Drilling and Blasting in Hot and Reactive Ground Conditions at Barrick Goldstrike's Meikle Mine

Drilling and Blasting in Hot and Reactive Ground Conditions at
Barrick Goldstrike’s Meikle Mine
Remi P. Proulx, P. Eng.

Senior Engineer
Barrick Goldstrike Mines, Inc.
Meikle Mine
Elko, Nevada
D. Scott Scovira
Senior Technical Representative
Energetic Solutions, Inc.
Reno, Nevada
Abstract
The Meikle Mine is a high grade, underground gold mine utilizing primary-secondary longhole open
stoping with delayed backfill to produce 3000 stpd of ore.
Hot and reactive ground conditions were encountered early on in the mine life. Ground temperatures up
to 330” F were measured. In the early stages of mining, the mine experienced premature detonations
using different explosives.
The learning curve to safely mine this high-grade gold deposit in hot and severely reactive ground was
indeed very steep. Currently, the Meikle Mine uses a special buffered bulk emulsion in all blasts to
address hot and reactive ground concerns. In addition, exacting procedures are also followed to ensure
safe work with explosives. The combination of new explosives technology and strict loading procedures
permits high mine productivity with the highest degree of safety.
Copyright © 2000 International Society of Explosives Engineers

2000G Vol. 1 - Drilling & Blasting in Hot and Reactive Ground Conditions - P 319 1 of 13
Introduction
The Meikle Mine is a high grade, underground gold mine utilizing primary-secondary longhole open
stoping with delayed backfill to produce 3000 stpd of ore. The Meikle Mine began production in the last
quarter of 1996 where 80,000 ounces of gold were produced. Production has steadily increased to
575,000 ounces in 1997,850,OOO ounces in 1998, and l,OOO,OOO ounces are scheduled in 1999.
Hot and reactive ground conditions were encountered early on in the mine life. Ground temperatures up
to 330” F were measured. In the early stages of mining, the mine experienced premature detonations
using different explosives.
The learning curve to safely mine this high-grade gold deposit in hot and severely reactive ground was
indeed very steep. Currently, the Meikle Mine uses a special buffered bulk emulsion in all blasts to
address hot and reactive ground concerns. In addition, exacting procedures are followed to ensure safe
work with explosives. The combination of new explosives technology and strict loading procedures
permits high mine productivity with the highest degree of safety.
During the early mine life, as development of the infrastructure was still in progress, all drift rounds
were loaded with paper wrapped packaged emulsion and all production rounds were loaded with film
wrapped packaged emulsion. With the arrival of a powder truck equipped with a prill pot, ANFO usage
commenced in April 1996. Drift rounds were primed with an LP detonator and 8-gram stinger.
Production rounds were primed with a cast booster and a detonating cord downline. No in-hole
detonators were used in production holes. Problems with ANFO usage began to arise shortly thereafter
in specific areas of the mine.
ANFO Premature Detonation
On September 02, 1996, a premature detonation occurred using ANFO on the 1075 level in the 3625
heading. The left corner back hole prematurely detonated after an exothermic reaction occurred between
the ammonium nitrate and reactive ground. The hole was intersected by a steaming vent hole.
The blasthole detonated approximately three hours after being loaded with no personnel in the area.
Rock samples from the area were immediately sent to Energetic Solution’s laboratory facility and
analyzed using the Carius Tube Test. This test involves mixing 10 grams of ANFO with 10 grams of
suspected reactive material in a steel tube. The test tube is heated in a programmable oven starting at
room temperature and then raised to 248°F at a rate of 1.8”F per minute.
Figure 1 on the following page shows that the explosive and suspect reactive ground mixture start to
react when the temperature reaches an “on-set temperature” of 185’F+ or - 9°F. The sample temperature
continued to rise as it was driven by an auto catalytic reaction. A violent exothermic reaction occurred
and the sample reached a maximum temperature of 840°F. As this temperature would also be high
enough to cause detonation of explosives loaded in a borehole, it was concluded that an ammonium
nitrate and reactive ground reaction may have been the cause of the premature detonation incident.

