New civil explosives innovation hub launches in Xi'an to drive smart and green industry development

On May 29, a number of new research institutions under the Jiangnan Civil Explosives Innovation Research Institute were officially inaugurated in Xi'an, advancing the intelligent, green and high-quality development of China's civil explosion industry.

The newly launched innovation platform includes branch institutes in Xi'an and Xinjiang, along with six specialized research centers dedicated to safety technology, industrial detonators, automotive safety systems, special blasting, petroleum explosives and weather modification technologies. The unveiling ceremony brought together industry experts, researchers and enterprise representatives from across the sector.
The Jiangnan Civil Explosives Innovation Research Institute is a high-level R&D platform established by North Special Energy Group and Anhui Jiangnan Chemical Industry Co Ltd. As China's leading civil explosives enterprise and a pioneer in the internationalization of the industry, North Special Energy Group integrates key resources across the entire civil explosives value chain, from core raw materials and industrial explosives to detonators, oil and gas perforating equipment and blasting services.
Designed to coordinate innovation resources and build a national hub for civil explosives technology, the institute operates under a "4+3+8" innovation framework, consisting of four administrative departments, three branch institutes and eight specialized research institutes. The Xi'an Branch focuses on fundamental research and key technological breakthroughs, while the Xinjiang Branch emphasizes scenario-based applications and field testing. The six specialized institutes are dedicated to advancing technologies in their respective sectors, creating a collaborative innovation network that spans basic research, technology development, commercialization and industrial application.
During the event, the institute unveiled the "Seven-Star Pilot" intelligent blasting technology brand matrix, together with a series of new technological achievements. These included an intelligent blasting technology system and design software platform, as well as cottonseed oil-based ANFO (ammonium nitrate / fuel oil) explosives suitable for a wide range of operational environments. The new technologies are expected to accelerate the industry's transition toward digitalized, precision-controlled and environmentally friendly blasting solutions.

The event also highlighted the group's contributions to major national infrastructure projects. North Special Energy Group has provided key blasting and engineering support for a number of landmark projects, including the Xi'an–Ankang Railway, expressway construction projects across Shaanxi province, and the West Route of the South-to-North Water Diversion Project. With the establishment of the innovation institute in Xi'an, Shaanxi further strengthens its position as an important center for technological innovation and industrial development in China's civil explosives sector.
Looking ahead, the institute will align its research efforts with practical demands in mining, engineering construction and energy development. By accelerating the application of intelligent blasting software, advanced materials and high-end equipment, it aims to transform scientific achievements into industrial competitiveness and inject new momentum into the high-quality development of China's civil explosives industry.
The launch of the institute is expected to enhance the industry's capacity for independent innovation, contributing to China's pursuit of higher-level scientific and technological self-reliance.