Explosives are extremely hazardous if not managed correctly, requiring expert handling and supervision both on the jobsite and off. It’s especially important to store explosives in authorised, secure, and fit-for-purpose storage magazines.
Establishing magazines on a company’s premises adds additional layers of complexity, including handling logistics, regulatory controls, and safety concerns, greatly increasing cost and time commitments. That’s why many mining, quarrying, construction, blasting, and manufacturing companies now prefer to outsource these responsibilities to third party explosives storage specialists.
The complexity of on-site storage
Opting for an on-site long-term storage solution means companies must further invest time and money into applying for the necessary applications with local authorities, drafting and authorizing plans according to local regulations, and constructing, obtaining final approval for, maintaining, and staffing regulatory-compliant facilities. This can be an expensive and challenging undertaking for any company, especially for smaller operations or start-ups with limited capacity.
This includes installing high-security fencing and hiring trained security personnel. Additionally, companies must comply with local and international safety standards, which often require regular inspections and updates to storage facilities. Failure to meet these stringent regulatory requirements may lead to severe financial penalties and even operational shutdowns.
Companies with value chains and operations that span across African borders then need to consider how regulations and standards differ from country to country, necessitating dedicated, personnel to stay up to date on evolving policies.
Managing on-site logistics is also complex and resource-intensive, requiring meticulous coordination of the safe transport of explosives from suppliers to storage facilities, often over long distances and challenging terrain. Moreover, careful tracking and inventory management with detailed records are must-haves to prevent theft, loss, and over- or understocking, demanding an investment in modern tracking systems.
The advantages of third-party storage
As a far simpler and more convenient alternative, third-party storage providers, like Mining and Energy Acuity (MEA), offer specialised expertise in handling, tracking, storing, and transporting explosives for our clients in the mining, quarrying, construction, manufacturing, blasting and related sectors across the African continent.
Our dedicated teams offer extensive knowledge and experience in explosives management, ensuring that all safety and regulatory requirements are met. In fact, with decades of experience under our belts, we strive to develop innovative solutions for clients that exceed national and international standards.
Additionally, outsourcing explosives storage functions can be far more cost-effective than building and maintaining on-site facilities. We have invested in state-of-the-art storage infrastructure, allowing clients to access high-quality storage solutions without the substantial costs associated with establishing on-site storage.
MEA’s storage solutions also offer greater flexibility and scalability than our clients can achieve on their own premises. As operational needs change, clients can easily adjust their storage requirements while avoiding the need to invest in new infrastructure.
Third-party providers can also accommodate varying volumes of explosives, ensuring that clients have access to the exact storage capacity they need, when they need it. This is particularly beneficial for companies with fluctuating demand or those entering new markets.
In terms of security and reliability, reputable providers like MEA mitigate risks by implementing various checks and measures, comprehensive tracking systems, and transparent reporting practices.
So, when deciding between on-site and third-party storage options, companies must carefully assess their specific needs and operational context. There are also a few key factors to consider when selecting a third-party provider, such as their experience in the field, the expertise of staff members, the quality, capacity, and location of their storage facilities, and their compliance track record.
MEA stands out as an expert in the field of explosives handling, storage, and transportation. With extensive experience and a proven record of success, we offer a range of comprehensive solutions, ensuring our clients’ needs are always met and exceeded.
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