Figure 1: Temperature vs Time for Carius Tube Test
450
t
400 :
s‘ 350 7
Inside Sample
; 300:
1 250 1
k
; 2oo: On-Set
f 150: Temperature 1 \
lOOh
150 250
Time (min.)
The possible chemical reactions involved were determined to be the following:
FeS + 02 + Fez0 3 + SO2 (gas) + HEAT
SO2 (gas) + Hz0 (liquid) + H2S04 (liquid)
NH4N03 + Fe+2 + acid + heat + 2NOx (gas) + Fe+3 + HEAT
With reactive ground conditions identified in development areas of the mine, ANFO usage was
discontinued in development headings in favor of packaged emulsion but continued in production
stopes. The rationale used was that there were no detonators used in production holes and no stope had
ever been measured to have high temperatures.
Mine management then required information from several explosive manufacturers with regard to the
various temperature regimes at which their products could be used.

Emulsions and ANFO
Emulsions, especially packaged emulsions offer the greatest protection against ferrous containing ores.
Emulsions can withstand temperatures up to 200°F for periods of days. The composition and structure of
emulsions significantly reduce the hazards associated with using explosives in hot and reactive ground.
Firstly, emulsions do not contain a highly reactive chemical sensitizer (such as nitroglycerine in
dynamites) that can significantly increase the probability of thermally initiating the explosive.
Secondly, emulsions contain lo-12 percent water in their composition and this acts as a desensitizer and
heat sink. A great deal of heat is required to evaporate the water and completely dry out the explosive.
This does not happen in the time frame of a typical load and shoot operation.
Thirdly, the structure of the emulsion is an advantage. An emulsion is a dispersion of oxidizer droplets
(ammonium nitrate) surrounded in oil. The droplets are 1-2 microns in diameter and are encapsulated in
oil and not easily accessible to the outside environment. The boiling point of the oxidizer solution is
almost 280°F and evaporation of the water will act to cool the product. Only when all the water is
evaporated will the temperature rise further. This process will generally take many hours to a few days,
far exceeding the time frame of a load and shoot operation thus ensuring the safety of our personnel. If
the emulsion completely dries out, then the conditions are analogous to having ANFO in the borehole.
ANFO will start to decompose at about 400°F and will result in significant volumes of red NO, being
formed.
Shock Tubes, Cast Boosters, and Detonating Cord
‘EXEL’ shock tubes contain a thin film of HMX and aluminum dust as energetic material. HMX is
relatively insensitive and has a decomposition temperature well above 500°F. ‘EXEL’ double layer
plastic signal tube softens at about 158°F. Separation of the signal tube from the detonator can take place
if exposed to temperatures above 150°F for an extended period of time. Shock tubes can be used with
care at temperatures above 150°F and not be used above 175°F.
Pentolite cast boosters are composed of TNT and PETN, both of which are thermally stable. The melting
point of TNT is 176°F and boosters exposed to temperatures above 176°F will quickly melt. If cast
boosters are intended for use in any blasting application above 150”F, then the manufacturer should be
consulted for recommendations. Detonating cord contains PETN that has a melting point of 286°F and a
decomposition temperature near 400°F.
Nitroglycerine Based Explosives
Nitroglycerine (NG) based explosives pose a severe safety problem for blasting hot and reactive ground.
NG quickly decomposes at elevated temperatures (10 minutes at 180°F). Although the NG is stabilized
in dynamites by being gelled with nitrocotton, the gel breaks down at 130°F resulting in the exudation of
pure nitroglycerin. Acidic conditions will accelerate its decomposition time, thus making it even more
unstable in reactive ground.

Detonators
Detonators are the most likely explosive component to detonate if heated because the detonator shell
provides confinement of the explosive materials. Most delay .detonators have a primary charge of lead
azide and a base charge of PETN. The decomposition temperature of lead azide is 563”F, and the
decomposition temperature of PETN is 400°F. Decomposition temperatures for delay elements are
variable because of different delay compositions. Delay element timing can be greatly effected by
exposure to elevated temperatures over time.
Detonators are considered to be safe for normal use up to a temperature of 150°F. Above 150”F, MSHA
requires the user to consult the manufacturer on the safe usage of any explosive product. Components of
the detonator can become less stable and eventually decompose if heated in the range of 150°F to 400°F
over a period of time. Instantaneous detonation can occur when the temperature reaches 400”F, which
matches the thermal decomposition temperature of pure PETN.
Site Characterization Study - October 1996
Mine management reviewed the information provided by the explosive manufacturers carefully.
Management concerns included: Could a buffered ANFO product prevent the AN/FeS reaction and if so,
which buffering agent would provide the best results? Was the current practice of using ANFO in
production rounds safe, and would it be possible to make it safer? Which initiating system should be
used?
The company with the help of the explosive manufacturer, in order to prevent premature detonations,
modified its loading procedures by measuring and logging blasthole temperatures, limited the time of
initiation after completion of loading and introduced all other precautions under its control for any future
conditions that may arise.
Before making any decisions, a site characterization study was requested. A profile of the entire mine’s
development headings was conducted with respect to borehole temperatures, acidity levels, sulfur
dioxide gas readings, and the potential for ammonium nitrate and hot and reactive ground reactions.
Temperatures were recorded using variable thermocouples and using the mine’s infrared hand held
digital thermometers. Acidity levels were tested using pH lithmus paper and SO* concentrations were
recorded with a Drager tester.
Results of the study showed that conditions varied widely throughout the mine. Temperatures ranged
from 115°F to 175°F while pH measurements ranged from 1 to 7. SO2 readings ranged from 0 to 10
ppm. The West Sector of the Upper Main Zone (925-975-1025-1075 levels) showed to have the highest
temperatures, venting steam from the boreholes, the most acidic conditions, and presence of sulfur
dioxide gas. The lower levels of the Upper Main Zone showed essentially neutral pH conditions, the
lack of SO2 gas, and temperatures below 150°F.
The mine was then given a complete list of product options to consider along with their advantages and
disadvantages. Product options included ANFO using plastic hole liners, buffered ANFO, packaged
emulsion, bulk emulsion, and buffered bulk emulsion. Following those recommendations, the decision

