Austin Powder: Blasting Tech, Safety, and the Future of Mining #311

🔸 Visit Austin Powder to Learn More: https://austinpowder.com/unitedstates/home/

Mining Now Partner
🔹 CIM | Canadian Institute of Mining, Metallurgy and Petroleum: https://www.cim.org/

Heavy Industry Tour Partner
🔹 Savona Equipment: https://www.savonaequipment.com/

Episode Sponsors
🔹 SMS Equipment: https://www.smsequipment.com/en-ca/
🔹 Aderco: https://aderco.com/
🔹 CIM | Canadian Institute of Mining, Metallurgy and Petroleum: https://www.cim.org/
🔹 Savona Equipment: https://www.savonaequipment.com/
🔹 Graymont: www.graybond.com

In this episode of Mining Now, we sit down with Kurt Oakes from Austin Powder to explore how advanced blasting tech is transforming mining. Discover how AI modeling and electronic detonators improve safety, reduce costs, and minimize environmental impact—turning blasting from brute force into precision science.

From the Panama Canal expansion to everyday mining ops, Kurt shares how data-driven blasting optimizes fragmentation, cuts energy use, and protects nearby communities. Learn why the right blast design means bigger profits and smaller footprints.

As the mining industry faces growing pressure to reduce emissions and improve efficiency, advanced blasting techniques offer a game-changing advantage. Kurt discusses how smarter fragmentation leads to lower energy use in crushing, cutting costs and carbon footprints. He also emphasizes the role of training and mentorship in developing the next generation of mining professionals—ensuring that safety and innovation remain at the forefront. Like and subscribe for more mining insights!

Connect with Austin Powder
🔸 Guest Name: Kurt Oakes | Director - Technical Services
🔸 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kurt-oakes-317a9b11/
🔸 Company LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/austin-powder-company/
🔸 Website: https://austinpowder.com/
🔸 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@austinpowder2553

🔹 Mining NOW
Mining Now is a joint mining podcast and web series produced by CIM/ICM and Crownsmen Partners. Join us to learn about the latest innovations in operating mines to increase energy efficiency and production. We look into modern mining and processing equipment including autonomous vehicles and IOT technology. Experts tackle everything from skilled labour shortages to team building to meeting evolving safety regulations. This is the mining of today that will shape the mines of tomorrow.

Website: https://bit.ly/3cCOxFz | LinkedIn: https://bit.ly/3ze4Ss9

🔹 The Team
Hosted by: Jerrod Downey | LinkedIn: https://bit.ly/3cxVBDm

Crownsmen’s Executive Producer: Rory Bamford (Contact for Booking )
LinkedIn: https://bit.ly/3OD7gyj

Director and Co-Host: Gaudy Molina | LinkedIn: https://bit.ly/3b8Mhpe

🔹 Crownsmen Partners (www.crownsmen.com)
https://linktr.ee/crownsmenpartners

#mining #blasting #technology #innovation #software #safety