Blasting News June 2014

Blasting News VOLUME 23 ISSUE 2 2014

IN THIS ISSUE • Introducing AEL’s latest trail-blazing innovation – The Buffalo Booster • The evolution of explosives from fire setting to electronics provides big improvements to blasting • AEL sustaining business relationships in partnership with BBRI

Wealth Unearthed Printed on 100% eco friendly paper

Contents

Editor’s Note At AEL, we are constantly on a drive to update and improve our existing products and services portfolio while keeping our finger on the pulse of future trends. We believe that innovation is key to remain at the helm of being relevant to the market we serve. In this issue, we introduce more of our trail-blazing innovations and value-added services.

3 AEL INTERNATIONAL: AEL in the spotlight in the International Arena ExpoMin 2014 4 AEL PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT: Introducing AEL’s latest trail-blazing innovation – the Buffalo Booster 5 AEL KNOWLEDGE SHARING: AEL hosts Seth Academy learners at AECI Dynamite Factory Museum 6 AEL THOUGHT LEADERSHIP: Ensuring knowledge transfer at the WEETR (Workshop for Explosives Engineers and Technical Representatives) 6 AEL THOUGHT LEADERSHIP: The Evolution of Explosives from fire setting to electronics provides big improvements to blasting 8 AEL KNOWLEDGE SHARING: New developments present ways to mitigate wild flyrock more effectively 9 AEL INDONESIA: AEL sustaining business relationships by partnering with BBRI 10 AEL IN THE FIELD: AEL present at the rock breakage and fragmentation workshop in Indonesia 10 AEL IN THE FIELD: AEL’s CSI winter campaign: hot tummies, warm feet 11 AEL AFRICA: Mopani Copper Mines Zambian open golf tournament 12 AEL AFRICA: Getting to know Ghana 14 AEL CAPTAINS OF INDUSTRY: Who is Schalk Venter?

AEL’s R&D team of passionate technologists have applied years of study and expertise to aid with upgrading and modernising our product range to better serve the needs of our customers. It gives us great pleasure to unveil our latest innovative, the Buffalo Booster.

In line with our mission to meticulously apply our learning to develop appropriate technology to help the mining industry use our energy confidently, we invite you to attend AEL’s Blasting Masterclass which is hosted annually for our customers.

In other news, we provide you with an update of our recent participation at key industry events globally, where we not only showcased our suite of cutting-edge products and services but also imparted key learnings to delegates through presentations and case studies. We proudly share two of these papers presented

by AEL’s Group Consulting Mining Engineer, Simon Tose.

Finally, we introduce AEL’s captains of industry.

In this issue we profile our Group Managing Director, Schalk Venter.

To receive the latest news from the AEL world, we invite you to subscribe to Blasting News by visiting our website www.aelminingservices. com and clicking the Publications tab. Also follow the AEL conversation on our social media sites such as Twitter, LinkedIn, Facebook and YouTube.

Contact Details: Eubulus Pillay - Blasting News Editor I Tel: +27 11 606 0313 I Fax: +27 11 605 0000 I eubulus.pillay@aelms.com I www. aelminingservices.com

Disclaimer This publication does not necessarily reflect the views and opinions of AEL Mining Services Limited management. The copyright to this publication rests in AEL Mining Services Limited. Other product and corporate names used in this publication may be trademarks or registered trademarks of other companies, and are used only for explanation and to the owner’s benefit, without intent to infringe.

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Blasting News I Second Quarter 2014

AEL International

AEL in the spotlight in the International Arena ExpoMin 2014 AEL participated in ExpoMin 2014, a premier event in the mining sector held in Santiago, Chile.

The 13th annual ExpoMin offered an effective platform of contact between national and international supplier companies and the mining industry.

AEL’s presence at the event as one of many exhibitors from 35 countries, enabled constant networking opportunities with delegates including

prospective customers.

The major highlight for AEL at ExpoMin 2014 was the launch of the new CE4 Tagger, which was well-received by the international mining fraternity.

The CE4 tagger, with GPS, is an inherently safe device for testing and tagging of Electronic Detonators.

The CE4 Tagger is usable across all applications of AEL Electronic initiation systems and can be used with current

hardware. The equipment has been designed to simplify use and increase the robustness of devices to be suitable in the mining and construction environment.

