AEL Mining Services, an international leader and innovator in commercial explosives and blasting solutions, has opened offices in Santiago, Chile, to distribute its range of products and services to the Latin American market through partnerships with, ENAEX SA, ENAEX ARGENTINA SRL, Britanite and EXSA SA, well established channel operators in the mining arena.
Although AEL has supplied product to the region for more than eight years, it is only through this move that customers in the region now have consistent access to technology and training, including the best approach to the deployment of AEL’s electronic detonator innovations, underground bulk systems and education around the advantages offered by AEL’s Mining Optimization services.
AEL Latin America, with support from the global head office, currently has nine staff and is equipped to effectively address the growing business requirements of users of AEL products and services in the region. “Addressing these requirements through the region’s existing channel is in line with AEL’s objective to expand our international footprint whilst furthering our efforts in growing a loyal customer base in Latin America, similar to those in the African Continent and other select international markets,” said Colin Wilson, international business director, AEL. “We also intend to provide the latest in explosives technology and services to the smaller explosives companies, adding value through our wealth of our technical capability and global R&D infrastructure. Our ability to deliver customized products and solutions in a short turnaround time to suit specific requirements is the hallmark of our success in other regions.”
AEL Latin America recently completed successful trial blasts using the DigitShot Plus electronic initiating system at Cerro Colorado mine and Escondida mine, located in the North of Chile. The Digishot Plus system developed by AEL’s sister company, DetNet, is the latest electronic delay detonator technology available in the market today. “The excellent results of these trials have placed the AEL’s DigiShot Plus system in the Chilean market as a competitive option when looking for a blasting initiation system with innovative technology,” said Alejandro Contreras, AEL Latin America’s operational manager.
A spokesperson at Cerro Colorado commended the operation, particularly the system speed deployment and the contribution to safety and security due to the rugged wire of detonator, which minimizes misfires, as well as the technology used, the wireless communication platform (RF communication which can initiate a blast at a distance more than 3.500 m, minimizing risk and injuries to on bench staff), and the detonator itself.
