Orica celebrates an explosive history

June 25, 2024

Orica celebrates an explosive history

Some of Orica’s innovations include the creation of Perspex; the build of Australia’s first skyscraper; WebGen, the world’s first wireless blasting solution; Exel Neo, the world’s first lead free detonator; and most recently, the first blast using low-carbon ammonium nitrate in partnership with Fertiberia.

Orica (ASX: ORI) held a 150^th anniversary gala last week in Melbourne, Victoria to celebrate its milestone with customers, partners, officials, retirees and employees.

Founded in June 1874 as an explosives supplier, Orica has grown to become one of the world’s leading mining and infrastructure solutions providers with a market capitalisation nearing $9b.

Orica started as a small company named Jones, Scott and Company which supplied explosives in Australia’s Victorian goldfields. The company merged with Nobel Explosives and later Imperial Chemical Industries.

Orica chairman Malcolm Broomhead reflects on the company’s rich and impactful history.

“From our explosive beginnings to our global presence in more than 100 countries today, Orica has been an integral part of the Australian and international manufacturing industry, creating products that have transformed everyday life,” he said.

“As we celebrate 150 years, we look back at a story of resilience, innovation, and the unwavering commitment of our people.

“Over the years, Orica has expanded its footprint, embracing new categories, businesses, capabilities, end markets, and geographies, becoming a multi-billion-dollar global organisation.

“Orica’s 150th milestone is a testament to the company’s strength, adaptability, and ability to thrive in a constantly evolving business landscape.”

Today, Orica’s team of more than 12,500 specialists supports customers in surface and underground mines, quarry, construction, tunnelling and oil and gas operations around the globe.

Orica is focused on mobilising the materials, metals and minerals required to advance technology and innovation across the mining and infrastructure value chains while accelerating its own decarbonisation with an ambition to achieve net zero emissions by 2050.

Orica managing director and chief executive Sanjeev Gandhi says he is excited for Orica’s future.

“Orica’s legacy is built on the trust our customers and partners place in us, and the talent and innovation of our people,” he said.

“I am incredibly proud of our team and as we step into the future, we will continue to lead the industry with safer, smarter, and more sustainable solutions to help mobilise the resources essential for a better tomorrow.”