Abstract: A shaped explosive charge 10 and a method of blasting a solid body 6 using the shaped explosive charge are provided. The explosive charge 10 comprises a first end 8 and a second end 9 and a mass of explosive material 14 towards the first end 8 thereof. It also comprises a housing 12 with a partition 32 and a peripheral skirt 18 which create a standoff space 20 between the mass of explosive material 14 and a surface of the solid body 6 exploded. In use, the explosive charge 10 is placed in a detonation position near, on or within the solid body 6 with the second end 9 thereof facing a surface of the body 6, and the mass of explosive material 14 is then detonated.