The Explosives Act of 2023 repealed the Explosives Act, enacted in 1936. This amendment was indispensable since the 1936 Act failed to deal with the given circumstances and ongoing developments. It also targets to prevent the misuse of explosives, and wide-ranging security risks that the country faces.
The Act sets up a National Explosives Committee as well as a Chief Explosives Inspector. It establishes limitations on the production, storage, use, trade, import and transportation of explosives. In addition to that, it gives out administrative procedures, safety measures, and precautions for working with and handling explosives and related issues
Mining – Related Explosive Use
The mining industry uses explosives such as ammonium nitrate-fuel oil (ANFO) to fragment and loosen the rock and consolidate material before excavation. The mining industry uses explosives designed to be safe and highly efficient.
The type and amount of explosives used are influenced by the nature of the rock or ore, the mining employed, the production rate of the mine, the type and availability of explosives and detonation systems, hydrologic conditions, mining equipment, drilling equipment, mine geometry, level of technical expertise, and external constraints such as the proximity of residences, availability of explosives and available funding. (David R. Wilburn (1995) (Estimated use of Explosives in the Mining Industries of Algeria, Iran, Iraq, and Libya) p.10
The Explosives Act provides for the establishment of the National Explosives Committee which is mandated among others to review applications for licences and permits and recommend the issuance of licences or the applicant and advise the minister of regulations necessary for the better implementation of the Act. The committee in discharging its functions may co-opt a person to advise the Committee on any matter relating to the Explosives.
The National Explosives Committee
The Act establishes the National Explosives Committee, entrusted with reviewing license and permit applications, advising the Minister on regulatory enhancements, and ensuring compliance with safety standards. The Committee may seek external expertise to inform its decisions on explosives-related matters.
The Chief Explosives Inspector
Furthermore, the Act mandates the appointment of a Chief Explosives Inspector vested with extensive powers to conduct inspections, investigations, and examinations of explosive facilities round-the-clock. Violations, such as storing explosives without proper licensing, incur severe penalties, including fines and imprisonment. Additionally, the Inspector has the authority to requisition samples for testing purposes.