IDL Explosives Limited, a group company of Apollo Micro Systems Limited, has commissioned a new bulk explosives silo unit at Bolkunda near Asansol, West Bengal. The facility has a capacity of 9,000 metric tonnes and is spread across 8.4 acres. The unit was inaugurated on October 22 by Baddam Karunakar Reddy, Founder and Managing Director of Apollo Group, in the presence of senior representatives from Apollo Group and IDL Explosives. The inauguration was followed by a tree plantation programme at the facility.
Located in the Eastern and Central Coal Belt, the Bolkunda unit will supply site-mixed bulk explosives to mining operations of Eastern Coalfields Limited, Central Coalfields Limited and other regional customers. The facility is expected to strengthen IDL Explosives’ ability to serve mining sites with explosives prepared and delivered at the point of use.
Bulk explosives silos store emulsion matrix, which is converted into explosives near the mining site when required. This approach reduces the need to transport finished explosives over long distances and supports safer handling and delivery. It also allows suppliers to align deliveries more closely with the operating requirements of mines.
The commissioning expands IDL Explosives’ network of bulk explosives plants and silos across India. It also adds capacity to serve long-term bulk explosives orders secured from subsidiaries of Coal India earlier this year. The new facility forms part of Apollo Group’s plans to expand its energetics business. By placing additional infrastructure closer to mining customers, the company aims to improve delivery capabilities and strengthen its presence in key coal-producing regions.
Bulk explosives are used in mining operations that require controlled blasting for the extraction of coal and other minerals. Silo-based infrastructure supports the preparation and delivery of these products at mining sites, making proximity to customers an important part of operations.
IDL Explosives Limited is the energetics business of Apollo Group and one of India’s established commercial explosives companies. Its operations include manufacturing plants and a nationwide network of bulk explosives silos serving major mining customers. Its product portfolio covers packaged and bulk explosives for mining and infrastructure applications. The company also supports Apollo Group’s expansion plans in defence energetics.
Apollo Micro Systems Limited, listed on the NSE and BSE, is headquartered in Hyderabad and develops and manufactures mission-critical defence electronics and electro-mechanical systems for land, air, sea and space applications. Its customers include the Defence Research and Development Organisation, the Indian Armed Forces and defence public sector undertakings. Along with IDL Explosives, the Apollo Group is developing capabilities across weapon electronics, weapon systems and defence energetics.