taken was to investigate the buffered ANFO option. It was thought that if the acid component that acts
as a catalyst in the reaction could be sufficiently delayed, then blasting processes in the reactive ground
could be successfully and safely controlled.
Buffered ANFO Testing - December 1996
A trial face was loaded without primers with six different buffered ANFO products (four different
buffering agents, two in various concentrations) in the mine’s most reactive area on the 925 level.
Regular ANFO was used as a control and a reaction occurred in only 4.5 minutes. ANFO buffered with
sodium carbonate (Na$ZOJ) prevented a temperature rise for a period of two hours. ANFO buffered with
two concentrations of calcium oxide (CaO) were very wet and very difficult to pneumatically load.
ANFO buffered with two concentrations of magnesium oxide (MgO) effectively prevented temperature
rises and loaded fine, but they became damp after a two-week storage period. ANFO buffered with urea
demonstrated resistance to reaction, and also had good loading and storage characteristics. None of the
trial products worked in steamy conditions as the prill dissolved in 30 minutes or less.
In a second series of tests, two development rounds were loaded. One round was loaded with MgO
buffered ANFO. The other round was loaded with urea buffered ANFO. Thermocouples were left in the
holes to monitor the temperature and no hole increased in temperature above 175°F before the blast
time. Both trial blasts had successful results.
At the conclusion of these tests, the urea buffered ANFO was selected as the best candidate for large
scale testing product as it prevented temperature rise, loaded without problems, and had good storage
qualities.
Large Scale Buffered ANFO Test
A urea buffered ANFO product was already being manufactured by ICI Explosives Canada in Marathon,
Ontario to alleviate similar concerns at a nearby mine. For application at the Meikle Mine, the
manufacturer recommended an in-hole sleep time of no more than two hours before firing.
The first trailer load of urea buffered ANFO arrived at the mine in mid-January 1997. Hazards
associated with loading explosives in hot and reactive ground were explained to all the mine crews.
Loading guidelines were produced and included these items:
Monitor holes temperature before and after loading.

Take pH readings to determine the acidity of the groundwater.
Make visual checks for orange-red smoke (nitrous oxide gases).
Load coolest headings first.
Load towards the end of the shift.
Load all suspect headings with packaged emulsions.
Load all rounds venting steam with packaged emulsions.
Properly barricade off loaded rounds.

