Orica is an Australian-based mining and infrastructure resources company. Image: Orica
From its beginnings in the Victorian goldfields to its international presence today, Orica’s journey is driven by innovation and excellence.
Jones, Scott, and Company began selling explosives in the Victorian goldfields in 1874. While the gold rush is long past, their small company, now called Orica, is one of the world’s leading mining and infrastructure resources companies.
When it comes to legacy, Orica’s impact can be seen in spades. From innovating across the quarrying and heavy industries through to the build of Australia’s first skyscraper, and the world’s first lead-free detonator, Orica has a rich and impactful legacy.
Sanjeev Gandhi, managing director and chief executive officer for Orica, said the 150th anniversary was a “significant occasion” for the company.
“Orica’s legacy is built on the trust our customers and partners place in us, and the talent and innovation of our people,” he said.
“I am incredibly proud of our team and as we step into the future, we will continue to lead the industry with safer, smarter, and more sustainable solutions to help mobilise the resources essential for a better tomorrow.”
The company employs more than 12,500 engineers, scientists, technologists, operators, business specialists, and on-site crew to support customers in mining, quarrying, construction tunnelling, and many other sectors.
Sanjeev Gandhi is Orica’s chief executive officer and managing director. Image: Orica
One of those employees, Ray Whackett has worked for Orica for 29 years. In his current role, he serves as the territory manager for Orica’s metals team.
When Whackett began, Orica was known as the Australian branch of the British-based Imperial Chemical Industries (ICI) following mergers with Nobel Explosives and then ICI. As a trainee MMU operator in ICI Quarry Services in 1995, Whackett was part of a team that had seven employees at Beenleigh. Now, the Beenleigh site has 50 staff, while Whackett looks after the operations of Orica’s Queensland and Tasmanian plants as well as its commercial contracts in those states.
Looking back on almost three decades within the company, he believes two things have turned it into an international success.
“It’s people and its culture,” he said.
“I look back now and ask myself where did those years go? I have always enjoyed working for Orica and I think that is why the time has flown past. I regret that I did not start earlier with them sometimes.”
Chris Hampson, who led ICI Australia from 1984 to 1987, and Michael Deeley are credited with influencing the company’s culture. They ensured employees were heard by executives, including initiating town hall meetings.
In John Durie’s commemorative history of the company, Hampson credits the focus on employees with making the company more “customer-orientated,” as ICI Australia took great care of its customers.
Alongside this was the major sale of ICI Australia. ICI Plc sold 62.4 per cent of it in 1997 and then the following year sold its global explosive business to Australia. In 1998, ICI Australia was listed on the Australian Securities Exchange (ASX) as Orica.
These two moves created the foundations for Orica, which many people would recognise today as an international presence in mining, quarrying and many other sectors.
“Orica has been an integral part of the Australian and international manufacturing industry, creating products that have transformed everyday life,” Orica chairman Malcolm Broomhead said.
“Orica has expanded its footprint, embracing new categories, businesses, capabilities, end markets, and geographies, becoming a multi-billion-dollar global organisation.”
Malcolm Broomhead is chairman of Orica. Image: Orica
Since taking on the Orica name, the company has forged ahead with innovations in explosives for mining, quarrying and other heavy industries.
The company’s focus on helping its stakeholders and customers access the materials, metals and minerals required to grow the global economy has played a key role in the innovation of Orica’s technology across several industries in Australia and abroad.
One key quarrying innovation has included BlastIQ Quarry, which Orica designed with feedback from the quarrying industry. The digital solution is aimed at quarries looking to improve the efficiency of their drill and blast operations while reducing overall costs.
It allows quarry operators to design blasts according to performance objectives and presents drill and blast insights for continuous blast optimisation.
According to Whackett, the company’s embrace of technology in its innovations has been a key to its current success.
“I think ANE-based bulk explosives and electronics have been the two big important innovations. ANE bulk explosives make loading blasts with wet holes a lot easier and quicker and produce more consistent results, rather than using ANFO (Ammonium Nitrate Fuel Oil) and packaged products, like we used to back in the day,” he said.
“Blast pattern expansion combined with using ANE, mean lesser drilling and lower costs. The timely accuracy with electronics makes it easier to comply with Environmental restraints which means we can do larger blasts at these quarries to reduce the cost for the customer.” 4D technology takes bulk explosives to a whole new level and has revolutionised how customers blast compared to conventional solutions. The 4D bulk system allows for a tailored application of explosive energy, adjusting to the specific geology of each hole. This customisation reduces bulk explosives consumption, optimises fragmentation, and supports compliance and licence to operate in environmentally sensitive areas.
Since becoming Orica almost 30 years ago, the company has grown to serve more than 100 countries worldwide and has a market capitalisation of $9 billion.
It is focused on working with its customers and stakeholders to help transition to net-zero operations through the advancement of technology.
“I think Orica will keep growing, helped by all the digital offerings we have now and the innovation of wireless blasting with WebGen,” Whackett said.
Broomhead said the Orica’s milestone was a “testament” to the company’s values.
“As we celebrate 150 years, we look back at a story of resilience, innovation, and the unwavering commitment of our people,” he said. “Orica’s 150th milestone is a testament to the company’s strength, adaptability, and ability to thrive in a constantly evolving business landscape.”
Orica will be attending the IQA 2024 National Conference in Adelaide from October 15–17.
For more information, visit orica.com
The post Orica’s explosive beginnings deliver ‘proud’ global legacy appeared first on Quarry.