

Blasting Solutions
Subtek™
Bulk system designed for underground mining applications.
Reliable, flexible and efficient energy delivery for underground blasting.

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.
Features and benefits
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.
Specification documents
Specification documents
Subtek™ range
Subtek™ range
Subtek™ Charge
Subtek™ Control
Subtek™ Deep
Subtek™ 4D Range
Subtek™ Velcro
Subtek™ Vulcan
Further insights
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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Get in touch
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