AEL was represented by the AEL Latin American team led by Des Decina, MD AEL Latin America.

Follow us on Twitter: @ael_mining for the full rundown of the event.

AEL Latin America’s Alan Gutierrez - Key Accounts Chief, Ximena Gonzalez - Administrative Assistant and Felipe Vasquez - Supporting Engineer Operations (From L to R)

Alan Gutierrez (far right) and Felipe Vasquez (second to right) with delegates.

Blasting News I Second Quarter 2014

Felipe Vasquez (right) engaging in a demonstration of the Tagger with customers.

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Product Development

Introducing AEL’s latest trail-blazing innovation – The Buffalo Booster

NEW

As part of our strong focus on Research

offering, the Buffalo Booster.

and Development (R&D), AEL has unveiled the latest innovation in

• Cap design facilitates easier lace-up Fast Facts

specialised blasting, the Buffalo Booster.

• Blast force of booster is up into emulsion column

The Buffalo Booster has been through Why the AEL Buffalo Booster?

colour

the rigorous testing processes expected in the market. These include impact,

Traditionally, pentolite boosters have

friction, static discharge and 12m drop

been in use for more than 60 years.

tests which have been performed at

The raw materials utilised in the

Rheinmetall Denel Munition (Pty) Ltd. The

manufacturing of pentolite boosters are

booster has also been tested according to

explosive and therefore require licensed

EN13631 and MIL standards.

magazines for their storage which proves

• High density, less likely to “float”; 1.8g/cm3 vs 1.67 g/cm3 • Can be initiated with detonating cord, PowerCord 8 • Waste boosters can be destroyed by incineration • All relevant information, e.g. mass of booster, manufacturer and warning – EXPLOSIVE are printed on

challenging in the market.

Adding value to customers

Also, the high cost of melting TNT and the

The Buffalo Booster provides the

cooling of the cast pentolite, posed major

following enhanced benefits:

the shell • High VOD and detonation pressure –

problems to technologists. The Buffalo Booster can be manufactured at the source thus eliminating these challenges.

As a result, understanding these and other challenges faced by our customers, led to the development of AEL’s latest

• The shell uses side initiation which facilitates easier connection

similar to Pentolite Join us for the official launch of the Buffalo Booster at the Blasting

• Two channels enable two detonators

MasterClass on 30 September 2014. Visit

• Can accommodate both shock tube

http://masterclass.aelminingservices.

and electronics

com for more information.

• Highly visible on the bench due to the new sleek design and vibrant

Compiled by Dr Elmar Muller, Product Manager AEL

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Blasting News I Second Quarter 2014

AEL Knowledge Sharing

AEL hosts SETH Academy Learners at AECI Dynamite Factory Museum AEL hosted a group of SETH Academy learners at the AECI Dynamite Factory Museum in Modderfontein during June 2014.

The goal was to give the grade 8 and 9 learners an experience of the work that AEL does and its importance in the South African and global landscape.

Also, having first-hand experience of science and engineering principles in action, will serve to give learners insight into the field of science and technology.

The AECI CSI Fund supports the SETH Academy in partnership with the University of the North West and as part of its CSI projects arranges this visit.

The feedback received from the SETH Academy and the University of the North West is that the visit was a valuable experience for both learners and teachers.

The AECI Dynamite Factory Museum is a specialty museum dedicated to the history of dynamite manufacture in South Africa. The museum places particular emphasis on the past use of dynamite in the mining industry with displays of artefacts from the working factory.

Housed in the 1895 residence of the first Factory Manager, the museum also offers social commentary and insight into the part played by some of the famous historical figures who helped shape the destiny of Southern Africa.

Visit the museum and learn about explosives, how they are made and their purpose in the mining industry.

Visiting Hours: Monday to Friday: 10:00 -14:00 Wednesday: 14:00 -16:30 Tel: 011 - 6082747

Learners explore the range of exhibits at the museum.

Compiled by Ayanda Zici, Marketing Assistant AEL Blasting News I Second Quarter 2014

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AEL Thought Leadership

Ensuring knowledge transfer at the WEETR (Workshop for Explosives Engineers and Technical Representatives) AEL’s annual WEETR (Workshop for Explosive Engineers and Technical Representatives) was hosted in June.

