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Who we are

Innovation is core to DetNet’s business. The fundamental driving force behind DetNet’s creativity is to conceptualise new and innovative approaches to turn ground-breaking ideas into very real mining and blast enhancing technologies.

With 20 years’ experience, DetNet has changed the face of electronic initiation as we set the standard through uncompromised safety and quality engineering.

Our Global Footprint

Our Values

Creativity
  • I generate new ideas.
  • I think outside the box to find new solutions.
  • I am inquisitive to keep abreast of new technology.
  • I create the environment that fosters creativity
Collaboration
  • I align to our goals and communicate them clear.
  • I seek opportunities to create synergy.
  • I build win-win relationships.
  • I have empathy for my customers’ needs.
Courage
  • I confront the brutal facts.
  • I take calculated risks to lead technology advancement.
  • I am not afraid to make the right decisions.
  • I take initiatives and persevere in the face of adversity.
Care
  • I am honest.
  • I treat others as I would want to be treated.
  • I make safety my priority.
  • I actively listen to others and acknowledge their contribution.
Excellence
  • I am reliable.
  • I act with integrity.
  • I exceed expectations in all I do – first time, every time.
  • I embrace continuous learning.

Our Vision

DetNet is the recognised leader in electronic initiation worldwide.

Our Mission

Leadership in electronic initiation through people who:

  • Understand stakeholder needs
  • Design solutions
  • Engineer products
  • Deliver through collaboration

Our History

  • 1984

    Conceptual ideas commenced

    Conceptual ideas and developments of the possible use of electronic delay elements in detonators commenced in 1984 at the CSIR

  • 1987

    Hotspot technology patented

    Expert Explosives (ExEx) started with the development of hotspot technology patented by Detonix

    1987

  • 1988

    AECI Explosives moves to Modderfontein

    AECI Explosives acquired 51% of ExEx and moved facilities to Modderfontein site.

  • 1990

    Commenced with the development of electronic detonators

    ExEx and Detotech commenced with the development of electronic detonators, SmartDet and ElectroDet respectively

    1990

  • 1992

    SmartDet trials

    First SmartDet field trials

  • 1994

    ElectroDet commercialized

    ICI acquired AECI Explosives and Detotech starts selling ElectroDets to the Narrow Reef mining market in SA

    1994

  • 1995

    First Electronic Blast in the U.S.A

    First Electronic Blast in the U.S.A using ElectroDets

  • 1998

    AECI took back control of AEL

    Strong growth in SmartDet sales to surface mines. ICI divests from explosives business which led to the formation of Orica, this resulted in Orica acquiring the global SmartDet IP, excluding Africa. AECI took back control of AEL but with restrictions to only use SmartDet IP in sub Saharan Africa.

    1998

  • 1999

    AEL purchases ElectroDet technology

    AEL purchases ElectroDet technology and assets from Altech.

  • 2000

    3G detonator development commenced

    The new 3G detonator development commenced to establish new global IP that will not infringe on Orica owned SmartDet IP.

    2000

  • 2002

    DetNet Solutions Pty (Ltd) formed

    DetNet Solutions Pty (Ltd) (100% AECI owned) was established and included the former ExEx and Altech’s Detotech businesses. 16 million ElectroDet Detonators sold to date.

  • 2003

    3G detonator used in new “Shot” range

    3G detonator used in new “Shot” range manufacturing commenced in South Africa.

    First QuickShot underground blast

    2003

  • 2004

    Incitec Pivot (IPL)acquired a 50% shareholding of DetNet

    Incitec Pivot (IPL)acquired a 50% shareholding of DetNet which resulted in the formation of the AECI – IPL joint venture. Dyno Nobel and AEL are subsidiaries of IPL and AECI respectively, now became the channel partners selling DetNet systems in their relative markets. 1st 3G HotShot four-wire blast in South Africa

  • 2005

    1st four-wire conversion in North America

    1st four-wire conversion in North America with blasting commencing in Chile.

    2005

  • 2006

    CE mark Approval granted to DetNet

    CE mark Approval granted to DetNet for products in Europe. Launch of SmartShot.

  • 2007

    A total of 27 million SmartDet detonators sold.

    First SmartShot blast in Australia.

    DigiShot launched and introduced to Africa and USA.

    A total of 27 million SmartDet Detonators sold.

    2007

  • 2008

    Launch of the new BlastWeb system

    Commissioning of Dyno Nobel Simsbury manufacturing facility.

    Launch of the new BlastWeb, a dedicated underground centralized blasting network

  • 2009

    First DigiShot Plus blast in the USA.

    First DigiShot Plus blast in the USA.

    2009

  • 2010

    ViewShot 2D introduced to the global market.

    ViewShot 2D introduced to the global market.

  • 2011

    Commenced with development of the 4G ASIC & CE4 control equipment

    Commenced with development of the 4G ASIC and CE4 control equipment

    2011

  • 2012

    First GeoShot blast in the USA.

    First GeoShot blast in the USA.

  • 2013

    First DriftShot detonator blasted in Australia

    Largest African blast of 4,700 DigiShot Plus Detonators.

    First DriftShot detonator blasted in Australia.

    2013

  • 2014

    CE4 tagger is launched

    Next Generation CE4 tagger is launched.

  • 2015

    Field trials on new 4G ASIC & CE4 Commander system

    Field trials on new 4G ASIC & CE4 Commander system.

    2015

  • 2016

    ViewShot 3D software introduced to market

    Launch of new 4G and CE4 Commander system, branded as IntelliShot by AEL and DSP.4G by Dyno Nobel. ViewShot 3D software introduced to market.

  • 2017

    Final conversion from 3G to 4G ASIC technology.

    Record blast at Jimblebar Australia -6382 DigiShot Plus detonators.

    Final conversion from 3G to 4G ASIC technology.

    New shock-hardened 4G detonator development launched.

    2017

  • 2018

    40 million 3G detonators sold to date

    40 million 3G detonators sold to date.

  • 2019

    Concept field trials begin on the DGPS tagging system.

    Launch of the new shock tube electronic detonator, branded as EZshot by Dyno Nobel and as DigiDet ST by AEL. Concept field trials begin on the high accuracy Differential GPS tagging system.

    First development tests on Wireless detonator system

    2019

  • 2020

    Launch Differential GPS tagging (DGPS) system. More Wireless development.

  • 2021

    Launched new enhanced BlastWeb 4G software.

    Launched enhanced DetNet Portal, including ViewShot 3D cloud-based licensing software.

    2021

Testimonials

“Utilizing the DigiShot Plus.4G system makes us more efficient during the blasting process.”

“I’m always impressed how fast the process is, from tagging to blasting”

“The flexibility of the DigiShot Plus.4G Allows us to balst on any blast pattern.”

“What really excites me about tagging with the plan mode, is that you can start anywhere on the pattern and go in any direction!”

“The safety features of the DigiShot Plus.4G System gives me mas a manager comfort, especially in end of line testing. Ensuring that every detonator gets sufficient voltage. The system makes us more efficient in the tagging process.”

“The DGPS tagger utilizes GPS coordinates and recognizes the physical coordinates. It gives peace of mind to the blaster and Management that human error is virtually taken out of the equation. From a safety aspect this is astronomical.”