Benefit Study: 3 Integrated E*STAR Technologies Drive Blasting Efficiency at a Major West African Gold Mine At one of West Africa’s largest open-pit gold mining operations, Austin Powder helped enhance blasting efficiency through the implementation of three integrated E*STAR technologies: the E*STAR Electronic Initiation System, LOGGER2, and PARADIGM Blasting Software. Together, these solutions improved field communication, streamlined blast planning, simplified reporting, and supported reliable day-to-day production in a demanding mining environment. By combining advanced electronic initiation with powerful design and data management tools, the operation gained a more efficient and connected blasting workflow. This successful collaboration demonstrates how innovative technology and strong customer partnerships can drive continuous improvement in mining operations. #innovationsthatmatter #thepoweroffamily See the full Benefit Study at this link. austinpowder.com/wp-content/…

Austin Powder Supply Chain Enhances Efficiency and Cost Competitiveness The Austin Powder Argentina Supply Chain team has achieved certification approval for new packaging developed by Smurfit Kappa for Detonating Cord, ShockStar Detonators, and E*STAR Detonators. The approval expands Austin Powder Argentina’s portfolio of qualified packaging solutions, adding a cost-competitive option that meets the industry’s rigorous quality and safety standards. It also supports supply continuity, operational flexibility, and improved cost efficiency. This milestone reflects strong collaboration across multiple teams and a shared commitment to continuous improvement. “Thank you to the entire team. These developments require tremendous determination and perseverance, and they continue to deliver outstanding results,” says Maria Laura Cenci, Supply Chain Manager, Austin Powder Argentina Explosives Division. #innovationsthatmatter

Austin Powder’s Corporate Volunteer Program Achieves Record Growth In 2026, "The Will to Make a Difference," Austin Powder’s corporate volunteer program at the Juramento Plant welcomed employees and their family members to participate in projects supporting local communities. This more inclusive approach helped increase participation by 47%, growing from 32 volunteers in 2025 to 47 in 2026. Volunteers now represent 28% of the plant’s total workforce. Together, volunteers contributed to educational programs, environmental conservation, urban reforestation, community-space improvements, and public-health initiatives. Thank you to everyone who continues to share their time and talents to create positive, lasting community impact. #thepoweroffamily

Exciting News! The Paradigm Development Team is proud to announce the latest production release of Paradigm. A result of months of development, testing, and collaboration with users around the world, this release introduces powerful new capabilities designed to make blast planning, modelling, visualization, and auditing faster, smarter, and more intuitive than ever before. What's New? 🌎 Map Editor: Bring both 2D background and 3D terrain tiles into your session from Google Maps 🐍 Python Scripting: Command Paradigm with the Python programming language 📐 Excel and PowerPoint Custom Templates: Populate your own template with Paradigm ⏱️ E*Star: Support for bulk flash timing 🎯 Placement editor: Modify hole toe or collar positions in bulk 🦇 Underground: Improved hole label displays for ring and wall holes 💾 Optional binary file format: Results in smaller files, considerably faster loading and saving of blst files, plus better memory utilization. "The tools in this new release are a result of the feedback from our users and the hard work of the development team. I know there will be features in this new version that will help Austin Powder’s experts design better blasts,” says Alan Romphf - Global Blast Engineering Manager. We encourage all Paradigm users to download version 26.8.24, explore the new features, and share their feedback. This update marks another major step forward in delivering industry-leading blast design and modeling technology. Find out more about Paradigm at portal.austinpowder.com/ #innovationsthatmatter

Enjoy this blast video of the month from Austin Powder.

Austin Powder Is Modernizing its Operations by Transitioning from Coal to Natural Gas The change at the Austin Detonator plant is expected to reduce the site’s carbon footprint by approximately 1,500 tonnes of CO₂ per year, a 44% reduction, while also decreasing dust particles and other substances associated with coal combustion. This important energy upgrade supports more efficient operations, a lower product carbon footprint, and growing customer expectations for sustainability.

A well-designed pre-split blast leads to smooth, stable walls. Need a helping hand creating or evaluating your pre-split design? Austin Powder and Paradigm have you covered. With Paradigm's Pre-Split Designer, you can design your pre-split blast using your rock hardness and explosive properties. Send a pre-split charge rule to your library and charge your holes. Pre-Split Designer is another example of how Paradigm helps engineers and blasters work safer, smarter, and faster. Learn more about Paradigm blast design software at Paradigm.AustinPowder.com

