Reactivity of ANFO (Ammonium Nitrate-Fuel Oil) with Pyrite Containing Weathering Products-Evaluation of Additional Inhibitors

摘要

ANFO blasting agents may undergo an exothermic reaction when they contact warm ore bodies that contain pyrite and its weathering products. The reaction is very fast at temperatures above 80C. Urea, when present in sufficient amounts, inhibits this reaction at temperatures below 180C. But urea-ammonium nitrate mixtures are very hygroscopic and, in certain climates, may be difficult to handle in the field.