The conference was tailored to increase technical product knowledge and equip the frontline with detailed information on specific AEL product offerings; best practice and how these offers differentiate AEL in the market.

The conference affords AEL technical staff the opportunity to get updates

on the latest technical methods and projects, to be trained or refreshed on technical issues and to share their own work through presentations and informal discussion.

The event comprised a mini-conference where AEL’s internal experts presented a range of key topics associated with their specific product portfolios and an exhibition showcasing the latest product range.

Simon Tose, Group Consulting Mining Engineer structured the programme and also presented two papers.

In the interests of knowledge transfer, we share a summary Simon Tose’s papers entitled: 1. The evolution of explosives from fire setting to electronics provides big improvements to blasting.

2. New developments present ways to mitigate wild flyrock more effectively.

The Evolution of Explosives from Fire Setting to Electronics provides big improvements to blasting The evolution from the bronze age fire setting to modern day blasting with electronics has yielded major benefits for the mining industry. These include mitigation of damage to the environment, improving safety and enhancing efficiency of the blast, thereby also improving output and yield of the mining operations.

Stone Age - Primitive mining activity when Neolithic Man exploited flint deposits

This is according to Simon Tose, Group Consulting Mining Engineer at AEL Mining Services (AEL), who recently published the paper “From fire setting to electronics - A fun look at the evolution of explosives.”

Tose says the main reason for the shift from the old dynamite cartridges to on site chemical energy coupled with electronic blasting is that it offers more control over the blast and the environment making the process significantly safer, more efficient and improving production.

In 50 BC Egyptians used prisoners to mine for gold underground

“Looking back to the methods applied through the ages from fire setting , where one relied on heating the rock, throwing water on it to rapidly cool and then breaking it down, to dynamite and safety fuse there was no real control over the blast. These haphazard methods of blasting presented risks not only to the safety of miners, with no control over the air blast, ground vibration, noise or fragmentation of the rock, but was also very damaging to the environment,” explains Tose.

He says electronic blasting is used both in surface and underground mining and provides 6

Blasting News I Second Quarter 2014

Early mining practices still being used in the 21st century - Ghana West Africa

A Bronze Age fire-set pit

far more control over the environment. “This control is allowed, because through these methods, one is able to manipulate the timing of the blast by blasting through one hole at a time, giving control over the air blast, ground vibration, noise and most importantly how the rock breaks (fragmentation).”

Tose says mining is by its nature a very risky operation and therefore developing ways to make the process safer and more efficient has been the main driver in continuously developing explosives and improving the blasting processes.

Black powder used in tin mines, Cornwall, England

“Hammer and Tap” method

“By taking chemicals to the mine and formulating explosives in the blast hole we also eliminate some of the hassles of transporting hazardous explosives to the mine.

With chemicals, transportation is very similar to the methods applied when transporting oil and gas. They are less volatile than the old dynamite, which was particularly hazardous during transportation.”

Swedish chemist Alfred Nobel invents dynamite

“Chesa” stick

“Chemicals are only mixed into the explosive formula when on the mining site; thereby eliminating the risk of a detonation during the transportation of these explosives.”

Furthermore, he says another important consideration is that with the electronic system and manipulation of timing one is able to blast without undue noise, one hole at a time, minimising rock vibration which could be detrimental and hazardous, especially when blasting in a city or suburban area.

William Bickford invents Safety Fuse

First practical use of piston-type compressed air mechanical drill

Tose says AEL is committed to making even greater strides in making blasting safer. “One of the big innovations we are working on is the complete elimination of lead in the environment. Nitrates have a negative effect on the ground and through the reduction of these elements we are able to reduce the impact of those chemicals on the ground.”

He says AEL is also looking at making the electronic system wireless in the future, which would eliminate the use of all wires and allow even more control in the environment where the blast is taking place.

Replaced “chesa sticks” and enabled timing of stope fuse

Advanced drilling coupled pumpable explosives- Gautrain

“In order for South Africa to meet international safety standards, all stakeholders in the industry need to be aware of the progress that is currently being made and adopt new practices to improve their risk profile and reduce inefficiencies,” concludes Tose.