Ethics and Governance: Building Trust Through Responsible Leadership At Austin Powder, sustainability is closely connected to the way we lead, make decisions, and create long-term value. Ethical conduct and strong governance provide the foundation for operating responsibly across our global organization. In 2025, we strengthened this foundation by creating the Global Sustainability Manager role and consolidating the Global Sustainability Team. Together, these steps bring 18 specialists from diverse regions and backgrounds into a more coordinated structure, helping us implement our Sustainability Strategy, improve global alignment, and keep our priorities locally relevant. Ethics remains central to how we work. Through the global relaunch of our Code of Conduct and Business Ethics, we reaffirmed our commitment to transparency, accountability, respect, and responsible decision-making. Governance brings these commitments into practice. It is reflected in how we manage risks, engage with stakeholders, communicate progress, and integrate sustainability into everyday business decisions. Each of us contributes by acting with integrity, considering the broader impact of our work, and building trust through consistent actions. By strengthening ethics and governance, we help Austin Powder grow responsibly, protect our reputation, and build stronger relationships with employees, customers, partners, investors, and communities. As we move forward, these principles will continue to guide how we work and how we create value for the future. #innovationsthatmatter

Supporting Responsible Mining Through Collaboration Austin Powder was proud to sponsor Salta Mining Summit II, one of northern Argentina’s leading mining industry events. The summit brought together key stakeholders to exchange ideas and explore the challenges and opportunities shaping a mining sector focused on sustainability and competitiveness. Santiago Remón, General Manager of Austin Powder Argentina Explosives Division, joined the panel “Mining Suppliers and the Value Chain,” highlighting the importance of efficient, competitive solutions that create value across the industry. Mariana Faccio, LATAM Regional Manager of Institutional Relations and Communications, participated in “The Role of Communities in Sustainable Mining,” emphasizing active listening and transparent communication as essential to building long-term relationships based on trust. By sharing knowledge, learning from industry leaders, and fostering meaningful dialogue, Austin Powder continues to support responsible mining growth and a stronger value chain. #AustinPowder #SaltaMiningSummit #Mining #ResponsibleMining #Argentina #CommunityEngagement #MiningInnovation #Collaboration

Expanding Avalanche Control Solutions in Austria Following the successful installation of Austin Powder Avalauncher systems in Nauders and Obertauern, interest in technology continues to grow among Alpine infrastructure and ski resort operators. During a recent visit to Nauders, Stefan Uitz, Sales Director Austin Europe, and Wolfgang Aschauer, Head of Avalanche Blasting Technology, met with local stakeholders to discuss the system’s first winter season. Feedback has been very positive, with the Avalauncher demonstrating reliable performance under demanding winter conditions. Additional units are now being considered for the region. The technology was also presented in the Lech/Zürs am Arlberg area, where avalanche control is being explored for ski operations, roads, and transportation corridors. “The Avalauncher has a role alongside existing avalanche control methods,” said Uitz. “Its mobility allows operators to respond quickly to changing conditions, particularly when helicopter operations are restricted due to weather.” The continued interest reflects the growing need for reliable, flexible avalanche control solutions that help protect mountain operations and critical infrastructure.

Supporting Education and Building Stronger Communities in Brazil For the second consecutive year, Austin Powder Brazil supported PROERD, an educational program led by the Military Police of the State of Minas Gerais that helps prevent violence and drug use through education. During the June 29 graduation ceremony in Espírito Santo do Dourado, Austin Powder Brazil General Manager João Paulo Cristofolini presented bicycles to the two students with the highest academic achievement, recognizing their effort, discipline, and dedication. By investing in education and creating opportunities for young people, Austin Powder Brazil is helping build stronger, safer, and more sustainable communities. Living our values: We leverage the power of family. #AustinPowder #CommunityImpact #Education #PROERD #Brazil #PowerOfFamily #OneAustin

Photo of the Month "E*STAR Technology at the Edge" Photo taken by Ondrej Cermak, Senior Manager Blasting Technology in Etropole, Bulgaria

One Team, One Vision: E*STAR Workshop Strengthens Global Collaboration E*STAR technical workshop held in July 2026 in the Czech Republic brought together key teams from multiple regions to align strategy and accelerate the development of E*STAR. The sessions focused on project structure, agile methodology, UX design, hardware platform decisions, specification control, and improvements in testing and feedback processes. Participants also saw a live demonstration of the early Logger 3 software prototype, confirming the viability of the selected architecture and user‑interface direction. The workshop helped unify priorities, clarify roles, and strengthen collaboration between R&D, EIS, manufacturing, and business teams. The atmosphere was open, constructive, and strongly delivery‑focused. “I would like to thank all participants for their commitment throughout the workshop. Meeting in person allowed us not only to align key technical priorities, but also to reinforce the personal connections that enable effective collaboration across our teams. I appreciate the professionalism and focus everyone brought, and I am proud of our shared dedication to delivering solutions that bring real value to our customers, “said Enes Kubat, Head of Customer Service at Austin Detonator.

