Austin Powder

Our Mission: To improve the world we live in through the safe and responsible use of explosives

[Austin Powder @AustinPowderCo]

Austin Powder Supports Education and the Future of Young People in Argentina

In line with its commitment to education, community development, and the creation of long-term opportunities, Austin Powder is proud to participate as a sponsor in a new edition of the student sponsorship program “La Universidad a tu Alcance” (“University Within Your Reach”).

This initiative is led by the Tandil University Graduates Association in partnership with the National University of Central Buenos Aires Province (UNICEN) and, this year, also includes Faro Verde as a strategic partner. The program is designed to support university students around Tandil, Olavarria and Azul, Buenos Aires Province, Argentina, helping them continue and successfully complete their studies by providing financial assistance and mentoring during a critical stage of their academic and personal journey.

“At Austin Powder, we are proud to support initiatives that promote education and create real opportunities for young people in the communities where we operate. Investing in education is also an investment in sustainable development and in the future of the Tandil–Olavarría–Azul region,” said Juan Mario Albarello, Tandil Branch Manager.

[Austin Powder @AustinPowderCo]

This Photo of the Month was taken by Donovan Faulkner, Blast Crew Member in California, USA, and is entitled, The Art of Blasting, Painted by Nature. Donovan says, “Morning light washes over the quarry wall, a perfect beginning to the blaster’s day..

[Austin Powder @AustinPowderCo]

Breaking Barriers Underground With 72,600 Tonnes Blasted from the Surface

Big moment underground when Austin Powder and Nyrstar successfully fired a historic surface-initiated underground blast, safely breaking 72,600+ tonnes from Immel Mine’s Stope 25 77 W, with zero personnel underground.

Using the E*STAR CUBE centralized blasting system, the team remotely verified and fired 1,350 electronic detonators from the surface, delivering millisecond-accurate timing, full digital traceability, and unmatched control for one of the largest stope blasts executed this way.

The result? Improved safety, reduced misfire risk, precise fragmentation, and a complete digital audit trail — proving that large-scale underground blasting can be safer, smarter, and fully connected. This milestone marks the next chapter in a six-year partnership built on trust, innovation, and the pursuit of what’s possible underground. Read the full Benefit Study at this link.

https://t.co/wQCtLbF9ml

[Austin Powder @AustinPowderCo]

Scaling Green: Expanding Dinamita Nursery Vision to 10,000 Plants

Austin Powder has expanded the Dinamita Plant Nursery, now reaching a milestone capacity of 10,000 native plants annually. With new greenhouses and a focus on resilient species, the project supports reforestation, biodiversity, and healthier ecosystems in surrounding communities.

A great example of scaling sustainability with long-term impact.

[Austin Powder @AustinPowderCo]

Youth Get Real World Avalanche Awareness Experience in B.C.

The Fernie Secondary School students in British Columbia recently left the classroom to spend a full day at Fernie Alpine Resort learning about avalanche safety through a hands-on awareness program supported by the ski patrol, Avalanche Canada, and local community members, including Austin Powder Avalanche.

Under clear skies and fresh snowfall, students used skis, transceivers, shovels, and probes to practice real-world rescue scenarios, snowpack analysis, and hazard recognition. Ski patrollers guided students through the ways weather and terrain affect avalanche conditions, demonstrated controlled avalanche mitigation methods, and introduced the role of avalanche dogs in search-and-rescue operations.

The experience was built on previous classroom instruction, giving students their first opportunity to apply avalanche safety principles in active mountain terrain. Fernie Alpine Resort provided lift access and equipment support, while Avalanche Canada and local businesses supplied training gear to ensure full participation. Educators said the day highlighted the importance of preparation and community collaboration in mountain safety, reinforcing that recreation in alpine environments requires knowledge, responsibility, and respect.

[Austin Powder @AustinPowderCo]

Enjoy these blast videos of the month from Austin Powder!

