Abstract: The density of ammonium nitrate-based mining explosives, such as ANFO, heavy ANFO and emulsion explosives, is lowered by adding an expanded grain, such as expanded popcorn, expanded rice, or expanded wheat, to the explosive. As much as 10% of the explosive composition may be an expanded grain. The present invention may be used with porous ammonium nitrate, dense agricultural grade ammonium nitrate, crystalline ammonium nitrate, and ground ammonium nitrate.

Abstract: An improved method of gassing and controlling the density of emulsion explosive compositions is provided. The emulsion explosive compositions of interest include an oxidizer salt, carbonaceous fuel, and an emulsifier. In addition, a catalyst, such as a salt or oxide of iron, copper, or manganese may be added to the explosive composition as a catalyst. The explosive composition is gassed by adding thereto a quantity of a second emulsion which includes an aqueous solution of hydrogen peroxide, a carbonaceous fuel, and an emulsifier. Oxygen gas bubbles are produced throughout the explosive composition by the degradation of the hydrogen peroxide, which may be catalyzed by the metal salt catalyst. The invention provides more uniform gas bubble distribution within the emulsion explosive composition.

Abstract: A blasting composition for use in boreholes of diameter not less than 80 mm. The composition contains more than about 25% of solid oxidiser particles such as limestone ammonium nitrate. These particles are in the form of dense prills, granules or crystals and about 80% of them have a minimum thickness in the range of 1/200 to 1/75 of borehole diameter.

Abstract: A slurry explosive composition comprising of inorganic salt, fuel, and a liquid solvent, disperser or carrier for the salt, the composition also containing, as sensitizer a synergistic mixture of polyvinyl chloride and flake aluminium.