Local quarry operators undergo refresher training in blasting

Key local quarries recently benefitted from the first in a series of refresher training programmes on blasting.

BK Quarries, Toolsie Persaud Quarries, Baracara Quarries and Durban Quarries benefitted from a teaching seminar on blasting organised by Raminco Distributors and Orica Mining Services and conducted by Orica blast engineer Deydi Aruaz of Panama.

Dave Kissoon (right) from Raminco Distributors congratulates blaster Sullivan in the presence of Panamanian engineer Deydi Aruaz (centre)

The teaching seminar was the first of its kind, Orica said in a press release. Aruaz, who has performed blasts for the expansion of the Panama Canal, lent her expertise to various quarry owners, their blasters and their drillers during the training sessions.

Supervision of three of the blasts and remedial training to the various resident blasters in an effort to fine tune the operation were provided by Aruaz and Dave Kissoon of Raminco Distributors, the release added.

The release also quoted Raminco Distributors’ Dave Kissoon as saying, “I am pleased to reaffirm Orica and Raminco’s commitment to the responsible use of our product. For the last 38 years we have acted as the exclusive supplier of explosives in Guyana with a perfect record for safety and customer satisfaction.”

He added, “With our own explosives vessel delivering product every 10 weeks, we are able to provide an unparalleled service and are extremely keen to improve blaster training and safety in conjunction with the relevant authorities and look forward to evolving blasting in Guyana for generations to come.”

Orica is one of the world’s largest suppliers of explosives, while Raminco has been the sole supplier of explosives and related products in Guyana since 1998.