Abstract: A cap-sensitive explosive composition in powder form contains, in addition to ammonium nitrate as its single oxygen releasing component, and optional components commonly used in explosive compositions, four components within specific weight ranges, calculated on the basis of the weight of the explosive composition:(a) 3 to 8% of a combustible liquid consisting of one or more completely water soluble components, having a boiling temperature of above 120.degree. C., and being capable of dissolving ammonium nitrate in amounts of between 20 grams and 100 grams per 100 grams of said liquid without reacting chemically with ammonium nitrate;(b) 0.5 to 2.5% of a water blocking agent consisting of a high molecular weight polysaccharide having the property of imparting high viscosity to an aqueous, saturated ammonium nitrate solution;(c) 0.

Abstract: In preparing an explosive composition whose oxidizing components are a mixture of ammonium and calcium nitrate, the nitrate components are heated to temperatures where anhydrous double salts are formed together with some liquid phase. By subsequent cooling of the mixture under sustained mechanical agitation and the addition of a liquid fuel, a dry, free-flowing, cap sensitive particulate explosive composition is formed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an aqueous explosive composition which consists of at least one inorganic oxygen-supplying substance, at least one combustible substance and at least one thickening agent, at least one of combustible substance being liquid and substantially water insoluble and the aqueous phase of the explosive composition having dissolved therein a lignosulphonate in an amount of up to 5% of the weight of the explosive composition.