Orica, Oyu Tolgoi partnership drives mining innovation & efficiency in Mongolia

Orica, a global leader in mining and infrastructure solutions, has played a pivotal role in transforming operations at Oyu Tolgoi, one of the world’s largest copper and gold deposits located in Mongolia’s South Gobi Desert.

Since 2019, Orica has partnered with Oyu Tolgoi to deliver a continuous improvement program that has significantly enhanced productivity, efficiency, and cost-effectiveness across the site. Following the completion of a seven-year underground expansion in 2023, Oyu Tolgoi is now on track to become one of the top copper producers globally.

Orica’s deployment of advanced technologies—including the i-kon™ III electronic detonators, Advanced Vibration Modelling (AVM), and Fortis™ Eclipse™ bulk explosives—has helped address key operational challenges such as blast-induced vibration and wall damage. These innovations have enabled precise blast control, improved fragmentation, and reduced equipment downtime.



Orica’s deployment of advanced technologies—including the i-kon™ III electronic detonators, Advanced Vibration Management (AVM), and Fortis™ Eclipse™ bulk explosives—has helped address key operational challenges such as blast-induced vibration and wall damage.

Chris Batten, Technical Solutions Manager at Orica, said, "The i-kon III system and AVM have allowed us to better manage vibration and control blast outcomes, reducing damage and improving ore quality. This has delivered real value to Oyu Tolgoi’s surface operations."

The partnership has also seen the successful implementation of Orica’s FRAGTrack™ system for real-time fragmentation analysis, enabling data-driven decision-making and continuous optimisation. By combining production, trim, and presplit blasts, Orica has helped reduce delays and increase shovel uptime, leading to higher-grade ore processing and reduced costs.



The team at Oyu Tolgoi successfully introduced i-kon™ III electronic blasting system on site - the first site in Mongolian mining history to use electronic detonators in surface operations.

Luis Grijalva, Territory Manager at Orica, added, "Our structured collaboration with Oyu Tolgoi has delivered measurable improvements. The recently renewed agreement reflects the strength of our relationship and our shared commitment to innovation and excellence."

Orica’s Mongolian Technical Services Engineers have played a key role in introducing global innovations to the local mining industry. Technologies such as WebGen™, Cyclo™, 4D™, and FRAGTrack™ Gantry are poised to unlock further opportunities for optimisation at Oyu Tolgoi.

This long-term partnership exemplifies Orica’s ability to deliver tailored, high-impact solutions that meet the evolving needs of complex mining operations.

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