MAXAM
MAXAM Civil Explosives launches its operations in Mauritania
2014.11.04
Press room - News - MAXAM Civil Explosives launches its operations in Mauritania
MAXAM is the sole supplier to Kinross’ Tasiast Mine, a key site with 9.6 M oz. of gold in proven and probable reserves, the first of its kind in a prospective greenstone belt.
In line with its continued international expansion, and the considerable inroads it has made throughout the African continent, MAXAM Civil Explosives has launched operations in Mauritania, where it is a key player in Kinross’ Tasiast Mine.Located within in an extensive –and largely unexplored– gold system, the Tasiast Mine is an open pit mining operation in north-western Mauritania, approximately 300 kilometres north of the capital in Nouakchott. With 9.6 M oz. of gold in proven and probable reserves, this site is the first mine in a prospective greenstone belt. This operation is the latest in a series of projects undertaken by MAXAM and Kinross, with which the Company currently collaborates by providing products and services in Chirano (Ghana) and Paracatu (Brazil).
MAXAM Civil Explosives vehicles at the Tasiast Mine.
MAXAM’s proven experience carrying out similar projects around the world makes it a natural fit for Kinross’ Tasiast Mine’s operations. Its global logistical system, which relies on production plants located on all five continents, reinforces the Company’s ability to supply the latest-generation products in order to meet a wide variety of challenges, while its in-house developed technology ensures conditions that are both safe and efficient.
Custom-tailored products and services
In this manner, MAXAM Civil Explosives is offering its RIOFLEX borehole loading, magazine management and product distribution services, as well as comprehensive technical and training support.
Amongst other products, MAXAM’s Mauritania operations employ the use of the flagship RIOFLEX high energy 10000, the highly water resistant 7000, and powered 5000 bulk explosives; RIOTRONIC and RIONEL MS and SCX detonators; RIOCORD detonating cords; Riogur cap sensitive watergels (especially designed for contour and presplit blasting applications); and RIOBOOSTER high velocity explosives.
First launched in 1998, RIOFLEX is MAXAM’s flagship watergel explosive, developed with the Company’s own in-house R&D –key to MAXAM’s technological independence–. It has consistently achieved exceptional results for the Company's clients throughout the world thanks to its versatility, capable of being used in both cartridged and bulk format, in both dry and humid climates, both in high temperatures, like the Amazon’s or Sub-Saharan Africa’s +40º, to the frigid -40º of a Siberian or Central Asian winter.
As the Mine’s sole supplier, MAXAM has constructed a RIOFLEX plant onsite, and further compliments its supply by importing high energy explosives and initiating systems from abroad, relying on its factories in both Spain and Mali. The products used within the Mine have already been successfully employed in projects in Mali and Côte d’Ivoire. Likewise, MAXAM employs the knowledge gained through other gold mining operations it has previously undertaken, and currently manages, in African countries including South Africa, Ghana, Guinea, Sierra Leone, Liberia, Côte d’Ivoire, Ghana and Angola.
MAXAM – www.maxam.net
MAXAM is a service and industrial group that operates on a global scale by developing, manufacturing and commercializing civil explosives and initiation systems for mining, quarries and construction; cartridges, shotgun shells and smokeless powder for hunting and sports use; and products for the defense industry. Additionally, MAXAM is a supplier of key raw materials for nitro chemical activity, generated for the company’s own internal needs as well as for sales to third parties. Finally, as a result of its drive towards innovative, sustainable development, MAXAM offers its clients a wide variety of solutions in the fields of safety and environmental conservation.
Founded by Alfred Nobel in 1872, MAXAM concluded 2013 with a yearly turnover of approximately 1.1 billion euros. It is present in all of the world’s major mining areas, with production sites in over 45 countries, an active market presence in more than 100 others, and nearly 6000 employees spread across five continents.
Further information:
Lucas Ferreira
MAXAM
Communications Director
91 722 01 00
lferreira@maxam.net
