ORICA CELEBRATES 150 YEARS OF INNOVATION AND EXCELLENCE

By: Philippine Resources October 07, 2024

Orica Board of Directors and Executive Committee at Orica’s 150th Anniversary Gala

Orica, one of the world’s leading mining and infrastructure solutions providers is proud to be celebrating 150 years in operations

Founded in June 1874, a small company named Jones, Scott and Company emerged to supply explosives to those who sought fortune in the Victorian goldfields in Australia. Quickly expanding, the company merged with Nobel Explosives and later Imperial Chemical Industries (ICI). Dulux meanwhile began supplying paint to the Australian market in 1918 as part of the British Australian Lead Manufacturers (BALM) company which was partly purchased by ICI in 1928. ICI gained majority control in 1947 and 100 per cent control of Dulux in 1986. In 1998, ICI was listed on the Australian Securities Exchange (ASX) as Orica and has grown to be one of the world’s leading mining and infrastructure solutions providers with a market capitalisation nearing $9 billion.

Orica’s international presence includes the Philippines, a hub for Orica Global Business Services. For over 50 years, Orica Philippines has supported the mining and civil construction sectors and now operates a major manufacturing facility in Limay, Bataan, exporting products worldwide.

Gordon Wallace, Country Director Orica Philippines gave a speech during the 150 celebration at Orica Philippines

 

Reflecting on the company's rich and impactful history, Orica Chairman Malcolm Broomhead said:

"From our explosive beginnings to our global presence in more than 100 countries today, Orica has been an integral part of the Australian and international manufacturing industry, creating products that have transformed everyday life. As we celebrate 150 years, we look back at a story of resilience, innovation, and the unwavering commitment of our people.

“Over the years, Orica has expanded its footprint, embracing new categories, businesses, capabilities, end markets, and geographies, becoming a multi-billion-dollar global organisation. Orica’s 150th milestone is a testament to the company’s strength, adaptability, and ability to thrive in a constantly evolving business landscape.”

Innovation has been a part of Orica’s DNA since Alfred Nobel’s pioneering days and its commitment to research-led innovation remains unwavering, helping to shape the industry while providing essential support for its people, customers, and communities in which it operates. Some of Orica’s innovations include the creation of Perspex, the build of Australia’s first skyscraper, the world’s first wireless blasting solution WebGen™, Exel Neo TM the world’s first lead free detonator and most recently, the first blast using low-carbon ammonium nitrate in partnership with Fertiberia.

Orica's commitment to safety, the environment, and community engagement has been pivotal to its success. Partnering for progress with customers and stakeholders to find solutions to the industry’s biggest challenges and enabling the global transition to a lower carbon future.

Today, Orica’s team of more than 12,500 engineers, scientists, technologists, operators, business specialists and on-site crew support customers in surface and underground mines, quarry, construction, tunnelling and oil and gas operations in over 100 countries around the world.

Orica is focused on mobilising the materials, metals and minerals required to help the global economy grow and transition to net zero emissions, advancing technology and innovation across the mining and infrastructure value chains while accelerating its own decarbonisation with an ambition to achieve net zero emissions by 2050.


Related Articles

Recent Articles

See Our Latest Issue

See Our Latest Issue

See Our Latest Issue

See Our Latest Issue