Compiled by Simon Tose in conjunction with Epic Communications Blasting News I Second Quarter 2014

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AEL Knowledge Sharing

New developments present ways to mitigate wild flyrock more effectively

Wild Flyrock in a blast

The perfect blast with no Flyrock evident

Wild Flyrock has historically been a major problem in the mining industry, resulting in the injury of mineworkers who are caught in the blasting process.

However, the reality is that the risk of flyrock can be greatly reduced by using new techniques and improving the attitude of those involved in the blasting process.

Simon Tose, Group Consulting Mining Engineer at AEL, says blasting teams must follow the correct procedures in order to mitigate the possibility and severity of flyrock.

“Any type of surface blasting breaks up rock, which is then propelled into the planned blast zone. Sometimes this rock is thrown further away than expected, which is referred to as wild flyrock and can result in damage to property as well as injuring people on the blast site and in nearby homes.”

According to statistics published by the Office of Mine Safety and Health Research (OMSHR) in the US, between 1994 and 2005, 68 miners were injured because 8

they were in the blast area during a blast and 32 miners were injured by flyrock.

Tose notes that the risk zone where rock can be expected to be thrown is known as the blast zone. “There is an exclusion zone that blasters will determine can be expected to have flyrock propelled into; but it is unknown just how far flyrock can be thrown (wild flyrock), making this a significant problem if it is not managed correctly.”

“Currently, the safety zone within a blasting area is determined by algorithms, in order to assess the most likely blasting result. However, things can still go wrong, depending on the movement of the rock, so it is important to calculate risk zones as accurately as possible,” he says.

Tose notes that AEL uses advanced blast design techniques in order to ensure that any risk of flyrock and other incidents is greatly reduced.

“It is critical for blasting and mining services companies to adopt international best practice standards in order to be

more proactive in controlling flyrock and limiting the number of blasting accidents. There are now new ways to calculate risk zones more effectively such as AEL Mitigating Flyrock risk – Field Guide, validated internationally, face and blasthole profiling and the research work by Richards and Moore - a semi-empirical approach to flyrock range prediction with a methodology for quantification of flyrock distances relative to explosive confinement conditions, throw and safety, calibrated for each blast site.

“By managing explosions more effectively, it is possible to ensure a good control blast and to secure the blast area correctly. The mining industry has made great strides forward in reducing the number of workplace accidents but it is essential that companies keep up-to-date with innovative, new developments to ensure any risk is pro-actively mitigated as far as possible,” concludes Tose.

Compiled by Simon Tose in conjunction with Epic Communications

Blasting News I Second Quarter 2014

AEL Indonesia

AEL sustaining business relationships in partnership with BBRI Ashok Mitra from KPC officially opening the plant

March 2014 saw the BBRI successfully deliver product in Indonesia. AECI/BBRI erected a 67 000 ton per annum ammonium nitrate facility. In the first half of 2014, the ammonium nitrate plant achieved 82% of name plate capacity, well ahead of the ramp-up plan.

There were a lot of very significant firsts for AECI/BBRI in March 2014: • The first batch of BBRI product was delivered in bulk to KPC via barge • The product was offloaded into the new on-site storage tank • The plant then produced the first batch of what they called “the best emulsion ever made” • The product was used in the first blast on 29 March 2014.

AEL, KPC and BBRI management at the opening

The blast result was a “resounding success”!

BBRI, established in 2009, succeeded in delivering AN solution to Kaltim Prima Coal (KPC) in Sengatta, East Kutai. 21 tons of product was locally produced and delivered by land.

Black Bear’s Technical & Commercial Director, Janice Lesmana said that the first delivery was still by land but the next delivery will be done by sea. Black Bear has a special port for which it has obtained a permit to deliver AN Solution. The next planned delivery will be 250 tons by sea.

Following its first delivery, Black Bear hopes to build and promote Bontang city. Most of Black Bear’s employees are local residents who will be educated and trained to enhance their knowledge.

Trevor Roberts, AEL Executive Director, opening the event

Black Bear wants to encourage Bontang’s human resources to operate chemical manufacturing operations. The company’s vision is to promote local employment and AECI is proud to be a part of this development.

