Abstract: A blasting explosive composition containing a solid inorganic oxidising salt as the oxidizer component, a hydrocarbon liquid as the fuel component, and a binding agent. The composition can also contain an ammonium nitrate based emulsion. The binding agent can increase the water resistance, or increase the sleep time, of the explosive composition, or increase the fuel oil absorbency of the solid inorganic oxidising salt. The binding agent is selected from one or more of a long chain carboxylic acid and its salts and derivatives, especially those having from 8 to 100 or preferably 10 to 50 carbon units. The binding agent may preferably be selected from one or more of: dimer acid, trimer acid, polyisobutylene succinic anhydride, oleic acid, stearic acid, sorbitan tristearate, and their salts and esters.

Abstract: Explosive compositions including coated urea and an explosive including ammonium nitrate and fuel oil are provided. The explosive compositions can generate reduced levels of nitrogen oxide upon detonation. Methods of loading a blasthole with the explosive compositions and methods of reducing post-blast nitrogen oxide are also provided.

Abstract: A blasting explosive composition containing a solid inorganic oxidising salt as the oxidizer component, a hydrocarbon liquid as the fuel component, and a binding agent. The composition can also contain an ammonium nitrate based emulsion. The binding agent can increase the water resistance, or increase the sleep time, of the explosive composition, or increase the fuel oil absorbency of the solid inorganic oxidising salt. The binding agent is selected from one or more of a long chain carboxylic acid and its salts and derivatives, especially those having from 8 to 100 or preferably 10 to 50 carbon units. The binding agent may preferably be selected from one or more of: dimer acid, trimer acid, polyisobutylene succinic anhydride, oleic acid, stearic acid, sorbitan tristearate, and their salts and esters.