AECI unveils SmartShot Nano at Mining Indaba 2026, bringing electronic precision to smaller blasts

At Mining Indaba 2026, AECI is stepping into the spotlight with a solution designed to meet one of mining’s most practical challenges: delivering electronic blasting precision without the complexity and scale of large systems.

As a mining solutions partner integrating explosives and electronic initiation, AECI is showcasing SmartShot Nano, a compact electronic initiation system developed for small to medium blasts within an integrated blasting workflow.

Designed with constrained environments in mind, SmartShot Nano extends the benefits of electronic initiation to development ends, trim shots, narrow access areas and short-separation work fronts, places where crews still need disciplined timing, but also value speed, portability and simplicity.

“SmartShot Nano is about precision without the burden of scale,” says Hendrik Botha, Global Portfolio Manager, Mining Explosives and Initiating Systems at AECI. “We designed it for smaller patterns and constrained spaces where crews still need disciplined timing and a straightforward setup they can trust.”

Smaller blasting scenarios often sit at the intersection of technical accuracy and practical execution. Crews must manage vibration control, clean breaks and safety requirements, while working in tight spaces and under time pressure. Traditional electronic systems can be more than what these environments require, while non-electronic options may compromise timing accuracy.

SmartShot Nano has been developed to bridge this gap. The handheld system is designed to deliver precise timing control for small to medium blasts while keeping setup and firing processes familiar and efficient.

According to AECI’s Mining Indaba product introduction, SmartShot Nano is capable of handling up to 400 detonators per channel, making it suitable for compact blast designs. It is compatible with the CE4 tagger and uses an NFC blast card for secure initiation, supporting both surface and underground operations with harness wire lengths tailored for smaller patterns.

“Not every blast needs a full-scale system, but every blast benefits from precision,” adds Morne Stiglingh, Vice President: Strategic Marketing and Technology, Mining Explosives at AECI. “SmartShot Nano keeps the workflow familiar so crews can focus on timing quality and blast discipline.”

The system has been developed for a range of use cases, including development ends, trim work, quarry benches and underground areas with limited access. Importantly, SmartShot Nano is designed to integrate into AECI’s broader electronic initiation ecosystem, allowing operations to scale or adapt as project requirements change.

During Mining Indaba 2026, AECI teams are engaging directly with customers to discuss how SmartShot Nano can be aligned with local geology, safety standards and operational procedures. Detailed technical guidance and application support are available at the AECI stand and through post-event engagements.

“Electronic precision should be available wherever crews work. SmartShot Nano brings control to smaller patterns without adding steps, helping teams keep work moving and outcomes predictable,” concludes Botha.