- Check blast line with an approved galvanometer to ensure that the blast goes off
at the designated time. If the blast does not go off as planned, then it must be
blasted at the start of the next shift to satisfy the maximum sleep time of 12 hours
as specified in CFR56.6902(b)(2).
The miners could now load either emulsion cartridges or bulk buffered ANFO in non-suspect headings,
that is where the borehole temperatures were less than 150°F and the water pH was close to neutral.
Testing of the product was also performed in development headings and production rounds. In no case
did the product temperature rise above the ambient ground temperature. Unfortunately, it could not be
explicitly determined that testing was being performed in harsh reactive ground environments. At that
time, certain headings had restricted access due to high sulfur dioxide gas levels.
Plans were set to test different weight percents of urea buffered ANFO where the urea content would
range from 3 to 10 percent. This would have determined the effect of the buffering agent on blast
performance and potentially increase the sleep time limit of two hours. However, a premature detonation
occurred using the 3 percent buffered ANFO product and this test work was discontinued immediately.
Buffered ANFO Premature Detonation
On February 08, 1997, a round located on the 975 North Haulage West was being loaded following
proper procedures with buffered ANFO. After this round was loaded and the area properly secured,
approximately one hour later a premature detonation occurred. Approximately one hour later, another
blasthole prematurely detonated. There were several “cook-offs” as well. A “cook-off’ occurs when the
reaction temperature does not reach a high enough level to set off the detonator or initiate the explosive
column.
The heading where these prematures occurred was actually a waste heading, thus making term the
“reactive ore” a misnomer. The mine immediately discontinued the use of all buffered ANFO products
and started using packaged emulsions exclusively.
Several issues arose from this incident. Even if the mine did not experience a premature detonation
using packaged emulsions, the question remained as to how long a “safe loading window” existed. The
safe loading window being the time available to the miner from the time he starts to load the round up to
the time he shoots the round.
An in-situ test was mandated to investigate this issue in an effort to hopefully ensure much longer sleep
times. In-house laboratory testing was to be conducted to determine the rock composition. Samples were
also sent to the two major explosive manufacturers to test the suspect reactive ground against their
emulsions. The manufacturers were also asked to provide the mine with letters of recommendation as to
how to safely load and initiate development and production rounds given the existing conditions.
In regard to the issue of loading times, the Meikle Mine Explosive Procedure was reviewed and the tie-
in procedure was revised. An important change eliminated the need for the miner to return to the face
after loading the round, thus limiting the exposure to the hazards associated with a loaded round. As

well, the time in which loading activities could take place were limited to after I:00 p.m. for day shift,
and after 1:OO a.m. for night shift.
In-Situ Testing of Explosives
In mid-February, in-situ testing of various explosives was performed to determine the “safe window of
emulsion”.
The testing site was the same workplace where the premature detonation had occurred only 10 days
earlier. Seventeen boreholes, eight feet in depth, were drilled. The following three products were tested:
1) the detonator sensitive emulsion used in the development heading (wrapped and unwrapped
configurations), 2) the booster sensitive emulsion used in production stoping (wrapped and unwrapped
configurations), and, 3) buffered ANFO.
The in-situ test consisted of monitoring ground temperatures in freshly drilled boreholes, recording the
temperatures of the product over time, and noting if any reactions occurred. There was no detonator
inserted into the explosive column. Hole temperatures were recorded over a 25hour period. Borehole
temperatures varied from 124°F to 203°F. Temperatures varied greatly. There was a variation of 71 OF
from holes only two feet apart. All holes recorded a pH reading of less than or equal to 1 and this
denoted highly acidic conditions.
The results showed that all holes loaded with emulsion were stable over the 25-hour testing period. The
best example is Hole #12. A time history of Hole #12 is shown in Figure 2. The initial temperature was
191.9”F. The temperature of the product rose to 199’F, and then gradually dropped off to 191 “F.
Figure 2: Packaged Emulsion Temperature Loaded

in Reactive Ground - Hole #I2
250
200
g
f 150
t;i
t
a 100
E
+ 50
0
0 2 4 6 8 10 12 14 16 18 20 22 24 26
Time (hours)

However, the holes loaded with buffered ANFO tell a different story. Figure 3 shows a reaction that was
observed in Hole #2. This unloaded hole had an initial temperature of 181 “F on Monday. The hole
temperature cooled to 168°F just before the hole was loaded on Tuesday. After the buffered ANFO was
loaded, the temperature dropped to 149°F. Over the next four and one-half hours, the temperature of the
product gradually reached the ambient ground temperature, and then slowly climbed to the reaction on-
set temperature of 190-195°F. About an hour later, the temperature skyrocketed to 273°F. The hole
probably reached a much higher temperature and cooked off between readings. Two subsequent
readings revealed that the temperature of the product was gradually decreasing.
Figure 3: Unbuffered ANFO Temperature Loaded

in Reactive Ground - Hole #2
300
250
C
; 200
5
z 150
5
El00
Q)
I= 50
0
0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8
Time (hours)
What was peculiar about this reaction is that it did not occur over the full length of the borehole. The
buffered ANFO product at the collar of the hole was unaffected and in its original prilled form. Slightly
further into the hole, the prill was crushed from the pneumatic loading effect, but it did not show any
temperature effects. Near the toe of the hole, the product had melted and had a high viscosity not unlike
molasses. It is also important to note that all the other holes loaded with buffered ANFO were still
increasing in temperature when the testing was suspended.
From this test, it was concluded that the mine would need to employ emulsions to provide the necessary
“window of safety” for loading and shooting rounds .

