Overview

DetNet is a world leader in the innovative design and industrialization of electronic initiation systems which provides its partners in the mining industry with the means to optimize their blasts through accurate timing and control, while staying ahead of the increasingly stringent regulatory, safety and environmental demands.

As a 50/50 joint venture between JSE-listed AECI and Dyno Nobel, a subsidiary of Incitec Pivot Limited, DetNet is represented globally by both AEL Mining Services and Dyno Nobel, thus providing global access and support for all its products.

Located at its new, modern and purpose built offices at Modderfontein, Johannesburg in South Africa, DetNet’s range of innovative products are supplied worldwide from a decentralized manufacturing network, ensuring excellent logistics worldwide.

Using the technical skills and electronic know-how required to deliver the innovation of today and to reshape the mining landscape of tomorrow, DetNet’s electronic initiation products are valued and trusted by the global mining industry.

DetNet’s highly qualified design and engineering teams are able to deliver leading edge solutions as a result of collaboration with academia, end users and suppliers worldwide. A policy of continuous improvement enables these teams to create customized solutions for all the different markets.

As electronic initiation of blasts is being adopted worldwide, the mining industry is recognizing the enormous benefits of adopting this methodology. Deploying electronic detonator technology means increased timing precision compared with traditional pyrotechnics. In addition to the benefit of accurate real time programming, the ability to test on bench and the ease of remote firing produce tangible improvements for the blaster.

Safety and environmental awareness is increasingly becoming key drivers to any successful mining operation worldwide. Using DetNet’s technology, blasts can be better planned and greater control can be exercised over the environmental impact.

Other benefits of electronic initiating systems included enhanced security on site. Electronic detonators with their encrypted and protected firing systems provide proof against those who would use them for illicit purposes, and indeed are legislated for this reason in some markets.

DetNet’s electronic initiation systems provide an opportunity to interface with a mine’s information management system. This, in turn, assists mine management in maintaining a constant grasp on data management aspects, such as inventory control, blast productivity etc.

DetNet’s offering

DetNet’s entire range of hardware, software and electronic detonators deliver tangible benefits to customers. All developments and innovations made at DetNet are rigorously tested to ensure the highest levels of robustness and safe operation.

Currently DetNet offers six product lines, which include DigiShot; DigiShot Plus; HotShot; QuickShot; SmartShot and ViewShot, allowing customers to choose the appropriate mix of flexibility, features and value in their electronic initiation system that most suits their application and needs.

Further, with respect to product growth, the range is being used with great success in the South African, African, Australian, Asia Pacific, Hong Kong, South American, North American and European mining environments.

Innovation and Trends

Innovation is core to DetNet’s business. The fundamental driving force behind DetNet’s creativity is to conceptualise new and innovative approaches to get the job done better and turning these ground-breaking ideas into very real mining and blast enhancing technologies.

As current and future trends show, the world of mining is evolving and migrating towards the more precise electronic blast solution to enhance safety and productivity. More applications are being identified where electronic initiation systems can play a key role in the success of these mines.

Benefits of Electronic Initiating Systems

There is a growing demand for solutions that address the need for technologies that enhance productivity, environmental concerns, increased safety and cost effectiveness on mine and quarry sites. Customers in the mining, quarrying and tunneling industry have reported the following benefits from using DetNet’s world leading electronic initiation systems.

Reduced Safety Risks

DetNet’s team of engineers and scientists are recognized as some of the leading developers and innovators in their field. DetNet’s personnel is represented on boards of leading institutions, and also participate in development of electronic detonation technology at tertiary institutions, collaborating, sharing and developing young minds in this field. DetNet personnel also advise regulatory authorities in many jurisdictions on the standards that should be applied in the use of this emerging technology.