South Africa’s Omnia Holdings says a hydrogen peroxide emulsion plant at its Nairn blasting technologies hub in Ontario, Canada, “has attracted vast interest in the region” as it seeks to turn a strategic investment in Sweden’s Hypex Bio into a meaningful new business line.
The Johannesburg based and listed explosives and chemicals group says in its latest annual report progress on licensing, underground trials and the commercial deployment of hydrogen peroxide emulsion technology through its Hypex Bio partnership were expected to “unlock new growth avenues”.
Omnia has described 2021 start-up Hypex Bio’s hydrogen peroxide-based explosive as “the first commercially viable non-nitrate explosive emulsion in the market, with the potential to transform the explosives supply industry”. Hypex Bio inked a five-year commercial deal with Swedish mining and metals company, Boliden, in 2024 after Omnia paid about US$10 million for a 10% stake in the start-up.
Omnia’s mining business segment delivered a 7.6% year-on-year revenue rise to 9.816 billion rand (circa-US$600 million) in its fiscal 2026 to March 31. Segment operating profit was 1.4% higher yoy at R1.14 billion. Group revenue was $1.475 billion for the year.
“The mining segment delivered a resilient performance in a complex operating environment, characterised by trade and foreign exchange volatility, cost inflation, weather-related disruptions and weakening coal and diamond markets,” Omnia management said.
“Omnia’s integrated manufacturing and supply chain capability supported reliable supply to customers.
“Mining strengthened its technology propositions through partnerships … The strategic partnership with Hypex Bio progressed well, with the hydrogen peroxide emulsion plant at the Nairn facility currently in the process of cold commissioning.
“The rollout of this flagship offering has attracted vast interest in the region.”
Elsewhere, Omnia said it started in-country manufacturing of electronic detonators in Australia after commissioning its AXXIS detonator assembly plant in Kalgoorlie, Western Australia, while delayed regulatory approvals for non-electric and electronic detonator plants in Canada meant commissioning was behind schedule but ultimately achieved, “marking a significant milestone”.
The company invested about $0.7 million in software development, AI and new blasting systems in FY26.
“Significant progress has been made with a market-leading technology partner to embed and co-develop AI-enabled blasting and mine performance solutions. These solutions ensure that [subsidiary] BME’s innovative technologies are embedded across the mine-to-mill value chain,” management said.
“Focus areas for FY27 include solving for enhanced efficiency and safety through automation, data integration and software systems.
Johannesburg-listed Omnia has a current market capitalisation of about ZAR17.2 billion (US$1.04 billion).
