BMI Recommended Blast Processes

BMI firmly believes that all operations can benefit from implementing global good practices, leading to measurable improvements in blast performance and environmental impact, and so resulting in enhanced operational efficiencies, productivities, and economies.

In order to provide a standard for global good practice, BMI has developed a comprehensive drill and blast management system (BMIMS®) that forms the basis of our system audit structure.

BMIMS consists of an overarching standard underpinned by risk assessments, process models and developed procedures. Details of the applied standard are as follows:

GROUP LEVEL STANDARD

The Group Level Standard (GLS) is the overarching management document that establishes the minimum, mandatory requirements for the storage, transport, handling, and use of explosives at the Group’s Operations. Adhering to this Standard will reduce explosive-related Material Unwanted Events (MUE), minimize High Potential Hazards (HPH), and restrict adverse blasting effects. The GLS should include the following components:

• Roles and Responsibilities
• Incident Categorisation and Reporting
• Material Unwanted Events (and Controls) that can lead to Catastrophic Outcomes
• Standards and Processes – SOPs (Upon which Audits such as these are based)
• Critical Controls and Verifications
• Training Requirements
• Compliance (Standards, Audit Schedules)
• Specific Minimum Standards (Misfire Management, Explosives Storage, Explosives Handling and Storage, Explosives Security)

In support of Group Level Standards (GLS), and to explicitly define the key drill and blast processes, BMI has developed 23 underpinning Explosives Handling and Drill and Blast Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).  We believe, if developed to suit individual operations, and executed, these will address identified shortfalls in systems, processes and technical applications. 

The SOPs have been developed over the past six years and represent industry good practice and are delivered in a way that makes them auditable. Each SOP Audit tool is hosted on a digital platform and specifically aligns to the SOPs.

Site Audit

The audit was conducted in two stages:

Desktop System Audit

The initial phase involved reviewing existing documentation, technical applications, and operational protocols. This step established a baseline understanding of the current systems and assessed their alignment with industry accepted good practices, regulatory requirements, and corporate standards.

On-Site Compliance Audit

The second phase validated the desktop findings by observing practical implementation. This included direct observation of operational practices, personnel interactions, and evidence collection using the BMIMS® digital audit platform. The goal was to assess compliance and functionality under real-world conditions.

Objectives of the Audit

The overarching objective of the audit was to identify opportunities for improvement in the current management systems and provide actionable recommendations. These focused on:

• Optimising performance
• Enhancing safety protocols
• Minimising environmental impact
• Improving overall operational efficiency

Supported by detailed evidence and additional data, the site audit findings offer an overview / evaluation of compliance via the Audit templates themselves and overviews of the process via management dashboards, allowing visual analysis of findings to assist in addressing shortfalls.

This approach ensures a clear understanding of operational practices, adherence to standards, and areas for improvement.