The situation

The mine previously relied solely on non-Orica electric starter detonators to initiate non-electric production and development blasts. This process depended on outdated, permanent firing lines installed from the surface, down the shaft, and throughout the mine. Maintaining this antiquated firing system became increasingly challenging, prompting the mine to seek a new safe and efficient method to fire multiple production and development blasts from a central control location. 

Orica was invited to demonstrate the productivity and safety benefits of the ORBS™ centralised firing system in production and development blasting with a blast trial. 

“The new setup with ORBS has led to several operational improvements. A clear example is the reduced need for manual maintenance in the mining areas. Previously, we had to expand the wireless network and install/extend sliding cables in the production areas. With ORBS, it’s now sufficient to reinforce the wireless network coverage - a routine task already included in daily operations.  

“With our focus on safety, ORBS has been a key tool in elevating safety standards in this work process. The system is connected to an isolated network, and operators use personal login credentials, which further enhances security by enabling traceability, individual access control, and clear accountability.  
 

“In summary, we are very satisfied with the system so far and look forward to continuing the strong collaboration going forward.” 

- Anders Gavelin - Production Manager Boliden, Boliden Kristineberg.

Technical solutions

ORBS™ is Orica’s latest centralised firing system for underground mines. It is compatible with i-kon™ III and eDev™ II electronic detonators and offers a simple, efficient way to safely initiate multiple development headings and production blasts from a single location, using a browser interface. ORBS™ uses the mine’s existing LAN, Wi-Fi or LTE communications infrastructure to remotely control up to thirty of Orica’s Blaster 3000 units. No separate firing lines or cables are required. Production and development blasts loaded with non-electric detonators can be initiated with ORBS™ using an electronic starter detonator.

The result

On February 1, 2023, Kristineberg mine experienced its first live trial blast, favouring ORBS™ over alternatives previously tested by Boliden. By fully implementing i-kon™ and ORBS™ the site eliminated electric starter detonators, switching to a safer alternative that is immune to stray voltages and currents typically present in underground mines.

ORBS™ transformed Kristineberg mine’s blasting process, delivering safer operations and measurable productivity gains. By replacing outdated firing lines with a centralised, browser-based system, the mine now initiates multiple blasts remotely with ease. The team reports reduced manual maintenance, improved network efficiency, and enhanced safety through secure, traceable access.

“The transition to ORBS has exceeded our expectations thanks to well-coordinated collaboration between all parties involved. Despite a natural adjustment period during the changeover, we believe the implementation has been stable, and the technical solution has proven to be both reliable and efficient.

“The issues we have encountered so far have primarily been related to human factors, especially concerning signal strength and aspects connected to the remote Blasters. These are the kinds of things you must expect when introducing new workflows and ways of thinking - and we were ready for that. However, we’re seeing clear improvements every
day, which shows that we’re on the right track and have engaged personnel who are willing to learn and adapt as the system evolves.”

— Jesper Norrman - Production Technician, Systems Engineering, Boliden Kristineberg.

Acknowledgements

Orica are grateful for the collaboration with Kristineberg mine, giving us the opportunity to
jointly find improvements for your operation through our technologies, while complying with safety standards, maintaining positive interaction with communities and preserving the environment.