International proven leadership
Mining Services Director Receives Prestigious ISEE President's Award for 2010

The International Society of Explosives Engineers (ISEE) has presented AEL's executive director Group Technology, Dr Piet Halliday, with the most sought after President's Award.

The President's Award is presented to individuals who have contributed their time and talent to their organisation and industry at large and have presented commendable volunteer efforts to the Society.

Dr Halliday began his career in explosives at AECI in 1980 after completing a PhD in the synthesis of high energy sensitisers for explosives. He was appointed as Research Officer with African Explosives to initiate the first research and development (R&D) work on emulsions and has overseen the filing of 16 patents on chemical gassing and pumpable explosives products.

As project manager, he oversaw the building and commissioning of the first packaged emulsion plants and pumps trucks in South Africa. Today, Dr Halliday heads up AEL Mining Services' dedicated R&D unit.

Over his tenure in the business, Dr Halliday has chaired the Global Packaged Explosives Business, the National Institute of Explosives Technology (NIXT) where he still serves today, and has served on the board of SAFEX International since 2003 and the board of the South African Rheological Society since 2004.

He is a past member of the ISEE board of directors - where he served as the first South African director and as co-chair of the International Committee.