Category: News

April 15, 2025 By mmsmccom

Transformative Impacts: How lower Likhu Hydropower benefits in sustainable development

The Lower Likhu Hydropower Project (28.1 Mw) is runoff river type project located at Ramechhap and Okhaldhunga Districts. The total length of the tunnel is 4797 m, and the excavation of tunnel is done by traditional drilling and blasting process. MMSM helped overcome the challenges by supplying the necessary explosive technologies.

Project Overview:

Project Name	Lower Likhu Hydropower
Project Location	Likhu River
Project District	Ramechhap, Nepal
Project Capacity	28.1 MW

Various tunneling challenges were faced by this hydropower project due to complex geology in the Himalayan region such as high overburden pressure areas, rock bursts and spalling etc. MMSM worked effectively in the supply of explosives to this project, the supply of explosives such as detonators, detonating cords, non-electric detonators etc has led in timely completion of the project. MMSM used the product of ORICA, the worlds renowned manufactures of explosives. MMSM also provided necessary training and awareness about the sustainable ways of blasting without affecting the environment, management of the vibrations that disrupt the local and natural commodities.

Even though the challenges faced by this project such as local communities’ disruption, the project now has been sourcing for many benefits. Generating employment opportunities, boost of local business, water management, empowering the household and industries etc that helped in sustainable development of that area. MMSM as the explosive partner for this project takes pride in contributing to this impact through safer, smarter tunneling solutions.

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April 1, 2025 By mmsmccom

Cut in Supply of Electric Detonators by Mohanman Shaktiman

Starting April 1, 2025 the use of traditional electric detonators will be officially banned, marking a significant shift in the explosives industry. The ban aims to enhance safety and efficiency by the use of electronic detonators, which offer more accuracy and reliability.

Government of India and Mohanman Shaktiman’s decision to phase out electric detonators marks a significant shift in the blasting industry, reflecting a global move toward safer and more technologically advanced alternatives. With the reduction in electric detonator supply, Mohanman Shaktiman will adopt to Orica’s electronic blasting systems. Orica, a global leader in explosives and mining solutions, offers cutting-edge electronic detonator technologies that provide advance safety, efficiency, and environmental benefits.

Comparing Electric and Electronic Detonators

Feature	Electric Detonators	Electronic Detonators
Safety	High risk of accidental initiation	Resistant to EMI and stray currents
Precision	Millisecond inaccuracy	Highly precise timing
Synchronization	Limited control over sequencing	Advanced sequential blasting capability
Remote Control	Not possible	Possible with some systems
Cost	Lower initial cost	Higher initial cost but more efficient in the long run

Electric detonators have been widely used in Nepal’s major infrastructure projects, such as hydropower development, road construction, and mining operations. These detonators help in controlled rock blasting, tunnel excavation, and site preparation. However, they come with significant risk such as accidental initiation, uneven blasting due to timing accuracy and so on.
To overcome such risk MMSM shift towards using electronic detonators in Nepal, through this Nepal’s projects can benefit from enhanced safety, improved blast accuracy, and better environmental control, ensuring efficient and hazard-free execution of large-scale construction and mining operations.

What Makes Electronic Detonators a Better Choice?

Electronic detonators, which are now set to replace electric ones, come with advanced features that improve overall blasting safety and effectiveness. Their advantages include:

Improved Safety: Electronic detonators use encrypted digital signals for activation, making them immune to accidental initiation by stray currents or EMI.
Higher Precision: They allow for millisecond-level timing accuracy, ensuring better fragmentation, controlled vibrations, and reduced fly rock.
Better Synchronization: They enable sequential blasting with high accuracy, which optimizes energy release and minimizes environmental impact.
Remote Monitoring & Control: Some electronic detonator systems can be programmed and monitored remotely, reducing the need for personnel to be near the blast zone.

In this critical but much-needed transition, MMSM will provide guidance and support in all aspects of change that impact the environment. Additionally, it will play a key role in logistics and the supply of innovative tunneling technology, ensuring the efficient and sustainable development of explosives and tunneling operations.

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March 24, 2025 By mmsmccom

Nagdhunga Tunnel – MMSM contributions

The Nagdhunga Tunnel, Nepal’s first mountainous road tunnel, is a 2.688-kilometer-long project aimed at improving the road connectivity. The project, which started in October 21, 2019 is designed to connect Nagdhunga Pass in Kathmandu to Sisnekhola in Dhading district and is part of the Tribhuvan Highway. The tunnel has a height of 8.3 meters and a lane width of 9.5 meters. Therefore, the Nagdhunga Tunnel Project is a game-changer for Nepal’s road infrastructure, aiming to reduce travel time, ease traffic congestion, and improve connectivity between Kathmandu and the western regions of Nepal.

