In this episode of Mining Now, we take a closer look at 4D™ Underground and how in-hole energy control can help manage variability in underground blasting. Orica specialists explain how bulk energy can be varied during loading—within a single blasthole—to help achieve more targeted outcomes in challenging conditions.

What is 4D™ Underground?

4D™ Underground is Orica’s latest innovation in underground bulk explosive delivery, combining advanced emulsion chemistry, automated delivery hardware, and digital control into a single integrated system, helping mines improve fragmentation, ore recovery, and grade control while reducing overbreak and waste.

4D™ Underground is designed to give engineering, operations and site leadership teams greater control over how energy is applied underground. 

Unlike conventional bulk systems, where explosive energy is largely fixed and constrained by density and hydrostatic pressure, 4D™ allows engineers to shift the focus from density‑based design to delivered energy control.

Key Benefits of 4D™

• Greater design flexibility with energy that can be varied within and between blastholes during loading
• Improved design compliance through automated, repeatable execution of complex energy profiles
• More consistent blast performance to support fragmentation, ore recovery and grade control outcomes
• Reduced overbreak and waste handling through selective energy placement and dilution control

Traditional underground blasting often forces compromise. Engineers must select a single explosive energy profile and accept variability caused by long holes, wet conditions, hydrostatic pressure and gravity.

4D™ Underground removes that compromise.

Podcast Spotlight: 4D™ Underground on Mining Now

Discover how 4D™ Underground is transforming underground blasting in a special episode of Mining Now, featuring Orica specialists Ben Taylor and Adam Aubin.

▶ Watch the episode

In hole energy control: What changes underground?

By enabling in hole energy variation during loading , engineers can now:

• Cushion energy at sensitive contacts or walls to reduce overbreak
• Increase energy in the orebody to improve fragmentation and toe breakage
• Reduce energy near collars to protect infrastructure and working areas
• Execute complex energy profiles within a single blasthole, exactly as designed

The result is a more controlled blast, with energy applied precisely where it delivers the most value.