Editorial
NEWS
UG-iTRUCK: TRANSFORMING SAFETY IN UNDERGROUND MINING
In the challenging environment of Codelco’s El Teniente Division, Chilean companies Enaex and Codelco made history by carrying out the world’s first fully remote blast of an entire tunnel face using the UG-iTruck®—a fully teleoperated unit designed to autonomously and remotely load explosives in underground mining.
Developed by Enaex Robotics, this vehicle has been successfully tested eight times at El Teniente, the largest underground mine in the world. The UG-iTruck® automates every critical step in the blasting process without human intervention: face inspection, scanning, borehole cleaning, robotic booster and detonator placement, remote emulsion manufacturing, loading, and wireless detonation.
The impact is significant: it virtually eliminates human exposure to high-risk areas, prevents operational shutdowns due to geomechanical instabilities, and reduces the required isolation time in high rockburst-risk zones—from up to 72 hours with human involvement to near zero.
“The UG-iTruck® is more than just mining equipment. It’s a solution that protects lives, drives innovation, and helps build a more humane, safer, and more efficient future for mining—starting right here in Chile,” said Juan Andrés Errázuriz, CEO of Enaex.
This milestone would not have been possible without the commitment, vision, and collaboration of multiple Enaex teams who, with passion and excellence, brought a world-leading solution to life. We extend our special thanks to the teams involved for their tireless efforts and their unwavering belief that a more human and safer mining industry is possible. Thank you for showing the world that, from Chile, we are transforming the future of mining!
If you want to know more about this news, contact: cristian.spoerer@enaex.com
ENAEX NORTH AMERICA CONVERTED TO SOLAR POWER AT UTAH PLANT
Enaex North America’s plant in Rush Valley, Utah, has successfully transitioned away from exclusive diesel generator use and now operates on solar energy—marking a milestone in operational efficiency and environmental responsibility.
Since its inception, the plant relied on a 285 kW generator, resulting in high costs and constant maintenance to keep the ammonium nitrate solution at optimal temperatures. However, thanks to state and federal grants, 135 solar panels were installed last fall, connected to a battery system capable of powering the site overnight.
The backup generator now only operates during adverse weather conditions that limit solar recharge, such as heavy storms or snow.
This change has reduced operating costs, increased site efficiency, and cut the plant’s carbon footprint by more than 90% compared to the previous year.
If you want to know more about this news, contact: len.smith@enaex.com
JELLINBAH MAKES HISTORY WITH FIRST-EVER DT5G BLAST USING COMMUNICATION REPEATER
On June 22, 2025, the Jellinbah mine in Queensland, Australia, carried out the world’s first DT5G blast using a communication repeater function – an unprecedented technical breakthrough in mining.
The Enaex team, along with Enaex Australia representatives Sylvain Casarotto and Hendrik Sidaway, trained the Enaex Australia charging team for this operation. Participants included Nathan Cooke, Arnold Jones, Anthony Welby, and Jellinbah Mining Engineer Nathan Newton.
The blast took place at bench R15S23_RL100 in the Central Pit, using 558 holes loaded with 20 and 40-meter M88 DT5G detonators. After days of meticulous programming, connection, and testing, 1,113 detonators were placed with zero errors or omissions.
At 2:50 p.m., the area was evacuated. Using the improved MVP 1.6.3 software, bench monitors were detected in under 2 minutes. At 3:03 p.m., Anthony Cooke initiated the blast, setting a successful precedent in DT5G blasting with communication repeaters.
If you want to know more about this news, contact: Derek.Henning@enaex.com.au
ENAEX NORTH AMERICA STRENGTHENS STRATEGIC ROLE WITH U.S. DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE AGREEMENT
Enaex North America has signed a supply agreement with the U.S. Department of Defense to support demilitarization projects over the next two years – further cementing its role as a key provider of specialized energetic solutions.
The contract includes global procurement of raw materials and management of complex imports, logistics, and regulatory compliance processes typical of such operations.
The first shipment arrived in February, with a delivery frequency of 1,000 metric tons every three months. The proximity of a demilitarization facility to Enaex’s Utah plant enhances infrastructure and operational capacity, enabling a faster and more efficient response to the program’s needs.
If you want to know more about this news, contact: len.smith@enaex.com
CERRO VERDE WELCOMES NEW TEAM WITH CULTURE-FOCUSED ONBOARDING
To mark the start of a new service at the Cerro Verde Mining Unit, Enaex hosted a two-day corporate onboarding session for its new team members. The initiative was led by the Culture and Organizational Development teams, with the goal of integrating people into the company’s purpose and values from day one.
Day one featured the workshop “Building Our Enaex DNA,” focused on reinforcing the company’s four core values. Day two centered on recognition through the talk “The Magic of Recognition,” highlighting the importance of appreciation, motivation, and creating positive workplaces. The Enaex Spirit platform – Enaex’s main cultural tool for peer recognition and continuous improvement – was also introduced.
