Orica's Nitrate Risk Reduction (NRR) framework, is a comprehensive approach to managing nitrate leaching in mine operations. Learn how this innovative solution addresses environmental concerns through the successful application at De Beers' Gahcho Kué mine in Canada. This collaboration resulted in a significant decrease in nitrate levels and paved the way for safer, more sustainable mining practices. Download the full case study to explore the details of this initiative.

Nitrate Risk Reduction

Contamination of groundwater and mine effluent with nitrates and ammonia is a significant environmental concern for mining operators and Orica. Our Nitrate Risk Reduction approach uncovers pathways for nitrate leaching into water systems from ammonium nitrate-based bulk explosives used in blasting operations. This approach aims to create cost-effective solutions across several areas:

• Explosives handling and management
• Mine water conditions
• Explosives usage
• Blasting operations
• Physical properties and chemistry of bulk products

What is Orica's Nitrate Risk Reduction Framework? 

The framework is a holistic risk management approach for nitrate leaching at mine operations. Nitrate in groundwater typically originates from ammonium nitrate-based explosives, although it can also be present in the rock itself. The actual pathways of nitrates into groundwater vary and must be assessed before implementing any product solution. Sites should develop a Nitrate Management Plan to actively manage all potential pathways, upgrade in-house procedures, and provide specialist training aligned with Industry Codes of Practice. Orica assists customers with a three-stage approach to manage nitrate risks.

Product and Service Offerings

Following in-depth consultation and audits, Orica offers various products and services, including:

• Total Load Service: Best blast design and practices with upgraded services and trained blast crew.
• Campaign Loading: Specific for nitrate risk domains with controlled blast design, loading practices, and product selection by Orica specialists.
• New Product Ranges: Transition to products like Fortis Protect for increased sensitivity, robustness, and viscosity while maintaining blasting performance.
  
  

Achieving Environmental Excellence at Gahcho Kué, Canada

The De Beers’ Gahcho Kué diamond mine in northern Canada's sub-Arctic region is a joint venture between De Beers Canada Inc. and Mountain Province Diamonds Inc. De Beers, committed to high safety and sustainability standards, sought to reduce nitrate generation under their Building Forever – Protecting the Natural World Initiative.

In 2020, De Beers engaged Orica to review their drill and blast process to align with industry best practices and improve safety and efficiency. Orica applied the Nitrate Risk Reduction (NRR) framework, systematically reducing nitrate contributions from blasting in mine water. This collaboration resulted in a pilot program in early 2022 to evaluate Fortis™ Protect, a bulk explosives system that further reduced nitrates.

Key Highlights

• Pilot Program Results: Year-to-year results show a 78.85% decrease in nitrate levels in 2023 compared to 2017.
• Transition to Fortis™ Protect 70: After an eight-month evaluation, Gahcho Kué transitioned to using Fortis™ Protect 70 as the primary bulk explosive in late 2022.

Committed to Innovation and Customer Success

Orica's commitment to innovation and customer success drives us to deliver safe and sustainable practices for the future. Our solutions, driven by innovative technologies, address the industry's increasing challenges and promote sustainable growth.