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Blasting Solutions

Subtek

Bulk system designed for underground mining applications.

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Reliable, flexible and efficient energy delivery for underground blasting.

Subtek™ is Orica’s bulk emulsion explosive system designed specifically for underground mining applications. The range offers tailored energy delivery for both production and development blasting, enabling improved reliability, productivity and operational efficiency. Engineered for challenging underground conditions, Subtek™ provides excellent water resistance, predictable performance and reduced environmental footprint. With on-site manufacturing and flexible delivery systems, the Subtek™ range supports safer, faster and more efficient underground operations.

Product benefits

Orica’s products and services are designed to help you achieve safer, more efficient, and more sustainable outcomes, wherever you operate.
Blast quality and performance

Blast quality and performance

Improve safety

Improve safety

Mine flexibility and scheduling

Mine flexibility and scheduling

Operational efficiency and performance

Operational efficiency and performance

Total cost of ownership

Total cost of ownership

Maximise resource recovery

Maximise resource recovery

Features and benefits

Tailored energy control

Energy is matched to ground conditions for predictable blast performance, reduced overbreak and improved fragmentation across production and development headings.

Reliable water resistance

The emulsion structure maintains integrity in wet or dewatered holes, ensuring consistent performance and reducing misfires in challenging conditions.

Improved safety and accuracy

On-site manufacture and controlled delivery reduce manual handling and overcharging risks, supporting safer and more precise underground blasting.

Higher underground productivity

High-throughput pumping and flexible delivery systems streamline charging cycles, minimise rework and support rapid development and stope turnaround.

Lower environmental footprint

Bulk delivery minimises packaging waste and improves blast efficiency, helping sites reduce emissions, overbreak and unnecessary haulage energy.

Simplified site logistics

On-site manufacture reduces storage, transport and compliance overheads, supporting leaner underground operations and easier inventory management.

Subtek range

Subtek Charge

General-purpose variable-energy bulk emulsion for production and development.

Subtek Control

Perimeter and wall control to reduce overbreak and damage.

Subtek Deep

Formulated for deep-hole applications with adjustable density and charge mass.

Subtek 4D Range

Variable-density formulations enabling precise energy control across the hole profile.

Subtek Velcro

Adhesion-optimised for challenging hole conditions to maintain column integrity.

Subtek Vulcan

Robust performance in tough, abrasive environments.

Industries

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Underground mining

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Underground construction and tunnelling

Hole conditions

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Dry

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Dewatered

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Wet

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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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Case Study

Subtek 4D delivers remarkable results.

Stope recovery improved to 93%, with some stopes achieving 95%, potentially adding 10,000 tonnes of zinc metal to annual production—equivalent to about AUD 23.3 million in additional revenue.
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Questions?

Contact our global team of experts to learn how we can support your operations. 

Further insights

Common questions about the Subtek range

What differentiates Subtek™ from packaged explosives underground? Subtek™ is a bulk emulsion manufactured on-site and pumped to the hole. This reduces packaging waste, improves logistical efficiency, and allows variable energy control for precise outcomes. 

Can Subtek™ be used in wet holes or dewatered headings? Yes. The emulsion matrix offers excellent water resistance, maintaining column integrity and detonation performance in wet and dewatered conditions. 

How is energy tailored for different geological conditions? Through variable density and charge profiling. Operators can adjust energy along the hole (e.g., toe versus collar) to limit overbreak and optimise fragmentation. 

Is Subtek™ suitable for reactive ground? Standard Subtek™ is not suitable for reactive sulphide ground. For mildly reactive conditions, use Subtek™ Eclipse and consult Orica technical teams for validation. 

What delivery systems are available for Subtek™ underground? Subtek™ integrates with Orica’s underground delivery systems such as MaxiLoader™, Down-the-Hole charging, and Total Load Service, supported by Technical Services for design and execution. 

How does Subtek™ support perimeter control and reduced overbreak? Products like Subtek™ Control reduce wall damage by enabling lower energy near the perimeter and enhanced accuracy in loading. 

Which initiation systems are compatible? Subtek™ is commonly paired with Pentex™ boosters and detonator systems such as Senatel™ Pyromex, WebGen™, eDev™ II, and i-kon™, depending on site standards and design. 

What are the typical hole diameters and depths? Subtek™ formulations cover common underground diameters and can be adjusted for deep holes. Confirm site-specific limits and pump configurations with Orica. 

What safety benefits does Subtek™ offer? Engineered systems reduce manual handling, improve charging accuracy, and support consistent blast outcomes, lowering operational risk. 

How does Subtek™ contribute to sustainability targets? Bulk delivery reduces packaging waste; tailored energy reduces overbreak and unnecessary mucking, potentially lowering fuel and power consumption.

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Case study

Using 4D to reduce powder factor in soft and wet ground.

Bloomfield Mine, Hunter Valley, Australia.

Learn more

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Get in touch

Whether you need support or simply want to learn more, reach out to our team. We’re here to help.

Orica Limited
1 Nicholson Street

East Melbourne

Victoria 3002 Australia

Postal address
GPO Box 4311

Melbourne
Victoria 3001 Australia

Phone (Australia)

1300 555 175

Phone (international)

+61 3 9665 7111