How has Normet performed over the past year?

The company’s overall performance continues to be strong and during MinExpo 2024, we unveiled our new Scamec LC Thor 135 T and Charmec LF 1105 DA machines, and our innovative Xquick coupler system, all engineered to elevate efficiency, safety, reliability and productivity in the underground mining space. 

Normet’s Charmec vehicle range makes the underground charging process productive and safe whether you are using emulsion or ANFO explosives. The Charmec Revo technology allows for automated explosives charging where a remote-controlled robotic arm places the initiating system into the borehole and, in conjunction with the emulsion kit, dispenses emulsion, allowing the operator to remain under supported ground. 

Normet continues to expand our Xrock product portfolio of tool attachments related to rock-breaking technologies, with Xquick being our most recent innovation. Xquick is a quick coupler system that features automated, cabin-controlled tool changes, reducing the need for manual labor and minimizing the risk of injuries. 

In August 2024, Normet announced the acquisition of Lekatech, a pioneer in electric hammering technologies. Another strategic partnership development is our recently signed collaboration agreement with Enaex, a leading blasting services provider for the mining industry, to pilot innovative solutions in underground mining and introduce teleoperated technologies into the market by leveraging Normet’s equipment experience and Enaex’s advancements in explosives and initiation systems. 

How will the industry’s emphasis on productivity influence Normet’s R&D and product offering in the future?  

With an emphasis on both productivity and sustainability, Normet has seen increased global demand for our low-emission, ElectroDynamic 1100 XL Agitator vehicles. We continue to do significant R&D with respect to our ground control and construction chemical business, and we have several patents already in place and some in the works. We are also working in partnership with a local university on ground support technologies and have developed a new range of concrete setting accelerators for low-carbon concrete mixes. There is also increased interest in the digital connectivity and analytics areas.

Have you seen increased interest in BEV adoption? 

There is still industry interest in the BEV market, but also a hesitance and reluctance to invest in this space, and the adoption rate has not been nearly as quick as we might have anticipated several years ago. That being said, we have had significant success with the Normet SmartDrive equipment, with fleets out in the field having gained a considerable amount of operating hours at this point, the technology has been proven safe and reliable and is resulting in increased productivity. Considering the nervousness amongst the industry to be early adopters, demonstrating success certainly helps to ease concerns.

Why do you believe BEV adoption is slower than anticipated?  

I think it is a combination of the current challenges in the market with funding, and a perception that the technology is not quite where it needs to be. Adoption can also depend on the stage of a project – if you are in full production, the infrastructure and the capacity for adopting change play a role in determining whether or not a BEV piece of equipment is the right option; and in early stage projects looking ahead at future development operations, the reluctance is mostly around capital. 

What can the mining industry do to increase female participation in the workforce?

Exposure to other women in mining is extremely important. For example, over 15 years ago, I left an organization that had very few women in leadership roles and joined FNX Mining where Catharine Farrow was their VP of Exploration. I could see that the opportunity for female advancement existed in that organization, it was very impactful and inspiring. Showcasing women in various roles in an organization promotes the availability of opportunity. 

What are Normet’s priorities to maintain success and growth in the Canadian mining industry?

Normet’s immediate priority is to continue defining the future of the underground mining space, and we are constantly looking for new technologies and opportunities to make mines safer, more efficient, more productive and more sustainable. Demand continues to grow as mines are going deeper and fleets in existing mines age, and we are looking forward to expanding our footprint in North America in the near future.