Ensuring security of supply, AEL has overcome stormy conditions to supply AN between continents. The company has demonstrated the depth of its supply chain capability by delivering 5 000 t of ammonium nitrate (AN) thousands of kilometres between continents, amid difficult conditions.
According to Sean Slabbert, commercial manager for Global Ammonium Nitrate, this was due to various supply constraints requiring the supply chain team to make alternative sourcing arrangements. “Once the most suitable source for quality AN was identified, the 5 000 t shipment travelled a significant distance by rail before being loaded for deep sea travel.
“We commend our supply chain team for ensuring that this product was delivered to its final destination despite a number of challenges encountered. The shipment weathered stormy winter seas to arrive in qualified AEL packaging at the destination,” says Slabbert.
Imported product needs to meet a number of stringent quality, packaging and logistics requirements. Shortly after the offloading of this shipment, the AEL production team on site manufactured quality emulsion explosives.
“At the heart of AEL lies its customer-centric approach in providing explosives and mining solutions. AEL’s ammonium nitrate chain draws from as many as 16 qualified sources around the world,” says Slabbert. “AEL is committed to giving our customers peace of mind and we believe a flexible supply chain and consistent communication are two driving factors behind our ability to deliver quality products and maintain security of supply.”
