Abstract: A method for the pre-emulsification of fuel oil or other carbonaceous compound and water in the presence of one or more emulsifying compositions or emulsifier constituents, prior to the addition to and emulsification of an aqueous solution of the ammonium nitrate or other oxidizer salt. In contrast to compositions prepared by emulsifying all constituents simultaneously, the pre-emulsion of the fuel oil and water with fatty acid and salts and/or amines consistently enables preparation of emulsion-type explosive compositions having uniform, fine particle size. The emulsions thus produced detonate readily and are stable to cold (to -20.degree. C.), to heat (to 90.degree. C.) and to water (24 hour immersion).