
Through advanced techniques and a commitment to innovation, MEA is helping to ensure that the use of explosives is both effective and environmentally responsible, paving the way for a more sustainable future.
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