Reduced climate impact by 400 tonnes of CO₂ annually 

That’s why it is extremely positive that we have initiated a collaboration with Hypex Bio to produce a nitrogen-free explosive, which is instead based on hydrogen peroxide. The newly developed explosive significantly reduces the need for nitrogen purification of water and lowers our climate impact by about 400 tonnes of carbon dioxide annually. 

“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. 

Blasting’s climate footprint reduced by 90 % 

The newly launched production facility is located next to the Kankberg mine, and with a production volume of 400–450 tonnes of nitrate- and ammonia-free explosives, it covers the mine’s entire annual need. This means that the climate footprint from the mine’s blasting operations is reduced by as much as 90 %, since the explosive doesn’t release nitrogen pollution into soil and water and reduces exposure to hazardous gases.

Boliden is the first mining company in the world to use Hypex Bio’s technology, and the goal is for Kankberg to become the world’s first nitrogen-free mine. Mine Manager Daniel Bergius explains: 

“The explosive could be a game changer in sustainable mining, with reduced emissions of carbon dioxide and nitrogen. It also improves working environments and reduces the need for ventilation of blasting gases. We see this as an important step forward for the entire industry in terms of sustainability performance, increasing our ability to produce the metals needed for the green transition.