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Blasting Solutions

4D™ Underground

Precision bulk blasting and instantaneous energy control for underground mining.

Contact us4D™ Bulk System
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A revolutionary bulk explosives system that matches a wider range of explosives energy to changes in geology in real time.

4D™ bulk explosives technology delivers unprecedented blast control by enabling precise, flexible energy placement across a wide range of relative bulk strengths. Using advanced emulsion chemistry and LoadPlus™ automation, engineers can design and execute complex energy profiles within or between blastholes, easilly executed via an intuitive operator interface. 4D™ helps customers optimise ore recovery, fragmentation, and grade control while reducing overbreak and waste handling costs. Improve productivity and design compliance, reduce loading times, and deliver repeatable, consistent blast results.
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Product benefits

With adaptable energy control, 4D™ gives underground mines the power to optimise every blast.

Blast quality and performance

Blast quality and performance

Maximise resource recovery

Maximise resource recovery

Operational efficiency and performance

Operational efficiency and performance

Total cost of ownership

Total cost of ownership

Reduce Costs of Drill and Blast

Reduce Costs of Drill and Blast

Social license to operate

Social license to operate

Industries

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Underground construction and tunnelling

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Underground mining

Hole conditions

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Dewatered

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Dry

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Hard rock

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Hot and/or reactive ground

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Jointed ground

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Very abrasive rock

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Wet

Why choose 4D™ Underground?

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Design flexibility 

Greater energy control and in-hole product performance enables the application of complex drill and blast designs for better blast outcomes.
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Instant energy change 

Modify energy instantly within an individual blasthole or between blastholes to match geological, geotechnical and blast outcome requirements.

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Compliance to design 

Simple operational execution of complex blast designs ensures better blast outcomes, reducing re-work and maintaining schedule compliance.

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Widest deliverable energy range

Access the broadest energy range (RBS 50–170) for unmatched flexibility across varying rock properties in wet, dewatered or dry holes—ensuring optimal blast performance in all conditions.
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Dilution control

Selective energy placement in a blast design minimises overbreak into waste rock, preserving rock mass integrity and reducing costly rework for better recovery.

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Maximum orebody recovery

Targeted high-energy application in tight or complex conditions maximises ore recovery, reduces ore loss, and unlocks value where it matters most.

4D™ Underground Blasting Solutions

Subtek™ 4D™ Product Range

Subtek™ 4D™ Velcro

Designed for underground mines, Subtek™ 4D™ Velcro™ delivers advanced energy control with superior retention in upholes and development headings. Its water-resistant formulation minimises spillage and environmental impact, while instant energy adjustment ensures optimal fragmentation and brow protection.
Subtek™ 4D™ Velcro Global TDS

Subtek™ 4D™ at Dugald River Mine

Millions in value unlocked with 4D™

Case study

At MMG’s Dugald River underground zinc mine, Subtek™ 4D™ delivered significant performance gains. Hangingwall dilution dropped from 11% to 3.7%, reducing unnecessary rock movement by up to 136,000 tonnes a year. Stope recovery rose to as high as 95%, adding around 10,000 tonnes of zinc ore worth an estimated AUD 23.3 million in Net Smelter Revenue.

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Dugald River Mine, MMG

Customer testimonial

The 4D™ product is going to enable more precise and efficient mining methods. It has allowed us to be smarter in our design and less wasteful in the application of explosives in stoping.

Dirk Van Hest, Mining Technical Services Superintendent, Dugald River Mine, MMG- Queensland, Australia.
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Underground Solutions

4D™ Underground enables greater energy control and in-hole product performance, allowing the application of complex drill and blast designs for better blast outcomes. This precision helps reduce dilution, improve fragmentation, and maintain brow stability—critical factors for effective cave propagation and ore recovery. By tailoring explosive energy to match orebody conditions, 4D™ Underground minimises issues such as overbreak, uneven flow, and infrastructure damage. This flexibility supports safer operations and improved productivity across the mining cycle. 
Sub Level Caves
Solution

Sub Level Caves

Pre-charge blast holes with WebGen™ for improved safety and increased cycle time.
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Block Cave - Drawbell and Undercut
Solution

Block Cave - Drawbell and Undercut

Pre-charge rings with WebGen™ for reduced cycle times and improved safety.
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Block Cave - Pre-conditioning
Solution

Block Cave - Pre-conditioning

WebGen™ wireless initiation technology eliminates wired constraints for safer, more efficient and predictable blasting, while our 4D™ Bulk Delivery System enables longer hole charging and reliable performance in wet conditions to improve cave readiness.
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Stope Optimisation
Solution

Stope Optimisation

Orica brings together digital design, precise measurement, advanced charging systems and wireless initiation into a single connected workflow. This integration enables customers to design, execute and optimise every stope with confidence.
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Slot Drive Elimination
Solution

Slot Drive Elimination

Accelerate stope cycles and reduce development with WebGen™ to eliminate T drives with precision blasting.
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Sub Level Open Stope
Solution

Sub Level Open Stope

Pre-charge initial blasts using WebGen™ wireless technology and leverage the 4D™ bulk system with LOADPlus™ smart control to deliver tailored energy and automated loading — enhancing ore recovery, improving safety, and reducing brow exposure.
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System components

Advanced bulk emulsion chemistry

The enhanced Subtek 4D™ emulsion is designed to deliver the widest range of energy for underground blasting operations, adapting instantly to varying conditions for precise, reliable performance.
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Subtek 4D Range FAB

Talk to our 4D™ team

Find out how 4D™ can improve your operations.

Frequently asked questions

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