Manufacturing and Supply Chain
Our 47 manufacturing, blending and packaging facilities and 77 distribution centres worldwide represent a significant range of production and supply chain capabilities, enabling us to be agile and responsive to our customers’ needs. Our versatile and integrated supply chain is the backbone of our business.
Key differentiator
Our integrated business ensures a reliable supply of raw materials, the manufacture of high-quality and cost-effective products with a low carbon footprint, and distribution worldwide to customers in the agriculture, mining, and industrial sectors.
Pioneering solutions
Through our research and development and advanced facilities we develop and manufacture products that enhance our customers’ productivity and environmental impact. We supply customers worldwide through our extensive supply chain network.
Renewable energy solutions
Our largest solar plant (15 MW) is at Sasolburg, and we also use solar power at BME’s operations in Losberg and Dryden. Solar, along with our ability to generate electricity from surplus steam produced by nitric acid plants, will fulfil between 25% to 50% of Sasolburg’s annual electricity needs.
Circular economy solutions
Recycling is essential to operating sustainably. In South Africa, BME consumes about 25% of the total used lubricating oil generated, integrating it into its INNOVEX™ formulations. Recycling oil is part of our goal to decarbonise the blasting value chain and prevents the potential contamination of water resources.
Water recycling solutions
Water is a scarce resource and Omnia’s reverse osmosis water treatment plant at its Sasolburg plant reduces consumption of freshwater. This project earned us peer recognition as first runner-up at the Chemical and Allied Industries Association (CAIA) 2022 Responsible Care® Initiative of the Year Awards.
Analytical technology solutions
From precision blasting systems for our mining customers to our state of the art test lab for soil, leaf, and sap analysis for agricultural customers to our extensive portfolio of chemical products for a wide range of industries, we deploy cutting edge technology to deliver solutions to our customers that enhance their businesses.
Supply chain solutions
We have a presence in 23 countries, distributing to more than 40 countries from over 70 distribution centres, enabling us to supply customers worldwide, including in remote locations. In South Africa, Omnia owns its own fleet of ammonia rail wagons, ensuring direct supply from Richards Bay to its Sasolburg facility.
Products and services
Agriculture
Omnia’s Agriculture division supplies ammonia, speciality ammonia, direct application fertilizers and biostimulants. Its advanced Nutriology® model, based on the science of growing, promotes resource efficiency, and optimises yields and crop quality to maximise returns while reducing farming and environmental risks. It is made possible by the largest ISO 17025-accredited soil testing lab in Africa.
Mining
BME, Omnia’s mining division, supports the mining, quarrying and construction sectors. Its products and services include bulk emulsions, packaged explosives, initiating systems, mining process chemicals and digital blast monitoring, enabling cost-effective blasting, increased mineral recovery, higher plant throughput rates, reduced waste mining and longer life of mine.
Chemicals
Protea chemicals is a well-known manufacturer and distributor of functional and effect chemicals, and solutions serving both South African and export customers. The business supplies technical and product application support and SHEQ-related services to the water sector.
Delivering sustainability through innovation
We have made significant strides in sustainability, continuously finding better ways to achieve our ESG goals and assist our customers in doing the same. Through technology and innovation, we have reduced emissions by installing emissions mitigation technology at our nitric acid plant in Sasolburg and developing products like BME’s dual-salt emulsion, which is produced at lower temperatures to decrease greenhouse gas emissions. We also recycle water at our manufacturing plants and support sustainable farming practices through our agricultural services and products.