Abstract: An emulsion explosive composition is especially suited to being pneumatically loaded into a blasthole. The emulsion explosive composition includes a base emulsion phase which has a continuous fuel phase and a discontinuous oxidiser phase, wherein the viscosity of the base emulsion phase is less than 2000 cP (Brookfleld viscosity #4 spindle at 50 rpm) at 25°C.

Abstract: A voltage sensor (10) for monitoring electronic ignition circuits (1) which contains a plurality of igniters (4) connected to an ignition line (3) and an ignition device (2) connected to the ignition line (3) to program the electronic igniters (4). The voltage sensor (10) can be connected separately to the ignition line and contains a voltage measuring device (15) for measuring the voltage (U2) on the ignition line (3) at the voltage sensor (10). The voltage sensor (10) also contains a communications device (15, 17, 18, 19) for receiving a start signal from the ignition device (2) triggering the start of the voltage measurement and for transmitting to the ignition device (2) a measured value determined during the voltage measurement.

Abstract: A method of logging use of a non-electric detonator, which comprises recording identity data associated with the detonator at the time the detonator is being loaded in a blasthole, recording consumption of the detonator, and relating the identity data associated with the detonator to an inventory of non-electric detonators thereby allowing the inventory to be updated, wherein the identity data associated with the non-electric detonator are recorded using an electronic device.

Abstract: Primer casing (1) comprising sleeve portion (5) and leading portion (5a), wherein sleeve portion (5) includes tabs (6) to retain primer (11) and blasthole engagement means (2), and wherein leading portion (5a) comprises nose cone (8). Engagement means (2) comprises an array of rigid, multiple projections that are hinged and movable between a retracted position and a blasthole engagement position. Explosive loading hose (13) locales within hose receiving sleeve (7) and can be used to push primer casing (1) into the desired location within the blasthole prior to filling the blasthole with bulk explosive. Methods of loading a blasthole comprising inserting primer (11) into primer casing (1) and positioning primer casing (1) at a desired location in a blasthole are also described and claimed.

Abstract: Apparatus for delivering an emulsion explosives composition comprising unpressurized vessel (10) for storing or supplying the explosives composition to pressure chamber (1); sealable chamber inlet (2) for charging chamber (1) with emulsion explosives composition from vessel (10); and chamber outlet (4). Fluid pressure opening (6) applies a discharge pressure to chamber (1) for delivering emulsion explosives composition through outlet (4) to delivery hose (11) for charging blast holes. The apparatus is characterized by pressure chamber (1) having a maximum operating pressure and a volume such that the pressure volume (pV) value of chamber (1) is less than 10 MPaL.

Abstract: Blasting apparatuses and methods control actuation of a plurality of detonators, and involve the use of one or more authorization keys each associated with a blasting machine. The authorization key(s) are transferable from the blasting machine(s) to a central command station, each authorization key storing a data package comprising a randomly generated access code generated by its corresponding blasting machine. Transfer of the one or more authorization keys to a central command station allows the data packages (and associated randomly generated access codes) to be transmitted by the central command station for receipt by the blasting machine(s).

Abstract: A detonator device and assembly for the initiating a plurality of signal transmission lines with a pressure impulse. The detonator device comprising a detonator casing having a signal receiving end and a firing end. The firing end of the detonator device being substantially shaped to conform with the pressure impulse initiation therein. The firing end having a contact wall of substantially uniform thickness for contacting a plurality of signal transmission lines in a compatible connector element and transmitting a pressure impulse thereto.

Abstract: The invention of the present application provides a method of controlled blasting comprising dispersing an explosive (9) within a blasthole (1) to form a dispersed explosive having a lower average bulk density than said explosive (9) prior to dispersion and detonating said dispersed explosive. Typically the explosive (9) is dispersed in air, however the explosive (9) may be dispersed in other matrices such as other gases or liquids or in gases comprising particulate matter. The explosive (9) may be dispersed using a number of different techniques such as, using a discharge of pressurised fluid or by detonation of a small propellant charge or by falling under gravity in the blasthole. The invention of the present application is particularly useful where a reduced concentration of explosive energy is required such as in perimeter control, presplitting or soft rock conditions, can be controlled by a method which involves dispersion the explosives composition (9) within a blasthole prior to initiating the blast.

Abstract: A detonator assembly is provide which increases versatility, reliability and safety by initiating any amount of signal transmission lines up to about 8 without emitting excessive noise or shrapnel which can cause cut off or safety hazards. The detonator assembly comprises a low strength detonator with a single charge of preferably lead azide. A high confinement connection block houses the low strength detonator and comprises a retention block in which the low strength detonator is inserted and a confining wall which surrounds the closed end of the low strength detonator. One to about eight signal transmission lines can be inserted through a gap in the confining wall and operatively confined adjacent the closed end of the low strength detonator.

Abstract: The invention relates to an explosives booster (1) which can substantially enclose a detonator (2) and which comprises an integral fastening means (10) for positive retention of non-electric tubing (3) attached to the detonator (2). The primer formed by the combination of said booster and non-electric detonating assembly has improved handling characteristics and can better withstand rough handling.

Abstract: An electronic explosives initiating device which includes a firing element which has a designed no-fire voltage and an operating circuit which operates at any voltage in a range of voltages which straddles the designed no-fire voltage.

Abstract: An apparatus and process for the production of any emulsion explosives composition and loading it into a blast hole (7) which utilize a loading conduit (4) having a shear inducing means (5) and a liquid lubrication source (b) adapted to provide a layer of liquid lubricant between the conduit (4) and emulsion explosives composition being pumped through the loading conduit (4). The conduit also comprises a mixing means (8) located at or near the outlet of the conduit (4), the mixing means (8) incorporates at least some of the liquid layer into the emulsion explosives composition.

Abstract: A buffered emulsion blasting agent is disclosed, particularly suited for use in connection with sulfide and pyrite ores. The buffered emulsion blasting agent comprises an emulsifier, an organic fuel in continuous phase, an oxidizer salt solution in discontinuous phase, and a buffering agent comprising a low molecular weight amine. The low molecular weight amine is preferably an alkylamine or alkanolamine having carbon chain lengths of from 2 to 5 and is more preferably diethanolamine. The buffering agent is present in the buffered emulsion blasting agent in a weight percent that is preferably within a range of from approximately 0.1% to 5%, more preferably within a range of from approximately 0.5% to 1%, and most preferably approximately 0.75%.

Abstract: Water in oil emulsion explosives are prepared by a process in which diazonium salts are incorporated into the explosives matrix and decomposed in-situ.

Abstract: A low energy fuse in extruded as a single ply primary tube 1 from a plastic resin blend with particulate energetic material 2 being internally distributed in a manner known per se, said resin blend comprising a major amount of an orientable polymer, for example, linear low density polyethylene to provide structural integrity and a minor amount of a modifier to impart enhanced particle retentive properties to the tube and preferably also containing a polymer or copolymer to impart melt strength and aid in tube extrusion.