[Austin Powder @AustinPowderCo]

Meet Leslie Stark, Emulsion Quality & Development Manager for Austin Powder. Leslie was highlighted by the Institute of Makers of Explosives during Women's History Month. See the complete story at this link.

https://t.co/LpBUv4B5lO

[Austin Powder @AustinPowderCo]

Great Place to Work Certification Across Latin America

We are delighted to share a new milestone that reflects our teams’ ongoing commitment to building a strong, people-centered, and inclusive organizational culture: all six Latin American countries where Austin Powder operates —Argentina, Chile, Brazil, Costa Rica, Panama, and Mexico— have earned the Great Place to Work® certification.

This important recognition highlights the collective effort of our employees to continue fostering workplaces grounded in trust, collaboration, respect, and pride in belonging. Achieving this certification at a regional level reaffirms that, beyond the unique characteristics of each country, we share a common culture focused on people's well-being, approachable leadership, and professional development.

In Argentina, this recognition takes on additional significance, as Austin Powder was also included in the Best Places to Work™ 2026 ranking, within the category of companies with 251 to 1,000 employees, placing among the 25 organizations best rated by their teams. The study assessed 300 organizations and gathered insights from more than 100,000 employees, highlighting organizational cultures built on trust, fairness, collaboration, and a sense of belonging.

This new achievement fills us with pride and motivates us to continue strengthening a culture where every person can grow, develop, and feel connected to a shared purpose.

[Austin Powder @AustinPowderCo]

Did you know? The E*STAR Electronic Initiation System was first introduced in 2001, building a strong pedigree of reliable electronic initiation over more than two decades. Through continuous innovation and multiple generations of advancement, it has consistently raised the bar for precision, safety, and control. Today, in its fourth evolution, E*STAR reflects the full strength of that experience in modern blasting environments.

[Austin Powder @AustinPowderCo]

Austin Powder Africa Commissions AN Warehouse in Namibia

Austin Powder Africa has reached an exciting milestone with the commissioning of a new ammonium nitrate (AN) storage facility in Namibia. Located near Walvis Bay, this strategically positioned site strengthens our regional supply network, supporting mining operations across Central and Southern Africa with improved reliability and distribution efficiency.

With five dedicated warehouses and room for future expansion, the facility enhances our ability to deliver critical materials safely and efficiently, leveraging a location designed for optimal storage conditions and streamlined logistics. This investment reflects our continued commitment to building strong, integrated supply solutions that support growth across the region.

[Austin Powder @AustinPowderCo]

Big Step Forward for Sustainability at Red Diamond in McArthur, Ohio!

We’ve successfully installed a new KartridgePak (KP) machine, bringing meaningful environmental improvements to our cartridging operations. The upgrade significantly reduces hazardous waste by improving material precision, lowering contaminated film waste, and cutting emissions by 2.1 tCO₂e annually.

With more efficient energy use, cleaner processes, and improved waste handling, this project strengthens our commitment to reducing environmental impact while creating a safer, more sustainable workplace.

[Austin Powder @AustinPowderCo]

Global Leadership in Argentina: A Visit Focused on Our People and Culture

Austin Powder recently welcomed corporate executives and GLT members, John Rathbun, Brian Richardson, and Randy Khalaf to Argentina.

The executives were accompanied throughout the visit by Ignacio Rigou and Pablo Manfredi. The agenda included visits to the Juramento plant in Salta, dedicated to ammonium nitrate production, and to the Bella Italia and Rafaela plants in Santa Fe, where Emulsions, Shock*Star and E*STAR detonators, detonating cord, PETN, RDX, ANFO, and Helix are manufactured.

During these visits, the executives toured the facilities, learned about the production processes, and engaged directly with local teams. Beyond the operational overview, the visit focused on getting to know our people and experiencing the organizational culture that defines Austin day to day.

In this regard, Pablo Manfredi, President of Latin America, stated: “It is a point of pride to welcome corporate visits and showcase how we work, the potential of our people, and our projects. We are confident that with the contribution of Austin’s new leaders, we will continue to drive the growth of our business.”

[Austin Powder @AustinPowderCo]

Chile Launches Strategic Ammonium Nitrate Emulsion Plant Project

Austin Powder Chile officially launched the Ammonium Nitrate Emulsion Plant Project. This initiative is one of the key projects within the LATAM Operating Agenda and represents a strategic step toward strengthening the company’s presence in the region. The meeting marked the start of civil works activities. Gonzalo Marías, General Manager of ACHT, commented:

“Developed jointly by the Chilean team and global engineering and safety functions, the project aims to supply bulk emulsion for the medium- and large-scale mining segments. As part of the strategy, the future incorporation of MMU is also planned, completing a comprehensive products and services offering.”

