Orica is advancing its Surface Mining Automation Program, a strategic initiative designed to transform drill and blast operations through automation and digital integration.

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The program builds on Orica’s established blasting systems, digital platforms and on-bench delivery capabilities to support safer, more efficient and increasingly autonomous surface mining operations.

The program responds to some of the mining industry’s most pressing operational challenges, including increasing safety requirements, productivity pressures and the need for greater cost efficiency. Through technologies such as autonomous dipping and tele-remote Mobile Manufacturing Unit capabilities, Orica is focused on reducing personnel exposure in hazardous zones, improving operational continuity and enabling more consistent execution on the bench.

Orica Chief Technology Officer Angus Melbourne said the program represents the next stage in Orica’s long-term strategy to connect digital design, field execution, data capture and operational intelligence across the drill and blast value chain.

“At its core, Surface Automation is exciting new technology built on strong foundations. It brings together Orica’s proven capabilities in blasting systems, digital platforms and the on-bench delivery of premium explosives, then takes them further through automation,” Mr Melbourne said.

“By connecting these capabilities, Orica is moving from digitally enabled drill and blast to safer, more efficient and increasingly autonomous operations on the bench — focused on practical applications that can create real value for customers today.”

Orica’s automation pathway is being developed as a modular roadmap, with early applications focused on priority use cases including autonomous dipping and tele-remote MMU capabilities. The broader roadmap includes automated priming and stemming modules, with solutions designed to be scalable and aligned to customer needs and operating conditions.

The program is underpinned by Orica’s digital and sensing technologies, which connect the drill and blast workflow from orebody understanding through to design, execution, measurement and monitoring. Platforms such as BlastIQ™, SHOTPlus™ and LOADPlus™ help translate operational data into practical blast design, control and execution workflows, while technologies such as WebGen™ and 4D™ support more flexible, precise and controlled implementation in the field.

Planned customer trials will play a critical role in demonstrating performance and building confidence in live mining environments, with initial focus on priority regions including Australia Pacific and Latin America, followed by broader expansion across global markets. Melbourne said:

“Anything we develop must integrate into real operating conditions and deliver practical value,”

“We are working alongside customers to test, refine and scale automation in live environments, beginning with priority use cases such as autonomous dipping and tele-remote MMU capabilities.”

The value proposition for customers is clear: reducing personnel exposure in hazardous zones, supporting more continuous and reliable operations, improving consistency of execution and helping align mine plans with outcomes. Orica’s Surface Automation Program also supports improved recovery, cost efficiency and more responsible mining practices through more precise execution and real-time data integration.

Figure 1: Orica’s Surface Mining Automation Program brings together autonomous and tele-remote technologies on the bench to support safer, more efficient and more consistent drill and blast execution.

The program forms part of Orica’s broader focus on integrated, customer-led innovation across the mining value chain. By bringing together explosives expertise, digital intelligence, autonomy and operational workflows, Orica is building a practical pathway toward safer, more predictable and more efficient drill and blast operations.