Could you provide an overview of Orica’s recent performance based on the latest financial results?

DV: Orica delivered a strong performance in the last financial half-year ending in March 2025, with Net Profit After Tax before significant items (NPAT pre-SI)1 reaching US$250.8 million – a 40% increase compared to the prior corresponding period. We presented consistent earnings growth across all divisions in which we operate. Underlying this performance are two factors: one is demand, especially in the mining sector and more specifically copper, gold, and iron ore, which saw strong performance. The other is increased adoption of our technology and solutions in all three business verticals, namely Blasting Solutions, Digital Solutions, and Specialty Chemicals, which is a testament to Orica’s long-term strategy to deliver value to customers and our continuous commercial discipline. 

How has Africa contributed to Orica’s overall growth?

LG: Africa is a clear growth region, with hotspots like the Central African Copperbelt driving commensurate growth, but it is not limited to one area; the entire continent is delivering growth, consistent with the rest of our global footprint. We are seeing the development of new projects and much more greenfield exploration. Importantly, Africa is also accelerating its adoption of advanced technologies, with customers increasingly seeking digital solutions to enhance productivity, safety and sustainability. This trend reinforces Orica’s value proposition and supports deeper collaboration with our stakeholders across the continent. The cyanide business has also been growing healthily on the continent. Since the acquisition of Cyanco a couple of years ago, Orica has cemented its role as a critical supplier of cyanide in Africa, relying on a robust supply network and logistics channels to serve the region. We are very positive about the outlook going forward.

Could you highlight some recent product innovations that are of relevance to Africa?

DV: One of our newest innovations is the 4D™ bulk explosives system that helps customers adjust explosive energy in real time, resulting in better outcomes in the blasting process, from better fragmentation to better vibration management. This is not only important for mine performance, but also for relationships with communities, because blasting vibration is one of the most common concerns for people living near mining sites. Even when there is no structural damage, the perception of vibration can strain relations with local populations concerned about the discomfort caused by blasting. The 4D™ advanced bulk system can be used in both surface and underground blasting operations and is enabled by several of our technologies, including the LOADPlus™ smart process control system and the SHOTPlus™ upgraded blast design software.

Another technology where we have made significant progress over the past years and seen increasing traction in the region is WebGen™ 200, a fully wireless system that completely eliminates the need for downlines and surface connecting wires. This innovative solution unlocks tremendous value to our mining customers through productivity improvement and maximization of ore recovery by enabling new mining methods, particularly in underground mining. Just as importantly, it enhances safety by removing personnel from hazardous areas

Our strides in the digital space are also noteworthy. We have a portfolio of tools, devices, sensors and software that have been extremely well received in region. For example, OREPro™ is a blast movement modelling tool that helps customers simulate and predict blasting outcomes in 3D enabling them to forecast how a blast will move the rock mass and optimise ore recovery.

Are there any differences in the uptake of innovations in the African mining space?

LG: In fact, the products Diego mentions have been very quickly adopted in the African market. The WebGen™ 200 wireless blasting technology is becoming more popular in the underground market as our clients are starting to recognize the value it can unlock in terms of reduction to the overall cost of mining, and the maximization of ore recovery all encompassed with increased safety. These technologies are changing mining methods, in surface and underground operations. It is also reassuring to see that digital tools are taking off, as the market is already familiar with successful case studies where these have been implemented and can rely on the fact that these are proven technologies.

Could you share with our readers more about Orica’s “Safe and Efficient Blasting” (SEB) course run in Africa?

LG: Orica’s SEB course is a world-recognized program designed for drill and blast engineers, shotfirers, blasting supervisors, and managers, as well as any mining professionals who want to improve their knowledge of blasting. We recently ran the largest SEB course in the world in Ghana this year, and see great appetite for more such training opportunities. 

How can Orica support mining companies in their overall ESG goals?

DV: Orica has a very strong decarbonization program, and this year we eliminated over 1 million tons of CO₂ from our Kooragang site. This is part of our ambition to become a net-zero company by 2050. Beyond our direct emissions, we want to help our customers achieve their own goals and be their partner in giving back to society and comply with new regulations.

But ESG isn’t just about reducing Orica’s own footprint. We are equally focused on supporting our customers with credible, measurable, low-carbon solutions that align with tightening regulations and stakeholder expectations. For our customers, this means access to low-carbon solutions that support genuine progress toward ESG targets. More importantly, it reinforces that Orica is more than just a supplier.

We are a strategic partner, committed to helping our customers navigate the energy transition and build a more responsible, future-ready industry. A great example is our partnership with Fertiberia, announced at EFEE 2023 in Dublin. Orica and Fertiberia signed a memorandum of understanding to explore ways of bringing low-carbon Technical Ammonium Nitrate (TAN) to the mining and civil infrastructure markets across Europe, Middle East and Africa. What makes this TAN unique is that it’s produced using green hydrogen instead of natural gas, which drastically reduces the carbon intensity of the product.

For our customers, this means access to low-carbon solutions that support genuine progress toward ESG targets—solutions that are credible, measurable, and aligned with rising global expectations. More importantly, it reinforces that Orica is more than just a supplier. We are a strategic partner, committed to helping our customers navigate the energy transition and build a more responsible, future-ready industry.

Orica also launched the first lead-free, non-electric detonator in the market, primarily in Europe, and we are now in the final stages of developing electronic lead-free detonators. 

Lead is a hazardous material and therefore more difficult to manufacture, transport, handle, and dispose of, so we are aligning with regulations and the industry’s wish to reduce hazardous materials. It is another step in helping the industry move away from legacy materials and toward safer, more sustainable solutions.

Do you have a final message?

DV: Orica has over 150 years of tradition in blasting activities, but today we are doing so much more beyond blasting—we are investing in developing technologies and software to support our customers throughout their journey, from the early stages of exploration to downstream processing. The future of mining will be shaped by the amount of data available, allowing us to integrate our solutions and create entire mining ecosystems that are safer, more productive, and more acceptable to local communities. There is a belief that introducing new technology is costly, but it’s important to emphasize that these technologies not only improve efficiency and reduce costs but also enhance safety. Safety remains the single most powerful driver for innovation; it is our priority, as it is for our customers.
LG: From an African perspective, our greatest resource is our people. The cutting-edge technology Orica brings to the table is only valuable if we have the right people, so knowledge transfer is critical for us, as is supporting local manufacturing and localizing production to strengthen local economies.