Glencore’s Australian copper and zinc operations include the McArthur River in the Northern Territory, Lady Loretta, Mount Isa and Ernest Henry in Queensland and the CSA underground copper mine in New South Wales.

Glencore’s Ernest Henry mine in north-west Queensland will be the first mine to trial Orica’s fully wireless initiating system, WebGen, which completely eliminates the need for down-lines and surface connecting wires, communicates through rock, air and water.

Other Orica technologies that will be part of the contract include the BlastIQ digital blast optimisation suite of products and Bulkmaster 7 – a smart explosives delivery system.

Orica chief executive Alberto Calderon said the company was looking forward to partnering with Glencore across their Australian copper and zinc operations, with the deal effective from January 2021.

“We are delighted to be integrating our most advanced technologies and solutions to solve their more complex operational needs,” Calderon said.

“This deal shows Glencore’s confidence in our technology roadmap as well as aligning with their strategic vision for technology to deliver added value to their operations.”

Orica also has an existing supply agreement with Glencore’s nickel and cobalt operations at the Murrin Murrin operations in Western Australia.