It is a pleasure to introduce the first issue of the Blasting News 2010. In this issue:

This year sees the burgeoning recovery of markets from the economic recession with the mining sector being no exception. As commodity prices turnaround and increased investment into the mining sector fuels demand for explosives, AEL Mining Services has remained geared for these prospects.

In our backyard, Donkerhoek Quarry part of Bikor Ltd. has successfully converted from shock tube to electronic delay detonators. We are also strengthening our partnerships with Zimplats Ngezi Mine, expanding their mining capabilities using our underground bulk emulsion. Our European JV with Minexplo has popularised the Hotshot and subsequently DigiShot range of products seeing them being used in building demolitions and even film-making.

A benefit case study of the QuickShot Centralised Blasting Systems belies our innovative progress and dedication to optimised mining.The flagship robotic assembly at ISAP, a first of its kind in the world, continuously improves manufacture of explosives. The Maths research funding at the Capetown University of Technology is ongoing to advance technological and human development.The new Products to markets unit is our assurance to quality and the new team's demanding processes guarantees only the best blasting results to the end user.

We hope you enjoy this issue and as always welcome your feedback. I would like to congratulate the AEL team for winning the Best Large Stand Award at the Institute of Quarrying (IOQ) 18-19 March in Durban recently. This is testimony that we endeavor to ensure that all our activities at AEL Mining Services continuously reflect 'care, courage and confidence' in the mining industry.

For feedback, comments & ideas of stories, please contact me:

Ivy Chamboko Tel: +27 11 606 0123E-mail: Ivy.Chamboko@aelms.com