Since start-up in March, AEL has already used BBRI ANSOL to successfully blast 23 mil BCM’s in 144 blasts at 100% blast success rate.

Blasting News I Second Quarter 2014

A view of the plant

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AEL In the field

AEL present at the Rock Breakage and Fragmentation Workshop in Indonesia

AEL Indonesia participated in the Rock Breakage and Fragmentation Workshop held by Balinga Utama at the Hyatt Regency Jogjakarta in Indonesia from 11-12 June 2014.

and businessmen to scientists and students. Delegates used this event as a networking session and a platform for knowledge-sharing.

conference please access the link: http://192.168.1.75:3122/Rock%20 Breakage%20and%20Fragmentation%20 Workshop%202014/

Other participating companies included Valvtrol, Tenaga Kimia Indonesia and Majalah Tambang. The event was sponsored by Dyno Nobel/ DNX Indonesia, Soft-Blast, PAMA, G-Resources, Padang Cement Indonesia, Bandung Institute of Technology (ITB), National Development University (UPN) Veteran, Western Australian School of Mines (WASM) and HAS Environmental.

Rudianto Sitanggang (Sr. Technical Services Engineer) and Sahat Sihotang (Site Manager – Sengatta KPC Project) represented AEL at the conference.

Sitanggang enlightened delegates about AEL Mining Services’ operations in Indonesia.

Compiled by Achmad Annama Chayat, AEL Indonesia

The 65 participants at the conference ranged from industry professionals

To download papers presented at the

Delegates in session at the conference

AEL’s CSI winter campaign: Hot tummies , warm feet As part of its CSI campaign, AEL supports the Thuthukani Centre in Tembisa, a non-profit organisation that cares for more than 250 vulnerable children and orphans.

The nature of AEL’s support looks at facilitating school attendance and the valuing of education for the children at the Centre. Coupled with this is the need to keep the children warm in winter.

To address this need, AEL instituted the annual winter campaign into its CSI initiatives where blankets, warm clothing and food are sponsored in order to add comfort to the children and beat the Gauteng winter chills which reach temperatures bordering on 0˚Celsius.

Our successful campaigns to date include the “Blanket Campaign”, the “Hands and Feet Campaign” and our 2014 “Hot Tummies, Warm Feet Campaign”.

AEL is proud to be making a difference to those in need.

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Blasting News I Second Quarter 2014

AEL Africa

Mopani Copper Mines Zambian open golf tournament

The sponsors of the event

The Mopani Zambian Open Golf Tournament was held from 12-18 May, including two pro-am tournaments, at the Nkana Golf Club in Kitwe Zambia.

The tournament which was endorsed by and formed part of the ‘Sunshine Tour Circuit’, fielded 144 golfers from Zambia, Zimbabwe, Botswana and South Africa. The event was secured by Nkana Golf Club after the CEO of Mopani Copper Mines, Danny Callow and his committee, took it upon themselves to fully refurbish the club house and course at Nkana and persuade the Zambia Golf Association that they could within the year host the Zambian Open.

A tall ask given the state of the club house and course. However a year down the line with Danny’s drive and his committee’s hard work and commitment together with a host of sponsors including AEL Zambia PLC, Nkana did exactly that and hosted the most successful event since its inception in 1972.

Players out on the greens

The title sponsorship package of USD 250,000 in prize money, made this event the most lucrative and the richest event in Africa outside of South Africa, in the Zambian Open’s history. In addition spot prizes including four hole-in-one awards of very pricy motor vehicles, were on offer to golfers both at the ProAmm and the Open event. Two of these were won by professional golfers Allan Versveld on the 3rd and Jaco Prinsloo on the 11th holes respectively.

After four exciting days of closely contested golf, South African Wallie Coetsee won the event by one shot from compatriot and 2012 winner, Justin Harding.

Danie Van Tonder recorded an incredible 15 under par 273 to be crowned champion by the Republic of Zambia’s Vice President Guy Scott. Top local professional, 21 year old Dayne Moore finished 38th with a 2 under par 286 for the event.

