As underground mining operations grow increasingly complex and cost-sensitive, explosives and blasting technologies are undergoing significant evolution. The industry’s push for higher efficiency, lower emissions, and enhanced safety is driving suppliers to develop more sophisticated delivery platforms.
Equipment manufacturer Getman says it is addressing this need through its ProCharge line of purpose-built explosives chargers, engineered to support both ammonium nitrate/fuel oil (ANFO) and emulsion-based solutions in modern underground environments.
The ProCharge portfolio includes a variety of charging systems designed for ANFO, emulsion-ready, and integrated emulsion configurations. These platforms are built on Getman’s A64 chassis and optimised for development drifting, production charging, and up-hole applications.
The ProCharge ANFO 3000 and 4000 units, for instance, feature stainless steel vessels with capacities ranging from 275 kg to 909 kg, enclosed cap and booster storage with static-preventing lamination, and pneumatic valve control systems.
For customers working with emulsion, ProCharge ER and MAXX models are configured to integrate third-party emulsion pumping systems or provide complete onboard solutions. The MAXX 4000 unit, in particular, offers deck space and infrastructure to accommodate emulsion tanks up to 4,450 litres.
Several models incorporate automated hose handling packages, including hose pushers, reels, and guides. These tools enable safer standoff distances and reduce the physical strain of charging long holes particularly valuable in up-hole or vertical applications where accuracy and control directly impact blast effectiveness.
Across all platforms, Getman says it prioritises operator safety in high-risk blasting zones. Standard safety systems include counterbalance valves to prevent boom free-fall; hydraulic stabilisers with pilot check valves for platform stability; fall arrest tie-off points and ROPS/FOPS-compliant baskets; plus fire suppression actuation and engine shut-off within the man basket.
These features support rigorous safety protocols in environments where missteps can carry significant hazard. The ability to control all charging functions from within the man basket – including emergency stop and fire suppression – aligns with industry best practices for minimising exposure during explosives delivery.
Routine maintenance has also been streamlined to reduce downtime and resource use: lubrication points, filters, and fluid gauges are all accessible at ground level, and auto-lubrication systems are available as factory options. With increased focus on underground air quality, Getman’s enclosed charging systems minimise particulate generation during cleanout, and vessel filling platforms are equipped with non-skid, three-point access to reduce spill risk.
In an era where blasting must be as precise as it is powerful, Getman says its explosives chargers offer the control, safety, and integration needed to meet the demands of modern mining. Through a modular, automation-ready design approach, these systems accommodate both traditional and emulsion-based formulations, enabling explosive suppliers and contractors to deliver better fragmentation outcomes while aligning with industry goals for worker safety and environmental performance.