In-House Laboratory Testing
Rock samples from the buffered ANFO premature detonation area were taken to the metallurgical
laboratory for analysis. The sample was composed of 78 percent quartz with abundant pyrite at 16
percent. Also present was an oxidation of product of pyrite, szomolnokite, comprising 3 percent of the
sample. The remaining 3 percent was common gangue minerals.
Examination of the polished cross section using reflected light microscopy showed the presence of
extremely fine, micron to sub-micron pyrite grains disseminated throughout the entire sample.
An analogy of the reactive ground was made to a commercial product that creates exothermic heat when
exposed to air. This product is usually used as hand and foot warmers by skiers. The main ingredient in
this product is very fine iron powder. Once this oxygen starved fine iron powder is exposed to oxygen,
the “heat of oxidation” is unusually fast. The reaction results in a significant rise in temperature of the
material. The reaction continues until all the iron is oxidized.
The lab concluded that the exposure of the extremely fine grained iron pyrite to oxygen in the air was
the most likely cause of heat generation in the Meikle samples. The rapid oxidation causes additional
problems. Air in contact with sulfides not only generates heat, but also creates sulfur dioxide gas. Water
used in the drilling process gets in contact with the gas and produces sulfuric acid.
This analysis confirmed the suspected reactions occurring in Meikle’s severely reactive orebody.
It is important to note that not all of the areas being mined at Meikle Mine are affected this way. Much
of the orebody is high in carbonates. Carbonates may be slowing the chemical reactions. The test sample
had only 0.20% in carbonate and is not sufficient to control any chemical reaction due to oxidation.
High carbonate zones can be noticed by the neutral pH values obtained in the lower levels of the Upper
Main Zone.
Letters of Recommendations from Two Major Explosive Manufacturers
Two major explosive manufacturers were sent reactive ground samples so that they could conduct
laboratory testing with their emulsions. The manufacturers were also asked to provide the mine with a
letter of recommendation as to how to safely load and initiate development and production rounds when
encountering drill holes with temperatures in the range of 150 to 250°F.
Both manufacturers recommended the use of a stabilized or buffered emulsion as being the safest
explosive to use.
The issue of using detonators at such high temperatures was more difficult. One option given was to use
the same initiating system at temperatures above 175”F, but to prime at the collar rather than at the toe
of the hole. However, collar priming was expected to produce variable blast results. Another option
would be to consider using oil industry type initiating systems (RDX and HMX based) where high
temperatures are common.

Explosive Manufacturer Laboratory Testing
Figure 4 and Figure 5 show the decomposition times in a laboratory environment of ANFO and
emulsion products against Meikle’s reactive ground at 150, 200 and 290°F. There is an order of
magnitude of difference between buffered ANFO and buffered emulsion. Decomposition times are in
the order of four and one-half hours for buffered ANFO at 150°F while the decomposition times
increase to 45 hours for buffered emulsion.
Figure 4: ANFO Product Stability in a Reactive Ground Environment
. Buffered ANFO
q Unbuffered ANTI
200
Temperature (F)
Figure 5: Emulsion Product Stability in a Reactive Ground Environment
. Packaged Emulsion
q Buffered U/G Bulk Emulsion
. Unbuffered U/G Bulk Emulsion
q Unbuffered Surface Bulk Emulsion ~
200
Temperature (F)

