Orica has been named the Most Innovative Large Company in the 2023 Australian Financial Review and Inventium’s Most Innovative Companies List, as well as the number one slot in the Agriculture, Mining, and Utilities category for Avatel™.
The distinguished annual list, published by The Australian Financial Review (AFR) and Boss Magazine, is based on a comprehensive review process overseen by innovation consulting firm Inventium and a panel of industry experts. Orica was named the Most Innovative Large Company out of the 700 organisations nominated across Australia and New Zealand, solidifying Avatel™, the world’s first fully mechanised development charging system, as a pioneering technology in the Agriculture, Mining & Utilities industry that delivers value to customers and serves to move the mining industry forward.
Orica and Epiroc have partnered to develop Avatel™, a technology that enhances underground blasting safety, control, and precision. According to Orica, the partnership has the potential to revolutionise the underground mining industry and drive substantial downstream value.
The first full Avatel™ service began in early 2023 at Newcrest‘s Cadia Valley Operations in NSW. Avatel™ has the ability to benefit workers who conduct directly in the development environment, as well as those in engineering or support positions who oversee the engineering designs and processes required to manage risk to those workers.
“The industry faces substantial challenges in obtaining safe access to challenging orebodies due to the increasing demand for critical minerals. Our collaboration with Epiroc and our customers positions Avatel to fulfill our joint aspiration to develop blasting solutions that prioritise safety and productivity. By harnessing technology, integrating into workflows, we are paving the way for a safer, productive, and more responsible mining industry towards our net zero ambition,” Orica Chief Technology Officer Angus Melbourne said.
The AFR industry panel evaluated innovation based on problem value, impact, and uniqueness. Applicants were required to demonstrate their innovative culture and sustainable, repeatable approach to innovation across the business, ensuring a sustainable and repeatable process.
Orica noted that the achievement further reinforces its technology leadership position in the mining sector, beyond blasting.
