Safety isn’t Expensive, it’s Priceless

Swedish technology firm Fractum is positioning its boulder-breaking solution as a safer alternative to traditional methods in open-pit mining operations, addressing critical safety concerns while improving productivity.

The International Council on Mining & Metals (ICMM) has long maintained that worker health and safety remains the mining industry’s top priority. This principle is increasingly relevant as mining companies face growing pressure to improve safety records while maintaining operational efficiency.

Oversized boulders represent a persistent challenge in open-pit mining environments, creating significant safety hazards and operational bottlenecks. Traditional removal methods come with considerable drawbacks. Blasting operations require complete area evacuations, creating substantial downtime across mining sites. They also pose serious risks from flyrock and uncontrolled fragmentation that can damage equipment and endanger personnel. Environmental concerns include noise and dust pollution that affect both the immediate workforce and surrounding communities.

Hydraulic hammers, another conventional approach, present their own safety challenges. Extended use exposes operators to high vibration levels that contribute to fatigue and potential long-term health complications. The inconsistent breaking patterns can destabilize rock faces, while operators must position machinery dangerously close to unstable material.

Fractum’s alternative technology employs a controlled, high-energy breaking system specifically designed for large boulder management without the hazards associated with explosives. The system delivers a targeted impact that precisely fractures large rocks while minimizing dangerous debris projection.

“Our technology creates a substantially safer working environment,” said a Fractum representative. “The controlled nature of our breakers means other equipment can continue operating in the vicinity without risk of damage, while personnel need maintain only a 15-meter safety perimeter—significantly less than required for blasting operations.”

Industry experts note that improved safety protocols directly correlate with operational efficiency. Mining operations using safer breaking technologies report reduced downtime as they eliminate the need for extensive evacuations and lengthy safety clearances. The ability to process boulders in place allows for immediate removal, accelerating the entire extraction workflow.

The economic benefits extend beyond direct productivity gains. Mining companies implementing safer breaking technologies have documented lower operating costs resulting from reduced equipment damage and fewer injury-related work stoppages. Worker morale also improves in environments where safety hazards are visibly mitigated.

The global mining industry continues to face pressure from regulatory bodies and investors to improve safety performance. According to recent industry reports, companies with stronger safety records generally outperform competitors financially, reflecting the growing recognition that safety and profitability are interconnected rather than competing priorities.

Fractum’s solution represents part of a broader industry shift toward technologies that simultaneously address safety concerns and operational challenges. The system’s high-impact energy reportedly breaks even the largest obstructions within seconds, allowing multiple machines to work cooperatively without dangerous interference.

Market analysts suggest that safety-focused technologies are gaining traction particularly in regions with strengthening regulatory environments and in operations owned by major mining companies with public commitments to zero-harm workplace policies.

The mining technology sector has seen increasing investment in safety innovations, with venture capital and established equipment manufacturers looking to capitalize on mining companies’ willingness to invest in solutions that protect workers while enhancing productivity.

As safety standards continue to evolve globally, technologies that can demonstrate measurable improvements in both safety metrics and operational efficiency are likely to see accelerated adoption across the mining sector.