New Buffered Emulsion Technology
The Meikle Mine employs buffered ‘Handibulk’ emulsion manufactured by Orica/Energetic Solutions.
Currently, the Meikle Mine is the only site using this buffering technology. While the emulsion in bulk
form does not have a physical barrier protecting it from acids such as packaged products, the bulk
emulsion has an effective buffering agent in its formulation to counteract the effect of the acidic
environment. This buffering agent provides extra sleep time before decomposition can occur.
Buffered Bulk Emulsion Field Testing
In mid-June 1997, the Meikle Mine tested buffered ‘Handibulk’ emulsion in workplaces with known hot
and reactive ground conditions. An endurance test lasting 48 hours was performed with 24 holes drilled
in a reactive area with ground temperatures ranging from 140 to 180°F. The buffered bulk emulsion
performed well under the conditions of high temperature, reactive sulfide ground, and acidic water. The
only observable reaction after 40 hours was that a thin white crust had formed at the collar at the
emulsion/rock interface. This crust was believed to be due to the product drying out.
After this successful test, the mine loaded the product into development rounds, development slashes,
and production rounds with satisfactory results. This led to large scale testing of 44,000 pounds of
product.
However, the mine experienced another premature detonation on September 19, 1997. Again this
premature detonation occurred in the West Sector of the Upper Main Zone with no mine personnel
present. The location was the 4025 heading on the 1025 level.
After carefully assessing the situation a few days later with the use of a remote scooptram camera, it was
noticed that only a few feet of the explosive column exploded. It is thought a powder column gap
prevented the entire hole from detonating. The remaining emulsion was not discolored, and still
contained the buffer indicating that it did not thermally decompose.
One week before this incident, a temperature of 330°F was measured in a band of mylonite. Based on
the analysis of the problem, it appeared that the initiating system was the most likely component to have
undergone premature detonation. There were no signs of emulsion decomposition since the product gave
off no noticeable amount of nitrous oxide gases.
This event led to enforcing stricter loading guidelines as far as temperatures were concerned. The
current “Meikle Mine Explosive Procedure” prohibits loading of boreholes with temperatures above
175°F. If borehole temperatures are in the 150 to 175°F range, then loading can only occur in the last
three hours of the shift. In addition, no Pentolite cast boosters can be used when the hole temperatures
are above 150°F. Sticks of detonator sensitive emulsion are used to make up primers instead.

Closing
Since September 1997, following the mine wide employment of buffered emulsion and strict
enforcement of loading procedures, no additional premature detonation incidents have occurred at the
Meikle Mine.
Many people thought that the mine’s explosive and ground reactivity issues were over when the Upper
Main Zone was mined out. However, the mine has recently expanded to deeper levels, and some
workplaces in these lower levels have sulfuric acid, occasional minor amounts of sulfur dioxide gas, and
fairly high boreholes temperatures coupled with venting steam.
Acknowledgements
The authors thank the management of Meikle Mine for allowing us to publish this paper. The authors
also wish to thank Richard Quesnel, Steve Long, and the Meikle Mine’s staff and crew for their patience
and assistance. We would also like to thank the following personnel from Energetic Solutions: Fortunato
Villamagna, Tony Francelj, and Bob Richards.


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Drilling and Blasting in Hot and Reactive Ground Conditions at

Barrick Goldstrike’s Meikle Mine

Remi P. Proulx, P. Eng.

Copyright © 2000 International Society of Explosives Engineers

ANFO Premature Detonation

Copyright © 2000 International Society of Explosives Engineers

The possible chemical reactions involved were determined to be the following:

FeS + 02 + Fez0 3 + SO2 (gas) + HEAT

SO2 (gas) + Hz0 (liquid) + H2S04 (liquid)

NH4N03 + Fe+2 + acid + heat + 2NOx (gas) + Fe+3 + HEAT

Copyright © 2000 International Society of Explosives Engineers

Shock Tubes, Cast Boosters, and Detonating Cord

Nitroglycerine Based Explosives

Copyright © 2000 International Society of Explosives Engineers

Site Characterization Study - October 1996

Copyright © 2000 International Society of Explosives Engineers

Buffered ANFO Testing - December 1996

Large Scale Buffered ANFO Test

Monitor holes temperature before and after loading.

Copyright © 2000 International Society of Explosives Engineers

Buffered ANFO Premature Detonation

Copyright © 2000 International Society of Explosives Engineers

In-Situ Testing of Explosives

Figure 2: Packaged Emulsion Temperature Loaded

Copyright © 2000 International Society of Explosives Engineers

Figure 3: Unbuffered ANFO Temperature Loaded

Copyright © 2000 International Society of Explosives Engineers

Letters of Recommendations from Two Major Explosive Manufacturers

Copyright © 2000 International Society of Explosives Engineers

Figure 4: ANFO Product Stability in a Reactive Ground Environment

Figure 5: Emulsion Product Stability in a Reactive Ground Environment

q Buffered U/G Bulk Emulsion

. Unbuffered U/G Bulk Emulsion

q Unbuffered Surface Bulk Emulsion ~

Copyright © 2000 International Society of Explosives Engineers

Buffered Bulk Emulsion Field Testing

Copyright © 2000 International Society of Explosives Engineers

Copyright © 2000 International Society of Explosives Engineers

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Drilling and Blasting in Hot and Reactive Ground Conditions at Barrick Goldstrike's Meikle Mine

Drilling and Blasting in Hot and Reactive Ground Conditions at Barrick Goldstrike's Meikle Mine