Since 1953 Mohanman Shaktiman (MMSM) has played a significant role in supply of raw materials (Cement, Steels, Explosives) for construction of Tribhuvan Highway, till today MMSM sourced for supply of new innovative technologies for construction of Naghdhunga Tunneling Project. Tunneling in mountainous terrain presents unique geological challenges. To ensure smooth progress,MMSM supplied high-quality explosives and explosive materials from Orica, World’s leading manufacturer of explosives and mining solutions and provide training facilities. Thus, this led to safe and controlled blasting to break through tough rock formation, timely excavation, and minimized environmental impacts.

Even though the Covid 19 pandemic disrupted the logistics and supply chain worldwide. Despite this hurdles MMSM was committed to delivering materials on time, MMSM team worked relentlessly to ensure that the tunneling project continued without delays, recognizing its significance in enhancing Nepal’s transportation network.

Despite obstacles such as the COVID-19 pandemic, local challenges, geological difficulties, and environmental concerns, the Naghdhunga Tunneling Project is now in its final stage, with approximately 87 percent of the construction work completed. Even with the rapid progress of construction, it will take a year before the tunnel route is ready for vehicle operation. Once the project is completed it will take seven minutes to travel from Sisnekhola to Balambu. Additionally, the flyover towards Balambu is in its final stage, with about 97 percent of the work already completed. Thus, by the end of 2025, the tunnel is expected to be softly opened.

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March 17, 2025 By mmsmccom

Enhancing Blasting Efficiency with Electronic Detonators

Blasting operations play a crucial role in mining, tunneling, and construction projects, where precision and control are vital for achieving optimal results. One of the most significant advancements in blasting technology is the use of electronic detonators, which offer highly precise delay timings. This precision directly impacts blast performance by reducing overbreaks, minimizing vibrations, and achieving greater pull and advance rates. Compared to traditional electric or non-electric systems, electronic detonators provide superior control over the blast sequence, leading to more efficient fragmentation and reduced material wastage.

One of the key advantages of electronic detonators is their ability to significantly reduce overbreaks. In tunneling and underground mining, excessive breakage beyond the intended blast perimeter can lead to structural instability and additional support costs. By ensuring millisecond-level accuracy in delay sequencing, electronic detonators help control the extent of rock breakage, preserving the integrity of surrounding structures and reducing the need for post-blast scaling and reinforcement. Additionally, the controlled energy release minimizes ground vibrations, which is critical in sensitive areas where excessive vibrations can damage nearby infrastructure or cause safety hazards.

Another major benefit of using electronic detonators is their ability to deliver greater pull and advance rates in blasting cycles. Traditional detonators often suffer from inaccuracies in delay timing, leading to inefficient energy distribution and uneven rock fragmentation. Electronic detonators, on the other hand, allow for optimized timing sequences, ensuring better rock displacement and improved face advance per blast. This leads to higher productivity, reduced downtime, and better overall cost efficiency in large-scale excavation projects.

From a safety perspective, electronic detonators offer substantial advantages over electric detonators. Unlike electric detonators, which are susceptible to stray electrical currents, radio frequency interference, and misfires, electronic systems provide enhanced security through encrypted communication and programmability. Additionally, electronic detonators allow for real-time diagnostics and verification before initiation, reducing the risks of unexpected failures or misfires. The improved precision and control over initiation sequences also minimize fly-rock incidents, making blasting operations safer for workers and surrounding environments. Overall, the shift towards electronic detonators represents a significant leap in both operational efficiency and workplace safety in the blasting industry.

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March 11, 2025 By mmsmccom

Government of India to Discontinue Electric Detonators from March 30, 2025: A Safer, More Productive Future with Electronic

Detonators

The Government of India has officially announced the discontinuation of electric detonators, effective March 30, 2025. This decisive move is aimed at enhancing safety standards and improving blasting efficiency in mining, construction, and infrastructure projects. As industries transition to electronic detonators, Orica is at the forefront of this change, introducing its cutting-edge TigerDet Electronic Detonators along with an advanced Blaster system.

Why Shift from Electric to Electronic Detonators?

Enhanced Safety

Electric detonators are prone to unintentional initiation due to stray currents, static electricity, and radio frequency interference (RFI). This poses a significant hazard in high-risk environments like tunneling and mining. Electronic detonators offer superior protection by eliminating these risks, ensuring controlled and precise initiation.

