Blast Mining

The largest civilian use of explosives is for mining. This industry uses explosives to liberate the site from terrain that is obstructive.

The most widely used explosive is ammonium nitrate/fuel oil (ANFO). It gained popularity due to its low cost, and ease of use. Another desirable feature is it is very insensitive and thus needs a sensitizer to detonate. Without it, typical blasting caps can't set it off. This minimises accidental detonations when in transit or handling. This off-sets ANFO's shorts comings namely its low explosive velocity, and water resistance.

Blast site safety

Due to historical accidents and due to the inherent danger in handling explosives, a number of procedures where created in order to protect people.

Blast areas must be secure, all non-mine personal should not have access to the site. All entrances to the blast site must be guarded, no one should be allowed to enter the area until the air is clear. Warning calls must be made in all directions prior to detonation.

Some mines have set blasting times, where detonations can only be performed, and all personal on site must be informed of prior to entering.


The following is a video by the U.S. National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health. It provides information about the federal safety requirements and best practices when handling explosives in underground mines.