Melbourne: Orica (ASX: ORI), a global leader in mining and infrastructure solutions, has played a pivotal role in transforming operations at Oyu Tolgoi, one of the world’s largest copper and gold deposits located in Mongolia’s South Gobi Desert.
August 31, 2025 -- Since 2019, Orica has partnered with Oyu Tolgoi to deliver a continuous improvement program that has significantly enhanced productivity, efficiency, and cost-effectiveness across the site. Following the completion of a seven-year underground expansion in 2023, Oyu Tolgoi is now on track to become one of the top copper producers globally.
Orica’s deployment of advanced technologies—including the i-kon™ III electronic detonators, Advanced Vibration Modelling (AVM), and Fortis™ Eclipse™ bulk explosives—has helped address key operational challenges such as blast-induced vibration and wall damage. These innovations have enabled precise blast control, improved fragmentation, and reduced equipment downtime.
Chris Batten, Technical Solutions Manager at Orica, said:
"The i-kon III system and AVM have allowed us to better manage vibration and control blast outcomes, reducing damage and improving ore quality. This has delivered real value to Oyu Tolgoi’s surface operations."
At a glance
- Company
- Orica
- Ticker
- ASX: ORI
- Announcement
- Partnership
- Location
- Oyu Tolgoi, South Gobi Desert, Mongolia
Key figures
- Partnership began
- Since 2019
- Underground expansion duration
- seven-year
- Underground expansion completed
- 2023
People
- Chris BattenTechnical Solutions Manager at Orica
- Luis GrijalvaTerritory Manager at Orica
Products and programs
The partnership has also seen the successful implementation of Orica’s FRAGTrack™ system for real-time fragmentation analysis, enabling data-driven decision-making and continuous optimisation. By combining production, trim, and presplit blasts, Orica has helped reduce delays and increase shovel uptime, leading to higher-grade ore processing and reduced costs.
Since 2019, Orica has partnered with Oyu Tolgoi to deliver a continuous improvement program.
Luis Grijalva, Territory Manager at Orica, added:
"Our structured collaboration with Oyu Tolgoi has delivered measurable improvements. The recently renewed agreement reflects the strength of our relationship and our shared commitment to innovation and excellence."
Orica’s Mongolian Technical Services Engineers have played a key role in introducing global innovations to the local mining industry. Technologies such as WebGen™, Cyclo™, 4D™, and FRAGTrack™ Gantry are poised to unlock further opportunities for optimisation at Oyu Tolgoi.
This long-term partnership exemplifies Orica’s ability to deliver tailored, high-impact solutions that meet the evolving needs of complex mining operations.
Orica’s deployment of advanced technologies—including the i-kon™ III electronic detonators, Advanced Vibration Modelling (AVM), and Fortis™ Eclipse™ bulk explosives—has helped address key operational challenges such as blast-induced vibration and wall damage.
The team at Oyu Tolgoi successfully introduced i-kon™ III electronic blasting system on site - the first site in Mongolian mining history to use electronic detonators in surface operations.
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Questions around this news
What improvements has the Orica–Oyu Tolgoi partnership reported?
The release says the collaboration has focused on productivity, efficiency and cost-effectiveness since 2019. It describes improved blast control and fragmentation, less equipment downtime, fewer delays and increased shovel uptime. The release also links the work to higher-grade ore processing and reduced costs, but does not provide specific numerical measurements for these outcomes.
What is blast-induced vibration, and why do mines manage it?
Blast-induced vibration is ground movement caused by the rapid release of energy during blasting. If excessive, it can affect nearby rock walls, equipment or infrastructure. Mines manage vibration by planning blast timing, design and energy distribution to control the effects while breaking rock for excavation. Monitoring helps operators compare actual results with planned outcomes.
How do electronic detonators differ from conventional detonators?
Electronic detonators use electronic circuitry to control when a blast charge initiates. This can allow more precise timing between charges than systems relying on less flexible timing methods. Accurate sequencing can help shape how energy moves through the rock, though the results depend on blast design, site conditions and how the system is used.
What does real-time fragmentation analysis help a mine do?
The release says Orica implemented its FRAGTrack system at Oyu Tolgoi to analyse fragmentation in real time and support data-driven decisions and ongoing optimisation. In general, fragmentation analysis helps teams assess the size distribution of broken rock after a blast. That information can inform adjustments to blasting and material-handling processes.