Superior Accuracy and Precision

Unlike traditional electric detonators, electronic detonators provide microsecond accuracy in timing. This results in better fragmentation, reduced overbreak, and minimal vibration, which is especially crucial in sensitive projects such as tunnel construction.

Higher Productivity and Cost-Efficiency

The precision of electronic detonators ensures optimized rock breakage, reducing the need for secondary blasting and minimizing excavation costs. This leads to faster project completion, lower downtime, and improved overall efficiency.

Impact on Tunneling Projects in Nepal

Nepal’s infrastructure landscape is witnessing rapid transformation, with several ambitious tunneling projects underway. The adoption of electronic detonators will bring unmatched safety and efficiency to these projects. With improved blast control, tunneling in challenging terrains will become more predictable and environmentally friendly, reducing the impact on surrounding structures.

Orica’s TigerDet: Leading the Future of Blasting

To support this transition, Orica is set to launch TigerDet Electronic Detonators, a state-of-the-art solution designed to maximize safety and performance. The system will be complemented by a high-tech Blaster, ensuring smooth operation and reliable initiation.

Orica is also committed to training all customers in handling and using electronic detonators effectively. This initiative will equip industry professionals with the knowledge and skills required to ensure a seamless shift from electric to electronic systems.

Preparing for the Transition

With the deadline approaching, companies and contractors must take proactive steps to upgrade their blasting systems. Orica’s customer training programs will be instrumental in ensuring a smooth adoption of electronic detonators in compliance with regulatory changes.

The shift to electronic detonators is not just a regulatory requirement, it is a transformative step towards a safer, more efficient, and technologically advanced future in blasting operations. With Orica leading the way with TigerDet, the industry is poised for a significant leap in safety and productivity.

For more details on TigerDet and Orica’s training programs, stay tuned for upcoming workshops and demonstrations.

Are you ready for the transition? Contact Orica today to learn more about TigerDet and the future of safe and efficient blasting!

News

September 18, 2024 By mmsmccom

Mohanman Shaktiman Pioneers Underground Construction Solutions in Nepal

Kathmandu, Nepal – Mohanman Shaktiman (MMSM), a leading provider of underground construction solutions, continues to make significant strides in the infrastructure sector of Nepal. Since its establishment in 1950, MMSM has evolved from a supplier of essential construction materials to a specialist in advanced tunneling and excavation services.

As the demand for underground construction grows, particularly in hydropower, roads, and irrigation projects, MMSM is at the forefront, delivering innovative solutions that meet the challenges of modern engineering. The company partners with globally recognized manufacturers, including ORICA and Robbins, to supply high-quality explosives and Tunnel Boring Machines (TBMs), ensuring that projects are executed with precision and efficiency.

In response to the complex regulatory environment, MMSM offers comprehensive support for obtaining the necessary permits and No Objection Certificates (NOCs) for importing explosives. Their experienced team navigates these processes to streamline operations for clients, facilitating timely project execution.

MMSM also prioritizes safety and compliance by managing the logistics of transporting explosives under strict supervision from the Nepal Army. This commitment to safety is further reflected in their technical support and training programs, designed to enhance the skills of engineers and local workforce members.

“Our vision is to elevate underground construction practices in Nepal by providing top-notch products and services while developing the local workforce to meet global standards,” said Mr. Binaya M. Shrestha, Chairman of MMSM. “We aspire to be a driving force in the nation’s infrastructure development.”

Recent successes include the completion of major projects like the Kaligandaki and Bheri Babai Diversion Multipurpose Projects, which showcase MMSM’s expertise in both traditional and mechanized tunneling methods.

As MMSM continues to innovate and expand its services, the company remains committed to building a sustainable future for Nepal’s infrastructure landscape.

For more information, visit www.mmsmc.com

Feel free to modify any part or let me know if you need additional details!

Arun-III Hydroelectric Project SJVN Completes 11.8 KM Head Race Tunnel in Nepal

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June 4, 2024 By mmsmccom

Arun-III Hydroelectric Project: SJVN Completes 11.8 KM Head Race Tunnel in Nepal

June 4, 2024 – Sankhuwasabha, Nepal

Sutlej Jal Vidyut Nigam (SJVN), a prominent Indian public sector undertaking, has successfully achieved a significant milestone in the construction of the Arun-III Hydroelectric Project. The company has completed the excavation of an 11.837 kilometer main head race tunnel for the project, which is expected to generate 900 megawatts (MW) of power. This landmark achievement marks a crucial step towards realizing Nepal’s renewable energy potential.

