AECI is a South African‑rooted mining solutions partner integrating explosives and electronic initiation to help operations work safely and predictably, will be showcasing IntelliShot X, a shock‑resistant electronic detonator designed for precise functionality in high‑shock and variable environments, as part of its integrated blasting approach, at Mining Indaba 2026.
“Electronic initiation earns its place when it gives crews control in real conditions,” says Morne Stiglingh, Vice President: Strategic Marketing and Technology, Mining Explosives at AECI. “IntelliShot X is designed for environments where dynamic shock and timing discipline determine outcomes. The goal is reliable initiation that teams can run every day on site.”
The operating challenge
Blasting teams working in shock‑intense or harsh settings need initiation that keeps timing accurate, resists interference and withstands mechanical stress, while fitting established surface and underground workflows. AECI positions IntelliShot X to meet these needs within its electronic initiation portfolio.
“Control at initiation shapes everything downstream,” adds Stuart Miller, Executive Vice President: Mining at AECI. “When timing is disciplined and hardware is resilient, plants run more predictably. That is the job IntelliShot X is built to do.”
What IntelliShot X is and how it works
IntelliShot X is engineered for precise timing and robust performance under demanding conditions. It is designed to:
- Operate in surface and underground applications, with programmable delays up to 26000ms in 1ms increments.
- Support safe handling and reliable firing through a hardened shell and enhanced resistance to electrostatic discharge (ESD) and electromagnetic interference (EMI).
- Integrate with AECI’s IntelliShot system architecture and related tools for planning, tagging and control as part of an integrated blasting workflow.
“Engineering effort went into resilience without adding complexity,” explains Hendrik Botha, Global Portfolio Manager, Mining Explosives and Initiating Systems at AECI. “The intent is simple: keep timing accurate, keep the interface familiar and give crews a device they can trust in harsh conditions.”
Intended performance and use cases
IntelliShot X has been developed to support:
- Shock tolerance: improved performance where dynamic shock and mechanical stress are present.
- Timing discipline: high timing accuracy to help manage vibration, airblast and fragmentation for steadier downstream performance.
- Operational fit: deployment where crews need electronic precision without complicating existing procedures.
Key attributes at a glance
- Shock‑resistant design for demanding environments.
- Programmable delays from 0 to 26 000ms in 1ms increments
- Accuracy and control to help manage vibration, airblast and fragmentation outcomes
- Compatibility with AECI electronic initiation platforms across surface and underground operations
On‑site discussions and product access at Mining Indaba
AECI teams are engaging with customers at Mining Indaba 2026 to align IntelliShot X setup with local geology, safety requirements and operating procedures. Detailed product information, application guidance and technical support are available on request at the AECI stand and through post‑event follow‑ups.
“Precision and resilience go hand in hand for electronic initiation. IntelliShot X has been developed for those conditions. It fits daily workflows, supports disciplined timing and helps crews keep work moving with confidence,” concludes Miller.
