Nordex opens new emulsion explosives plant

Nordex Explosives has formally opened its new emulsion explosives plant at its manufacturing and operations facility. Nordex has acquired the exclusive Canadian rights for this unique manufacturing technology, which produces one of the most stable emulsion explosives in the world.

The plant, located just outside Kirkland Lake, is capable of producing detonator sensitive and booster sensitive emulsion explosives in both packaged and bulk form. The plant can manufacture underground and surface emulsion explosives for use in the mining, quarry and construction industries.

“The new explosives plant gives us an immediate competitive advantage in our primary markets of Ontario and Quebec,” says Nordex vice president Jim Taylor. “The emulsion is designed for use in harsh weather climates and Canadian conditions. By manufacturing the product in close proximity to our clients we are able to provide a better product on a timelier basis, and be more responsive to the requirements of our clients.”

Nordex has licensed the emulsion manufacturing technology from Precision Blasting Services Inc.

“This technology and emulsion explosive products have been CE Certified in Europe and have been in use for almost 20 years. This emulsion has superior consistency, stability and velocity,” said Dr. Calvin Konya, president of Precision Blasting Services and a renowned expert in the field of explosives.

This is the first emulsion plant to be built in Canada in the past decade. It is also the only plant in Canada capable of producing small diameter detonator sensitive packaged emulsion explosives.

According to John Kozak, president of Nordex, “During the last several years, emulsion sales have increased as a percentage of our total sales reflecting the overall trend in the explosives industry. With the new plant, Nordex can more effectively service larger mines, quarries and drill & blast companies.”