The Arun-III project, situated in the Sankhuwasabha district of Nepal, is poised to play a vital role in the region’s energy landscape. The project not only aims to enhance Nepal’s energy security but also seeks to facilitate cross-border electricity trade between India and Nepal, further strengthening bilateral ties.

The successful excavation of the head race tunnel was accomplished using ORICA explosives and accessories, which were the preferred choice of the contractors for this phase of construction. The advanced technology and efficient blasting techniques employed have minimized environmental impact while ensuring the structural integrity of the tunnel.

In addition to its energy generation capabilities, the Arun-III project is expected to create numerous job opportunities in the region, contributing to local economic development. The project will also focus on sustainable practices, including the implementation of environmental management plans to mitigate any potential ecological impacts.

The Arun-III Hydroelectric Project is part of a broader strategy to tap into Nepal’s abundant hydropower resources, which are estimated to exceed 80,000 MW. With the completion of the head race tunnel, SJVN is on track to meet its project timelines, with further phases of construction expected to progress smoothly.

As Nepal continues to develop its hydropower infrastructure, projects like Arun-III are crucial in addressing energy demands, promoting sustainability, and enhancing regional cooperation in the energy sector. The successful collaboration between Indian and Nepali stakeholders in this project serves as a model for future initiatives aimed at harnessing the region’s renewable energy potential.

With the groundwork laid, SJVN remains committed to completing the Arun-III Hydroelectric Project on schedule, contributing to a greener, more sustainable future for Nepal and the surrounding region.

Robbins TBM Achieves Major Milestone 13.2 KM Tunnel for Sunkoshi Marin Diversion Project Completed 7 Months Early

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May 8, 2024 By mmsmccom

Robbins TBM Achieves Major Milestone: 13.2 KM Tunnel for Sunkoshi Marin Diversion Project Completed 7 Months Early

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he Sunkoshi Marin Diversion Multipurpose Project (SMDMP) has celebrated a significant achievement with the early breakthrough of its 13.2 kilometer tunnel, completed in just 20 months—almost 7 months ahead of the planned schedule. This remarkable success highlights the effective partnership between Robbins, renowned for its tunnel boring machines (TBM), and the prime contractor, China Overseas Engineering Group (COVEC). The expedited completion of the tunnel is crucial for the SMDMP, which aims to optimize water resource management for irrigation and hydropower generation in the region. The efficient excavation process not only showcases advanced mechanized tunneling techniques but also reflects the collaboration’s ability to navigate complex geological conditions. Experts in the field have commended the project for its innovative approach to tunnel excavation, marking it as a benchmark for future infrastructure endeavors in Nepal. As the project moves forward, stakeholders are optimistic about the positive impact it will have on local agriculture and energy supply, ultimately enhancing the quality of life for communities in the area.

Kabeli III Hydropower Project 1.87 KM Tunnel Breakthrough Achieved in Just 12 Months

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April 4, 2024 By mmsmccom

Kabeli III Hydropower Project: 1.87 KM Tunnel Breakthrough Achieved in Just 12 Months

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beli Hydropower Company Limited has marked a significant milestone with the successful breakthrough of its 1.87 kilometer-long headrace tunnel for the Kabeli III Hydropower Project. Remarkably completed in just 12 months, this achievement underscores the efficiency and effectiveness of the project team and the advanced techniques employed.

The Kabeli III project, which has a capacity of 21.93 megawatts (MW), is set to play a pivotal role in enhancing Nepal’s renewable energy generation and meeting the growing electricity demands of the region. The completion of the headrace tunnel is crucial for the project, facilitating the diversion of water from the Kabeli River to the hydropower station.

The success of this phase was significantly supported by ORICA, a global leader in blasting technology. ORICA provided a range of blasting materials along with regular training and optimization services, ensuring that the project team utilized the latest techniques for safe and efficient excavation. This collaboration not only enhanced productivity but also prioritized safety and environmental considerations throughout the tunneling process.

Local officials and stakeholders have expressed optimism about the project’s completion, highlighting its potential to contribute to energy security and economic development in the region. The Kabeli III Hydropower Project is expected to create job opportunities and promote local infrastructure development, thereby benefiting the community.

As the project progresses, Kabeli Hydropower Company Limited remains committed to maintaining high standards of quality and efficiency, aiming to deliver the completed hydropower plant on schedule. The successful breakthrough of the tunnel is a promising sign of the project’s potential to significantly contribute to Nepal’s renewable energy landscape.

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Comparing Electric and Electronic Detonators

What Makes Electronic Detonators a Better Choice?

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