Winners of the Austin Powder Employee Photo Contest! Austin Powder employees from around the world showcased their creativity and talent in this year's Employee Photo Contest, submitting stunning images that highlighted the people, places, and work that make our company unique. After an enthusiastic round of voting, the Global Marketing Team and the Global Leadership Team chose the top entries for their outstanding composition, creativity, and storytelling. Congratulations to our first-, second, and third-place winners! Thank you to everyone who participated by submitting photos. Your entries captured the spirit of Austin Powder and provided a remarkable glimpse into our global operations and communities. Each month, Austin Powder highlights one of the great photos taken by our employees. Follow us to see more great photos! 1st Place Winner: (Lego Toys) Photo by Dave Klingspor, Tech Rep in Ontario, Canada 2nd Place Winner: (Men with Trucks) Photo taken by Enes Kubat, Head of Customer Services, taken in Zambia 3rd Place Winner: (Rogers Pass) Photo taken by Braden Schmidt, President of Austin Powder Avalanche, at Rogers Pass, Trans Canada Highway

Eighteen Years of Trust, Service, and Shared Success Tim Keefe, Owner of A1 Drilling & Blasting Co. Inc., is a loyal customer of Austin Powder. He says, "Our collaboration with Austin Powder commenced in 2008. Upon establishing A1, and drawing from our extensive industry experience, we recognized Austin Powder as the optimal partner to meet our evolving requirements. Eighteen years later, our partnership continues to thrive, built on a foundation of trust, significantly bolstered by our relationship with Bill Beno. Our sustained loyalty stems from Austin Powder's unwavering commitment to safety and service, coupled with the consistent expertise of their personnel and the AP team, who collaborate closely with our blasting crews to leverage cutting-edge technology. Austin Powder has consistently partnered with our blasting teams, driving innovation in our customer service through advanced products and technologies, thereby ensuring our company remains at the forefront of technological advancements."

Turning Waste into Opportunity in Panama Sixteen Austin Powder Panama employees recently volunteered with FAS Panama, a recycling organization Austin Powder has partnered with since 2024. Team members supported the organization by receiving, sorting, and organizing recyclable materials at its facilities. Austin Powder also donated cleaning supplies to help with FAS Panama’s daily operations. “Recycling plays a key role in transforming waste into new opportunities, reducing the use of landfills, and conserving energy and resources,” said Giselle Ng, SHES Manager for Panama and Costa Rica. “As employees, we are committed to minimizing the waste we generate and ensuring that any waste produced is managed in a socially responsible manner.” Through initiatives like this, our employees are working together to create a positive impact in the communities where we operate. #AustinPowder #Sustainability #CommunityEngagement #Volunteerism #Recycling #Panama #OneAustin

With Paradigm, blast timing designs are a breeze. Using the muti-row tool, complete tie-ins can be completed in seconds. Simply select the row start points, enable the tool and drag your mouse in the general direction of the path. Next, we can add our inter-row delays. In this case, I’m using a fixed per-distance timing scenario but there are many strategies to choose from. We can examine timing contours, check out an interval graph and much more. Austin Powder’s Paradigm, allows you to simulate before you detonate, ensuring that you fire the right blast for your operation. Every time. Find out more at paradigm.austinpowder.com

Austin Powder Chile Enters Avalanche Control Market During Historic Winter Austin Powder Chile has successfully entered the avalanche control market, completing its first deliveries during the Southern Hemisphere winter of 2026. Our avalanche control solutions are supporting ski resorts, highway operators, and mountain safety programs within Chile’s mining sector during one of the country’s most severe winters in more than 140 years. A recent storm delivered more than 8 meters (26 feet) of snow in just over a week, causing operational shutdowns, extended refuge periods, and significant challenges across the Andes. Chile’s International Highway 60, which provides access to Ski Portillo, remained closed for 34 consecutive days, with operations supported by helicopter. Austin Powder is proud to support the mountain safety teams, road operators, and mining personnel working to restore safe access and protect people, infrastructure, and critical operations in demanding mountain environments. Our Mission: To Improve the world we live in through the safe and responsible use of explosives. #AustinPowder #AvalancheControl #Chile #MountainSafety #MiningSafety #Innovation #SafetyFirst #OneAustin

The International Snow Science Workshop (ISSW) will take place in Whistler, British Columbia, from September 27 to October 2, bringing together snow science researchers, avalanche professionals, and practitioners from around the world to exchange ideas, research, and operational experience. Known for its motto, "A Merging of Theory and Practice," ISSW fosters interdisciplinary collaboration between those advancing snow science and those applying it in the field. Since its inaugural conference in 1976, ISSW has been held biennially, rotating between Canada, the United States, and Europe. Austin Powder is proud to serve as the Safety Sponsor of this premier international event and looks forward to supporting the continued advancement of avalanche safety, snow science, and operational excellence.

193 Years of Experience. 89 Countries. 400+ Million Tons Blasted Annually. These aren't just numbers. They represent generations of innovation, trusted partnerships, and proven blasting solutions delivered around the world. With 30 manufacturing plants, products available in 89 countries, and a global workforce of more than 5,000 employees, Austin Powder continues to help customers achieve safer, more productive blasting results across mining, quarrying, construction, underground, oil and gas, and avalanche control applications. #AustinPowder #OneAustin #SafetyFirst #OperationalExcellence #Mining #Quarrying #Construction