Surface metal

Orica’s Surface Metal solutions deliver precise, optimised drill and blast outcomes for surface mining operations. Our technologies, including OREPro™, RHINO™, GroundProbe and the 4D™ bulk explosives delivery system improve grade control, enhance fragmentation, reduce fume risk and strengthen wall control to support safer, more sustainable mining.

At the core of our offering is the 4D™ bulk explosives delivery system, which adjusts energy placement within each blasthole. This improves fragmentation, lowers explosive consumption and increases downstream processing efficiency.

Our digital technologies work together to enhance blasting performance and decision‑making:

• OREPro™ – Complete 3D grade control optimisation.
• SHOTPlus™ – Precise blast design, modelling and simulation.
• BlastIQ™ – Real‑time blast data management and optimisation.
• Integrated Extraction Simulator (IES) – Modelling to understand downstream impacts on excavation and milling.
• RHINO™ – High‑accuracy subsurface geophysical data.
• GroundProbe – Real‑time geohazard monitoring.

We also use specialist design software, geophysical tools and on‑bench data systems to support through‑seam and deep‑seam blasting, slope stability management and reactive ground control. Together, these technologies help optimise each blast for safety, productivity and environmental compliance.

Our solutions improve fragmentation and muckpile presentation, boosting equipment efficiency and reducing operating costs. Enhanced wall control enables steeper pit walls and faster vertical advancement, reducing stripping ratios. We also mitigate fume risk and manage reactive ground conditions without compromising performance.

We support larger blasts and safe sleeping practices to minimise delays, and we manage vibration and overpressure to meet regulatory requirements and maintain strong community relationships.