The project is led by Jairo Gamboa, LATAM Project Engineer & Technical Support, and includes constructing a bulk emulsion plant to enhance Austin Powder’s operational capacity and competitiveness in Chile. Construction and assembly are expected to be completed within six months, consolidating a significant investment for ACHT’s regional growth.

[Austin Powder @AustinPowderCo]

Do you find yourself blasting near expensive equipment or infrastructure? Flying rock from a blast can lead to damage and downtime. Austin Powder and Paradigm can help you assess the risk when blasting near objects of interest and determine the best path forward. Can the equipment be moved? Should the blast be drilled or charged differently? How might that affect other outcomes? The power to decide is in your hands.

Find out more at https://t.co/9vP81oMWQC

[Austin Powder @AustinPowderCo]

Meet Braden Schmidt, President of CIL Avalanche at Austin Powder

[Austin Powder @AustinPowderCo]

Do you find yourself blasting near expensive equipment or infrastructure?
Flying rock from a blast can lead to damage and downtime. Austin Powder and Paradigm can help you assess the risk when blasting near objects of interest and determine the best path forward. Can the equipment be moved? Should the blast be drilled or charged differently? How might that affect other outcomes? The power to decide is in your hands.

Find out more at https://t.co/9vP81oMWQC

[Austin Powder @AustinPowderCo]

Austin Powder’s USN operation is not only an impressive physical presence on the local rural landscape, but it has also left a positive economic presence on the local economy.

Beginning in 2016, USN has been supporting local livelihoods and strengthening the regional economy by providing stable employment and by working hand in hand with area businesses. In fact, Austin Powder’s investment in USN equates to a total annual economic contribution of approximately $30.6 million.

USN contributes $6.66 million in salaries and wages, along with $501,000 in payroll taxes and $561,000 in property taxes.

The USN site invests $5 million in maintenance, directly impacting local service workers and supply chains.

Every year, USN spends $17.88 million in supplies and services and contributes $29,000 to the local community annually.

Austin Powder and USN are proud partners and contributors to the local economy and look forward to many more years of investment and success in the region.

[Austin Powder @AustinPowderCo]

New Opportunities for Austin Powder in West Africa

A recent visit to Sierra Leone by Mohammed Elgharraz, Sales Manager for Africa, highlighted the country’s growing importance to Austin Powder’s West African operations.

The visit focused on strengthening cooperation with Roy Group, a key regional mining partner. During the discussions, Austin Detonator was confirmed as the exclusive supplier of Shock*Star MS non-electric detonators and surface connectors, with opportunities identified to expand the product portfolio in the future. Austin Powder also reinforced its role as a trusted partner for technical training and expert support.

A site visit to an iron ore mine reinforced strong customer confidence, with positive feedback on product reliability, quality, and the tangible value of Austin Powder’s technical guidance and safety expertise.

With another order scheduled for delivery in April 2026, the visit reflects growing trust and a commitment to long-term collaboration. Sierra Leone continues to present meaningful opportunities for Austin Powder to support the safe and sustainable development of mining across West Africa.

[Austin Powder @AustinPowderCo]

At Austin Powder, Safety is our 1st Priority. It is our leading Core Value and an integral part of our Mission as a company. Which is: “To improve the world we live in through the safe and responsible use of explosives.”

Safety is a part of every decision we make, and conveys to our workforce, and customers that we care about their health, their families, and their contributions to a constantly changing world.

At Austin, safety is more than just words, and we are integrating best practices, such as our “speak up” culture that gives everyone a voice at Austin, and the addition of robotics and other technologies that help keep our workers out of harm’s way.

[Austin Powder @AustinPowderCo]

Photo of the Month taken by Austin Powder Employees

“Precision at the Edge,” taken by John Frady, Sales Representative, Tennessee, USA. This carefully planned 48-hole, 190-foot blast brought down more than 224,000 tons of rock in a single shot – designed with care and executed safely.”