Abstract: An ANFO explosive composition includes a mixture of ammonium nitrate particles, an organic combustible fuel, and a chemical coupling agent having an aliphatic portion and an epoxy group. The chemical coupling agent may be selected from the group consisting of an epoxidized oil, an ester derivative of epoxidized oil and mixtures thereof. The use of such chemical coupling agents and a method of producing the ANFO explosive composition is also disclosed.

Abstract: A water resistant blasting explosive comprises an organic carbonaceous fuel, an inorganic oxidizing salt, and particulate filler material, wherein prior to exposing the particulate filler material and the inorganic oxidizing salt to the organic carbonaceous fuel, from about 15 to about 60 wt % of the particulate filler material and the inorganic oxidizing salt are retained on a Tyler 10 sieve, from about 15 to about 60 wt % of the particulate filler material and the inorganic oxidizing salt are retained on a Tyler 14 sieve and from about 20 to about 60 wt % of the particulate filler material and the inorganic oxidizing salt are retained on a Tyler 20 sieve. The explosive is further characterized in that it is effectively free of gelling agents. The explosive has good water resistance and explosive energy.

Abstract: A method of increasing the water resistance of a blasting explosive comprising an organic carbonaceous fuel, an inorganic oxidizing salt having a particular particle size distribution and a gelling agent comprising the step of adding to the blasting explosive a particulate filler material. The particle size distribution of the particulate filler material and the inorganic oxidizing salt are selected to increase the water resistance of the blasting explosive.