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Rising Mining Activities Across Africa is projected to fuel the growth of the Africa Explosives Market at a CAGR of 6.703% during the forecast period 2025 to 2035

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15 Companies Covered
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Market Research Future (MRFR) has published a research report on the “Africa Explosives Market” that contains information from 2019 to 2035.


Africa Explosives Market is estimated to register a CAGR of 6.703% during the forecast period of 2025 to 2035.


MRFR recognizes the following companies as the key players in the Africa Explosives market — Orica Limited, MAXAM, Dyno Nobel, AECI Limited, BME (Bulk Mining Explosives), Sasol, Enaex Africa, Titanobel, Ideal Mining Services, EPC Groupe.


Africa Explosives Market Highlights          


Africa Explosives Market is accounted to register a CAGR of 6.703% during the forecast period and is estimated to reach USD 21,195.07  Million by 2035.


The top driver of the Africa explosives market is the surge in mining activity fuelled by the continent’s rich mineral reserves and growing global demand for critical raw materials. Africa is home to abundant resources such as gold, copper, cobalt, platinum, iron ore, diamonds, and increasingly sought-after battery minerals like lithium and graphite. As the global push for energy transition, electrification, and infrastructure development intensifies, so too does the demand for these essential materials—positioning Africa as a key supplier in the global supply chain. To meet this demand, both multinational mining corporations and local operators are expanding existing mines and launching new exploration projects, particularly in resource-rich countries like South Africa, Ghana, Zambia and Zimbabwe. These operations rely heavily on blasting as a primary method for rock fragmentation and ore extraction, directly driving the demand for bulk explosives, detonators, and advanced blasting services. Moreover, deeper mining operations, more complex ore bodies, and a shift toward efficiency and safety are fuelling the adoption of modern, high-precision explosive technologies, including electronic detonators and digital blast monitoring systems. With mining serving as a critical economic pillar for many African nations, this upward trajectory in resource extraction is expected to remain the most influential growth driver for the explosives market across the continent.


Segment Analysis


The Africa Explosives Market is segmented by type into Ammonium Nitrate Fuel Oil (ANFO), Bulk Emulsion Explosives, Cartridge Emulsion Explosives, Cartridge Water Gel Explosives, and Others. Among these, ANFO remains the dominant type due to its cost-effectiveness, ease of handling, and suitability for large-scale surface mining operations. Its widespread usage in open-pit mines across Africa underpins this segment’s substantial market share. However, Bulk Emulsion Explosives are gaining momentum as they offer enhanced water resistance, higher energy output, and better safety profiles, making them suitable for underground mining and complex blasting environments. Cartridge Emulsion and Water Gel explosives are also increasingly adopted in regions requiring precise blasting control and environmentally safer alternatives. Emerging trends point toward the continued innovation in explosive types to meet diverse operational and regulatory demands.


The market’s product segmentation includes Blasting Agents, Pyrotechnics, Propellants, and Others. Blasting Agents form the largest share, driven by their extensive application in mining and construction sectors where reliable and powerful rock fragmentation is critical. Pyrotechnics, though a smaller segment, cater to specialized needs such as signalling, defence applications, and controlled demolition. Propellants are mostly used in military and aerospace sectors and maintain a niche but steady demand. The “Others” category encompasses specialized explosives for niche industrial uses, including seismic exploration and mining support activities. Growth in infrastructure and mining activities across Africa will continue to boost demand across all product segments, with a significant focus on safety and environmental compliance.


In terms of application, the Africa Explosives Market is divided into Mining, Construction, Military & defence, and Others. The Mining segment dominates the market, accounting for the majority of explosive consumption due to Africa’s rich mineral reserves and ongoing expansion of mining operations. Explosives are essential for efficient extraction processes in gold, copper, diamonds, coal, and other mineral mines. The Construction sector is also growing rapidly, driven by urbanization and infrastructure projects requiring controlled blasting for tunnelling, roadworks, and excavation. The Military & Defence segment, while smaller, is critical for national security, involving specialized explosives for munitions, demolition, and training exercises. The “Others” category includes niche uses like industrial demolition and seismic surveys, which are gaining importance as technology adoption spreads.


Country-wise Analysis


Geographically, the Africa Explosives Market is segmented into South Africa, Botswana, Ghana, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Mali, and the Rest of Africa. South Africa leads the market due to its well-established mining industry, advanced supply chains, and regulatory frameworks supporting large-scale explosive usage. Ghana and Zambia follow closely, benefiting from booming gold and copper mining activities, respectively. Botswana and Zimbabwe are emerging players with growing diamond and lithium mining operations driving demand. Mali is notable for its rapidly expanding gold mining sector, increasing the need for efficient blasting solutions. The Rest of Africa segment covers countries such as the Democratic Republic of Congo, Tanzania, and Burkina Faso, where exploration and mining activities are increasing, setting the stage for future market growth.


 


Key Findings of the Study



  • Africa Explosives Market is expected to reach 21,195.07 USD Million by 2035, at a CAGR of 6.703% during the forecast period.

  • Based on Type, Ammonium Nitrate Fuel Oil (ANFO) segment was attributed to holding the largest market in 2024.

  • Based on Product, Blasting Agents holds the largest market segment in 2024.

  • Based on Application, the mining segment was attributed to holding the largest market in 2024.

  • Based on Country, South Africa holds the largest market segment in 2024.

  • Orica Limited, MAXAM, Dyno Nobel, AECI Limited, BME (Bulk Mining Explosives), Sasol, Enaex Africa, Titanobel, Ideal Mining Services, EPC Groupe are the key market players.


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