This cultural intervention made a clear statement: at Enaex, culture is the foundation for building the future. By integrating new talent through shared values and recognition, the company lays the groundwork for a united and committed team, focused on operational excellence and human-centered mining.
If you want to know more about this news, contact: arlim.paz@enaex.com
MINING MINISTER AURORA WILLIAMS LEADS EXPLOSIVES TRAINING FOR SMALL-SCALE MINERS
The “Explosives Specialists for Small-Scale Mining” workshop was held with 65 participants, organized by Enaex and Sernageomin at Enaex’s corporate headquarters. The training targeted workers and students, focusing on the safe and efficient use of explosives in accordance with current regulations.
The event featured national and regional authorities, including Mining Minister Aurora Williams, who praised Enaex’s industry leadership and commitment to safety. She also highlighted the importance of collaboration between the public and private sectors and trade associations in promoting responsible mining.
Luciano López, VP of Enaex Servicios, shared that the program has trained 102 people since 2024 and aims to exceed 200 this year. Patricia Valenzuela, Enaex CHRO, emphasized that the initiative aligns with the company’s purpose: to humanize mining and prioritize life.
Programs like this reinforce Enaex’s commitment to sustainable mining, especially in the small-scale segment. By providing technical training and encouraging best practices, the company contributes to a safer, more efficient, and more human industry.
If you want to know more about this news, contact: felipe.omonte@enaex.com
ENAEX AFRICA AND NORMET TEAM UP TO REVOLUTIONIZE UPHOLE BLASTING
Enaex Africa has announced a strategic partnership with Normet, a global leader in underground mining equipment, to develop an innovative adhesive emulsion solution for uphole blasting in sublevel stoping – one of the company’s key markets.
This type of blasting requires a stable emulsion that adheres to vertical boreholes prior to detonation. Instead of starting from scratch, Enaex Africa chose to partner with an expert already proven in this field.
Normet, which operates in South Africa, Zambia, and Botswana, will contribute its expertise in loading equipment and advanced control systems. Enaex Africa will develop a new emulsion product tailored specifically to Normet’s units.
The project is already underway and is expected to launch by the end of 2025. This alliance will accelerate development, reduce risk, and deliver an integrated, safe, high-performance solution to the market. The partnership reflects both companies’ commitment to innovation and operational excellence in African mining.
If you want to know more about this news, contact: pamela.buckle@enaex.co.za
HÉRY PLANT STRENGTHENS GLOBAL INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY STRATEGY WITH CHILE
As part of its strategic focus on innovation and technological asset protection, Enaex Chile’s Intellectual Property team conducted a key visit to the Héry Plant in France.
The delegation was led by Antonia Vargas Ferrer, Enaex’s Head of Intellectual Property, and welcomed by Franck Guyon, IP, Safety and Regulatory Affairs Expert for R&D in France. The visit included a detailed tour of the production site and a presentation of Enaex’s patent management strategy – an essential pillar in the development of safe and innovative solutions.
The agenda also included a meeting in Paris with a specialized consulting firm, providing an opportunity to align approaches, strengthen international collaboration, and define concrete actions for protecting Enaex’s technological developments worldwide.
This initiative reaffirms Enaex’s commitment to excellence, innovation, and the strategic protection of its intellectual property across all markets where it operates.
If you want to know more about this news, contact: franck.guyon@enaex.eu
ENAEX BRASIL BOOSTS SAFETY AND EFFICIENCY AT BRASMIN 2025
Enaex Brasil took part in the third edition of Brasmin, a prominent trade show focused on the mining industry and one of Brazil’s most important events in the sector. The fair attracted over 6,000 visitors and more than 210 exhibitors from the Brazilian mining market.
Enaex Brasil’s booth showcased technologies that reflect its commitment to safety and efficiency – key aspects in meeting the growing demands of local mining. The display included simulators for the DaveyTronic electronic initiation systems (DaveyPrimer, DaveyTronic 5, DaveyTronic Edge), MTI’s BlastScout radar, the Enaex Bright digital platform, Plasma, and other products designed to boost productivity and reduce operational risks. Enaex Brasil also presented a technical lecture in partnership with Lundin Mining.
“This event was a great platform to showcase our commitment to the future of Brazilian mining, which increasingly demands technology, sustainability, and solutions tailored to local needs,” said Danilo Vieira, Commercial Director of Enaex Brasil.
Through its participation in Brasmin 2025, Enaex reinforces its role as a strategic partner for Brazil’s mining industry, aligned with innovation, operational safety, and social-environmental responsibility.
