Blasting Solutions

Fume risk reduction

A proven approach to reduce post-blast fume events and improve safety.

Minimise fume generation and protect people, productivity and the environment.

Minimise fume generation and protect people, productivity and the environment.

Orica’s Fume Risk Reduction framework helps mining operations manage and reduce the generation of nitrogen oxides (NOx) from blasting. These post-blast gases, commonly referred to as “fume”, pose safety, environmental and reputational risks, especially for sites near communities. Our holistic approach identifies the causes of fume and implements tailored solutions through blast design, product selection and operational support. The result is safer, more compliant and community-conscious blasting. Using a structured consulting approach, we work with your team to assess site conditions, optimise blast design and implement best practices.

Our solutions are tailored to your geology, weather conditions and operational goals, helping you reduce fume risk without compromising productivity.

Product benefits

Product benefits

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

Improve safety

Sustainability and Reduced Footprint

Social license to operate

Operational efficiency and performance

Blast quality and performance

Total cost of ownership

Features and benefits

Features and benefits

Supporting safer, compliant operations

Our fume risk reduction solutions help protect people and meet regulatory requirements by:

Reducing exposure to harmful post-blast gases
Supporting air quality standards and environmental license conditions
Minimising visible emissions to maintain community trust
Enhancing compliance with site-specific environmental obligations

This animation demonstrates the causes of post-blast fume.

This animation demonstrates the causes of post-blast fume.

Industries

Industries

Iron ore

Surface coal

Surface metal

Underground mining

Hole conditions

Hole conditions

Dewatered

Wet

Hot and/or reactive ground

Questions?

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

Further insights

Further insights

What are fumes and why do they occur after blasting? Fumes are post-blast gases, primarily nitrogen oxides (NOx), generated when explosives detonate under sub-optimal conditions such as wet holes or reactive ground.

Why is fume management important for mining operations? Fume events pose health risks, can breach environmental regulations, and may impact community trust, especially for sites near populated areas.

Can fume risk reduction be implemented without affecting productivity? Yes. Orica’s framework is designed to maintain production rates while improving safety and compliance.

What products support fume reduction? Orica's Clear range of bulk emulsions (Fortis™ Clear, Flexigel™ Clear) delivers low-fumes, supported by electronic blasting systems and tailored blast designs.

Is technical support included in the service? Yes. Our Technical Services team works closely with your site to optimise blast design, timing and product use.

How does the framework work? It follows a three-step process:

Engage the site team,
Audit current practices,
Implement tailored solutions.

Is the framework suitable for all mine types? Yes. It has been successfully applied across coal, metal and iron ore operations and is adaptable to various ground conditions.

How quickly can results be seen? Many sites report reduced fume events within weeks of implementing the framework and product changes.

Does this help with environmental compliance? Absolutely. It supports air quality regulations and helps sites meet environmental license conditions.

How does this support our social license to operate? By proactively managing fume risks, your site demonstrates a commitment to safety and sustainability a key to maintaining community trust.

Our industry solutions

Learn more about our Fume Risk Reduction solutions by the relevant industry. Driven by innovation and backed by our global R&D and technical networks, we deliver solutions that solve real operational challenges for our customers different markets.

Solution