Austin Powder

Meet Luciano Samitier, the new Technical Engineering Manager for Ammonium Nitrates, who is supporting the US Nitrogen and Juramento, Argentina, plants. Welcome to the family, Luciano Samitier!

Blasting of Historic Lazy Mine Tower Marks a New Beginning for Orlová On Saturday, July 27, the iconic Lazy Mine tower in Orlová, which had dominated the landscape for over forty years, was demolished. The 16,000-ton concrete tower, once used for bringing black coal to the surface, marked the end of an era and the start of a new chapter for the site, which will be developed into a modern space for investors within two years. Swietelsky carried out the demolition, which was supported by Austin Detonator, which provided technical consultation and E*STAR electronic detonators. Using around 1,000 E*STAR Gold electronic detonators, this operation marked the first time electronic detonators were used for such blasting in the Czech Republic, ensuring a safe and efficient process.

Family Day at Juramento Industrial Complex Strengthens Workplace Bonds During the winter school holidays of 2024, the Juramento Industrial Complex had the pleasure of welcoming the families of our employees for a special event designed to strengthen the connection between the workplace and the families of our staff. On this occasion, we were joined by 72 individuals from nearby towns, including El Galpón, Metán, Salta, and Joaquín V. González. The visit provided a unique opportunity for families to gain an insider's view of the different sectors within the complex. Participants enjoyed a guided tour of the facilities, allowing them to become familiar with the workspaces and better understand our daily operations. Additionally, the importance of safety measures implemented to ensure the protection and well-being of our employees was highlighted. "This type of visit not only deepens our families' understanding and commitment to the work environment of our employees but also strengthens the bonds among all members of our community. We are delighted to have provided this experience to the families, and we look forward to continuing these initiatives that promote integration and appreciation for the work we do every day,” said Mariana Faccio, Manager of Institutional Relations, Communications, and Sustainability at Austin Powder Argentina.

Red Diamond Team and Global Engineers Optimize PETN Plant The PETN production plant at Red Diamond, commissioned in 2016, initially struggled to reach its full capacity due to design limitations. Recognizing the plant's critical importance to both Austin Powder and Red Diamond, Global Director of Engineering Ralf Weber and Austin Powder management initiated a series of optimization projects in 2022. These efforts, collaborating with Red Diamond's operations, engineering, and maintenance teams, addressed key issues and introduced an 'Overall Equipment Effectiveness' monitoring system in 2023. Additional work in 2024 has resolved significant bottlenecks, enabling the plant to operate at full capacity. The next phase involves implementing 'Total Productive Maintenance' to sustain these improvements through global cooperation. Ralf Weber highlighted the success of this "One Austin" project, emphasizing teamwork, safety, and innovation as key drivers. The plant now operates at peak efficiency, positioning Austin for long-term competitive advantages.

Austin Powder México Celebrates National Arbor Day with Sustainability Initiatives Austin Powder México recently celebrated National Arbor Day by launching various environmental initiatives across all its sites. Employees were encouraged to participate in activities throughout the month, reflecting on the importance of trees and environmental stewardship. One initiative allowed employees to adopt endemic trees and easy-care indoor plants, with care information provided. Additionally, tree-planting events were organized at workplaces and in local communities, with employees and their families participating in these green efforts. “It was a very pleasant activity,” shared Elena Guajardo. “My children and I had a lot of fun, and we appreciated the nature around us while helping the community. I’m glad Austin is part of programs that improve the environment and encourage family involvement.” Austin Powder México thanks all participants for their enthusiasm, reaffirming the company’s commitment to environmental protection.

Collaborative Fall Rescue Drill Enhances Safety Preparedness Austin Powder recently partnered with a local cement company for a full-scale fall rescue drill, which is vital for ensuring safety in challenging environments. The drill simulated an Austin Powder Company employee falling off a highwall, triggering a coordinated emergency response. The event emphasized the importance of planning, communication, and training in rescue situations. "The takeaway is that we should think about and discuss fall rescue with our customers and employees," says the director of corporate operations, Chris Proctor. We won’t always have the degree of resources that we have here, but we need to look at what is available. Talk about the action plan, who to call, what role customer representatives and our employees take, and what equipment is available for safe access. It is important to identify potential hazards before we find ourselves in an emergency." Safety is our 1st Priority

E*STAR Diamond from Austin Powder is a game-changing electronic detonator with integrated temperature-measuring capabilities. At the MINExpo, learn how this can revolutionize blasting safety in your operation.

Celebrating 8 Years LTI-Free at Huescalapa Plant! Austin Powder Mexico proudly marks a major milestone: eight years without lost-time injury incidents at the SWF Huescalapa Plant, the longest such record among all Austin Powder sites in Mexico. This achievement reflects the unwavering commitment of every employee to safety and their dedication to protecting themselves and each other while meeting customer demands. "Congratulations to the entire Huescalapa team on this great achievement! Let’s continue working together to maintain a safe environment," said Mr. René Hernández, General Director of Austin Powder Mexico.

Austin Football Camp Makes Debut in Vsetín with Over Forty Young Participants The Austin Football (Soccer in the US) Camp was held in Vsetín for the first time, organized by the local football club FC Fastav Vsetín. More than forty children from the surrounding area recently learned football skills and developed their versatility. The coaches of FC Fastav Vsetín prepared a varied and fun program that focused on practical training and great experiences. The children tried various ball games and enjoyed wading in the Bečva River! "As part of our sponsorship, we focus on supporting local and children's sports. I want to thank the Vsetín football club and their coaches for organizing the Austin Football Camp and for making children's sports so fun and inspiring," thanked Austin Detonator director Jiří Václavík, who confirmed that Austin is considering supporting the football camp again next year. LIVING OUR VALUES: We leverage the Power of Family

One Million Mini-Boosters Made in St. Lambrecht! The new Mini-Booster plant in St. Lambrecht, Austria, produced its first Mini-Booster in December 2022. About one and a half years later, the millionth Mini-Booster has rolled off the production line. The concept for the production machinery was new from the beginning and was developed by the team of St. Lambrecht. It is now fully approved for safe operation using high explosives.