Other dignitaries in attendance included the Minister of Youth and Sport the Honourable Chishimba Kambwili, Zambia Golf Union president Charles Mwanza, Mayor of Kitwe Councillor Kelvin Sinyangwe, Zambian Open Organising Chairman Emmanuel Mutati, Africa Golf Confederation president Joe Malanji and Sunshine Circuit Tournament Co-ordinator, Dan Zwiebel.

The refurbished clubhouse

The AGC president awarded certificates of recognition to Danny Callow, former Kitwe Mayor, Chileshe Bweupe, ZOOC vice chairman, Phil Harrold and Nkana club captain, Alario Musonda for their efforts and services in organising the hosting of the tournament.

Immediately after the prize giving it was officially announced that Nkana Golf Club, with prize money of USD300,000 committed to, had been awarded the hosting of the event for 2015. AEL Mining Services salutes Danny Callow and Emmanuel Mutati and their organising committee for a well organised tournament bringing a prestigious event back to Nkana. AEL Mining Services looks forward to supporting the tournament in 2015!

Compiled by Glyn Rees, then Managing Director AEL Zambia, currently Managing Director Burkina Faso.

Blasting News I Second Quarter 2014

The view from the clubhouse overlooking the course 11

AEL Africa

Getting to know Ghana

The friendly smiles and warmth of the people in Ghana has won the country the reputation of the world’s most hospitable country. It is a refined country with a rich cultural heritage that dates back centuries.

The Republic of Ghana located in West Africa is bordered by three countries: in the north by Burkina-Faso, east by Togo and the west by Ivory Coast. The Gulf of Guinea laps at the beaches in the south. Ghana is the closest to the Equator and the Greenwich Meridian Line passes right through the city of Tema in the Greater Accra Region.

One can almost say that this is the centre of the earth. Ghana has a total land area of 239 km². It is 672km from north to south and 550km from east to west. Ghana has a tropical climate with an average temperature range of between 21°C - 32°C. English is the official language however there are several dialects like Twi and Fanti, which are the most widely spoken in the country.

Ghana supports a population of approximately 24 million people. The main economic pillars of the country are gold and cocoa. Other products such as coffee, timber, fishing products and the recent discovery of offshore oil and gas in the Western Region brings considerable revenue to the country.

AEL operations in Ghana AEL Mining Services (AEL) acquired the Ghana business from ICI in 1993, which means AEL Ghana is 20 years 12

old. During the last 5 years West Africa has seen rapid growth and with Ghana as the strategic stronghold for AEL, it was necessary to split the region into West and North West Africa to ensure continued focus, maintaining world class standards and to afford our customers the service they deserve.

Being the leading supplier of explosive products and services in this region, AEL is strongly positioned to provide products and services to neighbouring countries like Sierra Leone, Côte d’ Ivoire, Liberia, Togo, Benin and Nigeria.

A very important and vibrant sector in this region is the quarrying and construction market. Wileb Mining has been AEL’s agent in the region for two decades and expertly services this market sector in Ghana as well as cross-border. Currently most mining activity and the majority of customers are in Ghana.

AEL has six SABS accredited sites, two bulk manufacturing plants capable of each producing 2000 tons of emulsion per month, a shock tube assembly plant and an ANFO bagging plant.

AEL’s head office is based in the capital, Accra, where most of its customers’ head offices are located.

AEL Ghana employs 279 people of which only five are expatriates. AEL is committed to the localisation programme in Ghana and produced almost 50 000 tons of bulk emulsion during 2013 and assembled more than 2.5 million shock tube assemblies

at its manufacturing facilities in the Western Region. Locally produced goods constitute more than 80% of AEL Ghana’s revenue.

As a value-adding service provider, AEL provides specialised blasting solutions to its customers. This full range of services are designed to cater for customers’ varying needs and applications and range from the simple delivery of products to mine sites, to down-the-hole services and even more fully integrated Prime, Load, Tie and Shoot (PLTS) operations. In every instance, AEL provides technical service support and engages in providing customised blasting solutions to assist customers realise improved blasting and mining efficiencies.

Our 20-year success “I believe that AEL’s 20-year success here in West Africa is about genuine partnerships and strong relationships with its customers. We strive to understand the wants and needs of our customers to ensure that we supply them with fit-for-purpose solutions. It is our aim to leave a strong legacy of excellence and growth in this country.

