Abstract: An improved non-aqueous explosive composition for usage in wet blasting environs where the described embodiments are able to provide more efficient water blocking in ammonium nitrate and fuel oil explosive compositions than the prior art. One embodiment includes an oxidizer, fuel and sodium carboxymethyl cellulose used as a water-blocking agent. Another embodiment consists of an oxidizer, fuel and hydroxyethyl cellulose as a water blocker. Other embodiments include admixtures of carboxymethyl cellulose and hydroxyethyl cellulose.

Abstract: A free-flowing granular explosive comprising of an oxidizing salt, fuel, a hydrophilic thickener and a hydrophobic compound. Upon water impingement the hydrophobic compound repels water from the surface of the oxidizing salt while the hydrophilic thickener simultaneously forms a water-resistant barrier.

Abstract: A dry non-explosive additive for ammonium nitrate-fuel oil (ANFO) blasting agents which provides water resistance and wet sensitivity to allow use of the explosive in wet drill holes. The additive contains gelling agents that rapidly hydrate and swell upon water impingement, and thereafter cross-link to rapidly form a peripheral water-blocking barrier to prevent further water intrusion into a loaded blasting agent mass. The additive additionally contains hydrophobic sensitizers and optional fuels to provide points of adiabatic compression and physically hinder water incursion. When the additive is mixed with ANFO, the resulting blasting agent retains its dry and free pouring characteristics and has enhanced explosive properties over untreated ANFO. While ANFO may not detonate in wet conditions unless protected from water, when admixed with our additive it retains its explosive characteristics and detonation potential after placement in wet environs, to function well either wet or dry.