Boliden enters into agreement with Hypex Bio for production and delivery of environmentally and climate-friendly explosives

STOCKHOLM, March 8, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- As the first mining operator, Boliden has signed an agreement for the production and delivery of a newly developed explosive with significantly improved environmental and climate performance. As a result, the need for nitrogen treatment of water is strongly reduced and climate performance is improved by around 400 tons of CO₂ per year.

"For us, it is important to be part of technology development in many areas and when it is successful, we also want to be early with implementation. Together with the electrification of transport and other machines, this means another important step towards being able to conduct mining operations that are, in principle, fossil-free, says Peter Bergman, General Manager of The Boliden area.

As the first mining operator, Boliden has signed an agreement with the Swedish explosives supplier Hypex Bio regarding the production and delivery of nitrate-free and environmentally friendly explosives to Kankbergsgruvan, Boliden. The agreement means that Boliden and Hypex will cooperate on the production and delivery of nitrate-free and environmentally friendly explosives to the Kankberg mine, which includes the establishment of a production facility at the mine as well as a delivery and service agreement. The supply and service agreement for Hypex's explosives solution spans five years starting in 2024. The production quantity is expected to amount to 400 - 450 tonnes and thus largely meet the Kankberg mine's annual needs. In addition to the fact that the explosive drastically reduces the need for nitrogen treatment of water, the climate impact is reduced by approximately 400 tons of CO₂ per year (Scope 3).

The collaboration between Hypex Bio and Boliden has been ongoing since 2020, where the nitrate-free explosive has been developed and tested in the Kankberg mine. The technology has proven to meet Boliden's requirements for safety, performance, environment and reduced carbon dioxide emissions. Tests have also been carried out in the Garpenberg mine and are to be started in the Aitik copper mine. 

For further information please contact:
Klas Nilsson, Director Group Communications, tel: +46 (0)70-453 65 88
[email protected] 

Boliden's vision is to be the most climate-friendly and respected metal provider in the world. We are Europe's producer of sustainable metals and, guided by our values care, courage and responsibility, we operate within exploration, mines, smelters and recycling. We are around 6,000 employees and have annual revenues of approximately SEK 80 billion. The share is listed in the Large Cap segment of NASDAQ OMX Stockholm. 

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SOURCE Boliden