Blasting Solutions

Nitrate Risk Reduction

A collaborative approach using a proven framework to reduce nitrate loading into surrounding water bodies.

Reduce nitrate emissions and protect surrounding water systems with targeted environmental risk management.

Reduce nitrate emissions and protect surrounding water systems with targeted environmental risk management.

Orica’s Nitrate Risk Reduction framework helps mining operations reduce nitrate leaching into water systems caused by bulk explosives. Through a structured consulting approach, we work with your team to identify nitrate sources, implement best practices and select suitable products. The result is improved environmental performance, regulatory compliance and long-term sustainability.

Our three-step process—site engagement, audit and solution—has delivered measurable results across coal, metal and iron ore operations globally.

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 safe, productive and compliant operations

Our nitrate risk reduction approach is designed to deliver measurable improvements without disrupting production. By identifying and addressing nitrate sources, we help operations:

Maintain productivity on bench without additional processes
Improve environmental performance and water quality
Secure and maintain social license to operate
Meet environmental license and regulatory compliance
Reduce long-term remediation and water treatment costs

Industries

Industries

Iron ore

Surface coal

Surface metal

Underground mining

Hole conditions

Hole conditions

Wet

Dewatered

Questions?

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

Further insights

Further insights

What is nitrate risk and why is it important to manage? Nitrate risk refers to the potential for nitrate compounds from bulk explosives to leach into surrounding water systems. Managing this risk is essential for environmental compliance, protecting ecosystems and maintaining a site’s social license to operate.

How does Orica’s Nitrate Risk Reduction framework work? The framework follows a simple three-step process: engage the site team, conduct a detailed audit of blasting operations, and implement tailored solutions using products, training and best practices.

Will implementing nitrate reduction affect productivity? The framework is designed to maintain productivity on bench. It focuses on improving efficiency while reducing environmental impact.

What products support nitrate reduction? Orica offers specially formulated emulsions such as Fortis™ Protect and Fortan™ Protect, which are designed to reduce nitrate leaching in wet conditions. These are supported by modified delivery systems and technical services.

Is this solution suitable for all mine types? Yes. The Nitrate Risk Reduction framework has been created for use across surface coal, metal and iron ore operations, and can be tailored to suit different geology, water conditions and operational goals.

How does this support sustainability goals? By reducing nitrate emissions and protecting water systems, the framework helps sites meet environmental license conditions, support biodiversity and align with broader ESG commitments.

Our industry solutions

Learn more about our Nitrate 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.

All industries and solutions

Solution