AECI, a mining solutions partner focused on practical integration across explosives and electronic initiation, unveiled the Mini Booster – a compact booster designed to deliver reliable initiation in small diameter holes, particularly in underground and constrained blasting environments – at Mining Indaba 2026.
“Underground headings across the region are tight and time bound,” says Jaco Human, vice-president: International at AECI. “The mini booster gives crews dependable pick up sensitivity and simple coupling so preparation stays swift and outcomes remain consistent.”
The operating challenge
Underground mining often requires blasting in narrow headings, development ends and small diameter boreholes where space and access are limited. In these conditions, inconsistent initiation can compromise fragmentation, delay cycles and increase rework. Crews need a compact booster that integrates with existing initiation systems and delivers dependable detonation without adding complexity. The mini booster is positioned to meet this requirement.
What the mini booster is and how it works
The mini booster is a compact, high energy Pentolite cast booster developed for use with non cap sensitive bulk explosives in small diameter holes. Its design focuses on reliability and ease of handling in constrained environments.
The mini booster:
- Delivers strong pick up sensitivity to support consistent initiation.
- Allows quick, straightforward coupling during charging.
- Is compatible with non electric, electric and electronic full strength detonators.
- Is sized for underground use where borehole diameters are limited.
“We designed it to support safe, repeatable initiation without adding steps,” adds Morne Stiglingh, VP: Strategic Marketing and Technology, Mining Explosives at AECI. “The aim is simple: Keep the device compact, the coupling intuitive and the results consistent in confined headings.”
Intended performance and use cases
The mini booster has been developed to support:
- Dependable initiation in small diameter boreholes used in underground mining.
- Improved consistency in development ends and constrained headings.
- Compatibility across initiation systems already in use onsite.
- Faster, more predictable preparation in space limited environments.
“Reliability at initiation is what keeps the cycle moving. The Mini Booster is a practical answer for small diameter work because it fits the workflow, supports predictable results and helps teams keep development on plan,” concludes Human.