PESO Notifies Discontinuation of Electric Detonators for Civil Use

Introduction

In a major regulatory shift, the Petroleum and Explosives Safety Organization (PESO) has issued a directive Discontinuation Electric Detonators by PESO for civil applications. This decision, made in coordination with industry stakeholders and the Standing Committee on Explosives, is part of PESO’s commitment to enhancing safety, standardization, and digital traceability in explosive usage. The transition emphasizes the nationwide adoption of Non-Electric Detonators (NONEL) and Electronic Detonators, both considered safer and technologically superior alternatives.

Let’s break down the key aspects of this directive and what it means for explosive manufacturers, mining operators, and infrastructure contractors.

Why Electric Detonators Are Being Phased Out

Electric detonators, though long used in civil blasting, present risks such as:

Accidental initiation due to stray currents or static discharge
Poor reliability in adverse weather or high-voltage environments
Lack of precise delay control compared to electronic alternatives

On the other hand, NONEL and Electronic Detonators offer:

Higher operational safety
Accurate timing for sequential blasts
Reduced vibration and air blast effects
Enhanced digital traceability

Key Directives Issued by PESO

Manufacture and Sale Ban
- The manufacture and sale of electric detonators for civil use shall be discontinued.
No New Approvals
- PESO will not approve any new licenses or facilities for electric detonators intended for civil applications.
Inventory Liquidation
- Existing stock may be used until completely exhausted. No new batches will be permitted post cut-off.
Replacement with Safer Alternatives
- All users must switch to NONEL or Electronic Detonators, already approved for use in civil sectors such as mining, tunneling, construction, and quarrying.

Industry Consultation and Approval

This move follows:

Extensive consultations with explosive manufacturers, mining companies, and defense authorities
Recommendations by the Standing Committee on Explosives, supporting the switch for civilian use only
Alignment with global best practices in explosive safety management

Impacted Sectors

The directive directly affects:

Commercial explosive manufacturers
Coal and non-coal mining firms
Hydro and tunnel contractors
Infrastructure and road construction projects
Licensed explosive storage facilities

Transition Guidelines

Entities using electric detonators must:

Train staff on handling NONEL and Electronic Detonators
Update storage and inventory records
Apply for modification in license terms if necessary
Dispose of expired or surplus electric detonators via authorized procedures

Regulatory Compliance

PESO has advised all relevant authorities, including:

Chief Controllers and Controllers of Explosives
Licensing and regulatory bodies
State mining departments
Industrial safety organizations

To ensure strict adherence to this discontinuation and assist users in transitioning smoothly.

Conclusion

PESO’s decision to discontinue electric detonators for civil use represents a leap toward modernized and safer blasting technologies in India. It aligns regulatory policy with emerging safety protocols and global advancements in explosive control. All stakeholders must act promptly to switch to certified alternatives and comply with the directive to avoid disruptions in operations or violations.

Download: Discontinuation Electric Detonators PESO Order Explained