If you want to know more about this news, contact: danilo.vieira@enaex.com
CERRO MORO LEADS IN SAFETY WITH TOP FIELD SAFETY SCORE IN JUNE
The team at Cerro Moro, located at Pan American Silver’s site in Santa Cruz Province, achieved a major milestone in June by earning the highest score in Field Visible Management, making it a safety benchmark within Enaex’s operations.
This result highlights not only compliance with established safety standards but also the coordinated efforts of internal teams and strategic partners. Actively implementing visible management on site has been key to strengthening a safety culture grounded in prevention, daily commitment, and collaborative action.
Cerro Moro’s performance reaffirms that safety is not just a goal, but a way of working and interacting. This achievement is a clear reflection of the Enaex DNA, embodied through value-driven execution across all Enaex Argentina operations.
Congratulations to the team for this achievement and for being a safety excellence example!
If you want to know more about this news, contact: juanpablo.rizzo@enaex.com
ENAEX AFRICA CELEBRATES FIVE YEARS OF GROWTH IN SOUTHERN AFRICA
This July, Enaex Africa celebrates five years since launching operations in South Africa. Since its 2020 debut, the company has grown steadily, establishing itself as a key player in the region’s mining industry.
Over this period, Enaex Africa has expanded into strategic markets across southern Africa, built long-term partnerships, secured key contracts, and introduced advanced technologies that have improved safety, efficiency, and precision in blasting processes.
The company executed high-impact technical and operational blasts and in 2023 moved its headquarters to new offices in Rosebank, strengthening its organizational structure and internal culture.
Francisco Baudrand, CEO of Enaex Africa, stated: “Reaching five years is more than a number – it’s the result of hard work, dedication, and heart in every corner of Enaex Africa.”
Enaex Africa looks ahead with the same energy that drove its beginnings, reaffirming its purpose to grow and make a positive impact wherever it operates.
If you want to know more about this news, contact: pamela.buckle@enaex.co.za
HIGH PARTICIPATION AND SATISFACTION MARK NEW GENERAL ASSEMBLY
In June, Enaex Europe hosted a new edition of its General Assembly, a gathering that strengthened team unity and celebrated the company’s core values.
The event welcomed Consuelo Lobos, Employee Experience and Communications Deputy Manager, whose presence was highly appreciated. The day featured engaging conversations, memorable activities, and recognition moments that fostered connection and collective engagement.
The event received positive feedback from employees, with an average satisfaction rating of 4.2 out of 5 – underscoring the positive impact of the experience.
One attendee summed up the spirit of the event: “It was a moment filled with emotion, laughter, camaraderie, and appreciation. We truly valued the care for everyone, the quality of conversations, and the human atmosphere.”
Through initiatives like this, Enaex reaffirms its commitment to team well-being, community building, and a culture rooted in respect, collaboration, and mutual recognition.
If you want to know more about this news, contact: nadine.szczepocki@enaex.eu
ENAEX BRASIL RECOGNIZED NATIONALLY FOR “LIVING BETTER” PEOPLE MANAGEMENT PROGRAM
Enaex Brasil was recognized in the “People Management Highlight Award” by ABTD – the Brazilian Association for Training and Development. With its “Living Better” program, Enaex ranked among the top three initiatives in the country.
The award honors innovative practices that strengthen people’s management and organizational culture. More than 120 projects were submitted, with only eight selected for the national finals.
“Living Better” was born from an internal survey identifying a high rate of chronic illnesses among employees. Since then, the program has offered educational sessions, preventive care, workplace exercises, career groups, and the “Living Better Week,” featuring massages, yoga, and self-care workshops. A mental health pillar includes the “Mindful Mind” initiative, providing free psychological support.
To date, over 4,000 people – including employees, contractors, and families – have benefited, with more than 2,200 direct services delivered. The program has resulted in fewer ER visits, hospitalizations, and obesity cases.
If you want to know more about this news, contact: vanessa.lima@enaex.com
ENAEX GRADUATES FIRST CLASS OF DAVEYTRONIC® ELECTRONIC PROGRAMMERS SCHOOL
Enaex proudly celebrated the graduation of the first cohort from its Electronic Programmers School (PDE) – a pioneering initiative to train specialists in the DaveyTronic® system, a vital technology for mining operations.
Over six months, participants received intensive training combining theory, technical instruction, and on-site fieldwork under the highest standards of safety and operational excellence. The program was led by Alexander Valdivia and Ximena Larco, along with a team of Enaex specialists who supported the trainees directly in the field.
Milestones included supervised practice in real operations, ongoing technical assessments, and the practical application of knowledge in live mining environments.
The seven graduates – Esteffany Quispe, Soledad Mamani, Rodrigo Todco, Adyn Ticona, Jose Anaya, Rafael Quispe, and Jorge Ávila – are now joining various units across the country, ready to deliver technological solutions in the field.
Another step forward in Enaex’s commitment to developing specialized talent and operational excellence.
If you want to know more about this news, contact: Alexander.valdivia@enaex.com
