Pioneering Sustainable Mining: How Dyno Nobel is Driving Change

The Challenge: Mining's Sustainability Paradox

Mining powers modern life. It fuels infrastructure, technology, and the clean energy transition, making it a truly essential industry in the present and in the future. But here's the challenge: how do we extract the materials needed for a greener future while also reducing our environmental footprint? 

At Dyno Nobel, we believe sustainability isn't just about compliance with regulations—it's about innovation, efficiency, and responsible stewardship. By integrating advanced technology, cleaner energy solutions, and precision blasting, we're helping mining operations reduce emissions, optimize energy use, and minimize environmental impact— all without compromising productivity.

Introducing the DYNOBULK® Electric MPU: A Leap Forward in Sustainable Mining

Why the DYNOBULK Electric MPU Matters 

Mining's sustainability journey extends to every aspect of operations, including explosives delivery. Dyno Nobel is proud to introduce our groundbreaking DYNOBULK Electric Mobile Processing Unit (MPU), which we believe is the first of its kind in the industry. With trials planned at Fortescue’s Solomon operations in Western Australia, this fully electric MPU marks a significant advancement in reducing mining’s environmental footprint. 

• Minimized On-Site Emissions: Replacing traditional diesel engines with electric power dramatically reduces noise, fumes, and greenhouse gas emissions—protecting mining personnel as well as the communities they live in. 

• Enhanced Safety & Comfort: Eliminating diesel engines significantly reduces noise and exhaust fumes, improving working conditions for operators. 

• Operational Efficiency – The electric MPU is designed to run a full 12-hour shift on a single charge, using regenerative braking technology to optimize energy use and extend battery life. 

• Advanced Safety Protocols – Automatic shutdown systems, thermal management, and robust containment measures ensure safety even under extreme conditions. 

At Dyno Nobel, innovation isn’t just about technological advancement—it’s about aligning technology with sustainability. With the DYNOBULK Electric MPU, we’re not only driving better business outcomes but actively contributing to mining’s clean-energy future. 

Press Release: Dyno Nobel Unveils First Mine-Ready Electric MPU for Explosives Delivery 

Here's how we're leading the charge 

Optimizing Every Stage: From Drill to Mill®

For years, mining operations have treated drilling, blasting, loading, hauling, crushing, and milling as separate processes. But they are deeply interconnected, and optimizing one can positively impact all the others. 

That’s where our Drill to Mill strategy comes into play. Drill to Mill projects transform ore fragmentation to improve downstream processing efficiency. By fine-tuning the explosives energy needed for ideal fragmentation, mines could improve their profitability and sustainability. Vibration is more easily controlled to reduce environmental and community impacts, loading and hauling times improve with better fragmentation, and the life of crusher wear items could be extended and crushing and milling power requirements reduced.

At a North American metals mine: 

• 15% increase in mill throughput 

• $58.1M in added value 

• Reduced truck cycle times & crusher power usage 

Case Study: Drill to Mill Project Adds $58.1 Million for Metals Mine 

Could better blasting help your site reduce energy costs?

Renewable Energy-Powered Manufacturing 

Most manufacturing facilities still rely on fossil fuel electricity sources, driving up costs and carbon emissions. At Dyno Nobel, we're pioneering ways to reduce the carbon footprint of our plants. 

At our Wolf Lake, Illinois facility: 

• $1.7M solar array investment 

• 500 kW of renewable power annually 

• 45% reduction in site electricity demand 

• $100K+ in annual savings

Press Release: Dyno Nobel Invests in Wolf Lake Solar Array 

At our Louisiana, Missouri ammonium nitrate plant: 

• $8M tertiary abatement system 

• 30% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions 

• Currently abating more than 98% of N2O 

• Equivalent of planting 9 million trees

Press Release: Dyno Nobel Invests $8 million in Louisiana, Missouri, Plant to Lower GHG Emissions

Cleaner Explosives: Reducing Emissions Without Sacrificing Performance 

Explosives are necessary for mining—but what if they could be cleaner? 

We've successfully trialed Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil (HVO) and renewable diesel (RD) in our DIFFERENTIAL ENERGY® emulsion, proving that sustainability and performance can coexist. HVO and renewable diesel offer net-zero carbon components in our emulsion, which means no new carbon is added to or subtracted from the environment. And because it performs at the same high level that operations have come to expect from Dyno Nobel, mines can reduce their scope 1 emissions while maintaining—or even improving—their production. 

Measurable Results: 

• 9% reduction in explosives consumption 

• Lower greenhouse gas emissions 

• Deloitte-audited sustainability gains 

Case Study: GHG Reduction Trial with DIFFERENTIAL ENERGY 

What if your explosives could deliver better performance while lowering emissions? 

Precision Blasting with DigiShot® Electronic Detonators

Blasting precision doesn’t just ensure better fragmentation. It reduces waste, optimizes processing efficiency, and improves safety. 

Our DigiShot electronic detonators give mines precise millisecond-level control, resulting in: 

• More efficient milling with improved fragmentation 

• Lower vibration levels, reducing structural and environmental impact 

• Improved safety with secure detonation and automated detonator detection

Case Study: Using Electronic Detonators to Reduce Contamination & Improve Productivity 

Precision matters. Better control leads to better sustainability.

Wireless Blasting: A Critical Tool for High-Risk Environments

Wireless detonation isn't just the future—it's already here. At Dyno Nobel, our CyberDet technology is already improving safety and efficiency at mines around the world. 

Where Wireless Excels: 

• Underground Operations – Reduces risk in unstable areas 

• Difficult-to-Access Ore Bodies – Allows safe initiation without wired connections 

• Automated Blasting – Enables fully remote-controlled explosives loading & initiation 

With CyberDet wireless initiation, we're proving that safer, more efficient mining is not just possible—it's happening now. 

How could wireless blasting reduce risk and improve efficiency at your site?

Beyond Technology: Our Commitment to Communities & the Environment 

Mining doesn't happen in isolation—it happens alongside communities that expect responsible stewardship. Sustainability isn't just about reducing emissions; it's about minimizing disruption and ensuring safe operations. 

Protecting Communities & Reducing Environmental Impact 

With the application of Dyno Nobel’s technology and support from our team of experts, operations have the potential to enhance the protection of their personnel, communities, and the environment. 

• Lower NOx emissions, improving air quality and worker safety 

• Vibration reduction, minimizing disruptions to nearby residents 

• Energy-efficient solutions, cutting overall electricity and fuel demand 

Case Study:  DIFFERENTIAL ENERGY™ (ΔE) IN SURFACE GOLD MINING

Case Study: DynoConsult Cuts Quarry's Vibration Levels in Half

Let's Talk: What's Your Sustainability Strategy? 

At Dyno Nobel, we don't just develop better blasting technologies—we help our partners build smarter, more sustainable mining operations. 

What sustainability challenges is your operation facing?  How is your company working to reduce environmental impact? 

Drop a comment below or reach out—let's start the conversation!

Together, we can build a smarter, greener mining industry. Let's make it happen.