Boliden announced on March 8 that it has signed an agreement with the Swedish explosives supplier Hypex Bio regarding the production and delivery of nitrate-free and environmentally-friendly explosives to Boliden’s Kankberg metals mine in Jorn, Sweden. The agreement entails the establishment of a production facility at the mine as well as a delivery and service agreement.
The supply and service agreement for Hypex’s explosives solution spans five years starting in 2024. The production quantity is expected to amount to 400-450 mt, which will largely meet the mine’s annual needs. Boliden touted the climate impact of the explosive, saying it drastically reduces the need for nitrogen treatment of water and reduces CO2 emissions by approximately 400 mt/y.
The collaboration between Hypex Bio and Boliden has been ongoing since 2020, and the nitrate-free explosive has been developed and tested in the mine. Boliden said the technology has met its requirements for safety, performance, environment, and reduced carbon dioxide emissions. Tests have also been carried out in the Garpenberg mine in Sweden and are to be started in the Aitik copper mine.