-- Orica has been recognised as the Most Innovative Large Company and taking out the number one spot under the Agriculture, Mining and Utilities category for Avatel™ in the 2023 Australian Financial Review and Inventium’s Most Innovative Companies List.
Published by The Australian Financial Review (AFR) and Boss Magazine, the prestigious annual list is based on a meticulous assessment process led by innovation consulting firm Inventium and a panel of industry experts. Out of the 700 organisations that were nominated across Australia and New Zealand, Orica came in at number one – as the Most Innovative Large Company solidifying Avatel™ the world’s first fully mechanised development charging system as a pioneering technology in the Agriculture, Mining & Utilities industry that delivers value for customers and serves to move the mining industry forward.
The development of Avatel™, a partnership between Orica and Epiroc – two world-leaders in explosives and equipment manufacturing respectively - combines the most advanced explosives technology available to bring a previously unachievable level of safety, control and precision to underground blasting that has the potential to change the way the underground mining industry approaches work at the development face while driving substantial downstream value.
The first complete Avatel™ service commenced at Newcrest’s Cadia Valley Operations, NSW early in 2023. Avatel™ has the potential to positively impact workers who conduct tasks directly in the development environment along with those in engineering or supporting roles who manage the engineering designs and processes required to manage risk to those workers.
Reflecting on the achievement, Orica Chief Technology Officer Angus Melbourne said:
“The industry faces substantial challenges in obtaining safe access to challenging orebodies due to the increasing demand for critical minerals. Our collaboration with Epiroc and our customers positions Avatel to fulfill our joint aspiration to develop blasting solutions that prioritise safety and productivity. By harnessing technology, integrating into workflows, we are paving the way for a safer, productive, and more responsible mining industry towards our net zero ambition".
The AFR industry panel considered several key elements when judging the innovation, including the value of the problem being solved, the level of impact the innovation has had, and the quality and uniqueness of the solution. Additionally, applicants had to showcase their innovative culture and the sustainable, repeatable approach taken towards innovation across the business.
Having been recognised as one of the most innovative companies in the AFR Awards program for the past seven years straight, this year’s achievement further reinforces Orica’s technology leadership position in the mining industry, beyond blasting.
To learn more about Avatel™ visit: www.orica.com/avatel
Orica named AFR Most Innovative Large Company and #1 Most Innovative Agriculture Mining & Utilities Company for 2023.
Orica and Epiroc’s advanced technologies integrated into the Avatel™ system.
Front impression of a commercially ready Avatel™ unit in an underground