This will be achieved through World Class operations, ISO certified sites, highly trained people, excellent products, an exemplary safety record and continuous growth for the future generations,” says Franky Botha, Managing Director for AEL Ghana.

Compiled by Franky Botha, Managing Director AEL Ghana.

Blasting News I Second Quarter 2014

Ghana’s geographical location

Good fragmentation ensures loading efficiency Blasting News I Second Quarter 2014

13

Captains of Industry

Who is Schalk Venter?

Each quarter, we will be profiling our EXCO members for an insight into AEL’s leadership.

Schalk’s passions We share more about Schalk the family man… Schalk grew up on a small holding and is no stranger to walking barefoot!

Schalk, AEL’s Group Managing Director joined the AEL fold from Akulu

He completed his studies at

Marchon on 16 April 2012.

Potchefstroom University and then married Amanda. They have been

Track record

married for over 20 years, and have

Schalk has 20 years of service

a 17 year old son, Ruben.

within AECI. With a qualification in analytical chemistry, he joined

Schalk is a keen Blue Bulls rugby

Chemserve Systems in 1991 as a sales

supporter! A devoted family man, he

representative. He was subsequently

makes every effort to attend a rugby

appointed Managing Director of this

match when Ruben is playing.

subsidiary in 1997 and then moved to AECI Coatings in the same capacity in

Schalk is passionate about taking

2001.

his Triumph motorbike out for a few revs on the open road over

Schalk was appointed to the

weekends. He enjoys a good red

Chemserve Executive Committee in

wine, some rock music to the

2005 and to its Board in 2007.

likes and sounds of AC/DC and Jethro Tull, and spending time in

Prior to joining AEL, he was Chemicals

Hermanus with his family.

Executive and Managing Director of Akulu Marchon of AECI Ltd and

Meet Schalk at our Annual Blasting

Chairman of a number of companies in

MasterClass on 30 September 2014.

the specialty chemicals cluster.

For more information visit http:// Schalk is currently a member of

masterclass.aelminingservices.

the AECI Executive Committee and

com.

Chairman of Chemfit Industrial Holdings, Plaaskem and Resinkem.

In our next issue we introduce you to Colin Wilson, Executive Director - AEL International.

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Blasting News I Second Quarter 2014

AEL Sites AEL Plants

Wealth Unearthed

AEL Your Global Explosives Partner Southern Africa Cape Town (T) +27 21 842 3901 East London (T) +27 43 745 2169 Gauteng Quarry Services +27 11 606 3523 Johannesburg (T) +27 11 606 0000 Kimberley (T) +27 53 802 6352 Klerksdorp (T) +27 18 477 1062 Kuruman (T) +27 53 712 3035/2958 Kwa-Zulu Natal (T) +27 31 266 4303 Mankwe (T) +27 14 558 2800 Mokopane (T) +27 15 491 1373 Mogalakwena (T) +27 15 418 2189 Nelspruit (T) +27 13 747 2278 Northern Province +27 15 491 1328 O’Kiep (T) +27 27 713 8597 Rustenburg Bushveld (T) +27 14 594 9300 Steelpoort (T) +27 13 230 8020 Venetia Mine (T) +27 15 575 2335 Welkom (T) +27 57 217 1252 West Wits Sales (T) +27 18 788 3390 Witbank / Emalahleni (T) +27 13 690 1242 Africa and International Asia Pacific +6221 7592 4498 Botswana (T) +267 393 8133 DRC (T) +243 997 027 878 Egypt (T) +20 22461 8609 Europe +27 82 553 9080 Ghana (T) +233 302 762 633 Indonesia (T) +6221 7592 4498 Mauritius (T) +230 269 1650 Namibia (T) +264 64 403 463 South America (T) +562 928 1300 Tanzania (T) +255 22 277 1055 Zambia (T) +260 966 990 945/9 Zimbabwe (T) +263 479 0846

Blasting News I Second Quarter 2014

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Do you know what explosives energy you are buying?

Be sure not to miss AEL’s Blasting MasterClass!

Save the date! 30 September 2014 Log on to http://masterclass.aelminingservices.com for more information.

AEL Head Office Tel: +27 11 606 0000 email: company.email@aelms.com www.aelminingservices.com