ArcelorMittal shatters recordswith a 9.6 million tonne blast at Mont-Wright

Mont-Wright, February 26, 2026 – ArcelorMittal Mining Canada (“ArcelorMittal”) has reached a new milestone by carrying out an exceptional blast of more than 9.6 million tonnes at its MontWright mining complex. This record-breaking operation, made possible by the expertise and rigour of our teams, has once again raised the bar for mining production.

The blast combined two panels of different sizes. The main panel, weighing a total of 9.3 million tonnes, required 3.4 million kilograms of explosives. This is a new world record for a single panel, surpassing the previous record of 3 million kilograms of explosives used in the blast on November 5.

A nearby panel triggered in the same operation added 370,000 tonnes and 276,000 kilograms of explosives, bringing the combined total to over 9.6 million tonnes of dynamite and over 3.6 million kilograms of explosives loaded. Another record for the Mont-Wright teams, who also used 7,962 detonators to carry out this large-scale operation.

A groundbreaking collective achievement
Each stage of this large-scale blast was carried out according to the highest health, safety and environmental standards. A comprehensive evacuation plan, a properly established safety perimeter and the use of advanced sequencing technologies ensured precise detonator initiation, optimized fragmentation control and minimized environmental impacts. The explosives contained a cutting-edge additive that helps limit gas emissions and, consequently, the environmental footprint of the operation.

“After the historic blast on November 5, we knew we could go even further,” said Mapi Mobwano, President and CEO. “This new milestone is proof that our teams are constantly raising the bar while remaining committed to safety and environmental responsibility.

The operation, which took place in Pit A of the Mont Survie sector, required the expertise of specialists in mining engineering, geology, surveying, operations, health and safety and the environment. Through tight coordination, the teams ensured the stability of the site and minimized seismic and environmental impacts.

This new record blast once again demonstrates ArcelorMittal’s ability to innovate and push the boundaries, while keeping safety, the environment and operational excellence at the heart of its activities

About ArcelorMittal Infrastructure Canada and ArcelorMittal Mining Canada

Subsidiaries of ArcelorMittal, a leading steel company and one of the five biggest iron ore producers in the world, ArcelorMittal Infrastructure Canada (“AMIC”) and ArcelorMittal Mining Canada G.P. (“AMMC”) are two complementary companies operating in Quebec’s North Shore region. AMIC transports concentrate between Mont-Wright and Port-Cartier and operates a seaport at Port-Cartier, allowing AMMC products to be transported and shipped to four continents. AMMC produces concentrate and iron oxide pellets for the steel market. The two companies employ nearly 3,000 people, making ArcelorMittal the biggest employer on the North Shore.

To learn more: mines-infrastructure-arcelormittal.com/en