C-i-l, Inc.

Orica Explosives Technology Pty Limited

Aeci Limited

Howard A Bampfield

Ronald F Stewart

Charles Michael Lownds

Fortunato Villamagna

Sek Kwan Chan

Rejean Binet

Jeremy G Smith

Ming C Lee

William J Yorke

Disclosed herein are significant improvements in security and safety of blasting apparatuses intended for use in mining operations. These include the development of an apparatus and method for blasting that involves activation or deactivation of the blasting apparatus in accordance with pre-determined parameters. For example, these parameters may include one or more of: a location of the blast site, a time for the blasting event, a number of previous blasts, a number of previous blasts within a given time period, and identification of detonator identification codes. The activation or deactivation may involve cross-communication between components of the blasting apparatus and/or associated detonators. Such cross-communication may involve electronic or wireless communication means, including for example the use of cell phone technology, or the internet. In this way, preferred apparatuses and methods disclosed herein permit rapid analysis and verification of a geographical location and time for a blasting event, as well as control and logging of the blasting event, all from a remote location.

Apparatus and method for blasting

A wireless or partially wireless detonator assembly () and corresponding blasting apparatus, that may be 'powered Up' by a remote source of power () that is entirely distinct from the energy used for general command signal communications (). In one embodiment, the detonator assembly () may include an active power source () with sufficient power for communications, but insufficient power to cause intentional or inadvertent actuation of the detonator ().

Wireless detonator assemblies, corresponding blasting apparatuses, and methods of blasting

A packaged booster charge is provided which is sensitive to initiation by blasting cap yet which contains no self-explosive ingredient. The composition of the booster comprises a low melting point nitrate salt or salt mixture having dissolved or finely dispersed therein an acetylenic substance and void containing material. The booster is safe and economic to manufacture and sufficiently powerful to initiate insensitive blasting agents.

Explosive booster composition

An emulsion explosive composition comprising an oxygen-supplying salt component as a discontinuous phase, an organic medium forming a continuous phase and an emulsifying agent which comprises at least one conventional emulsifier and at least one emulsification enhancer. The compositions are easily emulsifiable.

Emulsion explosive composition

A water-in-wax emulsion explosive composition is provided wherein the continuous carbonaceous fuel phase comprises paraffin wax together with a minor amount of a rheology modifier and stabilizer combination comprising an ethylene-containing polymer and a low molecular weight hydrocarbon liquid. The resulting explosive composition exhibits properties of viscosity and stability comparable to similar compositions containing highly refined microcrystalline wax fuels.

Water-in-wax emulsion blasting agents

A two-component emulsion explosive composition is provided consisting of a continuous oil/fuel phase and a discontinuous aqueous oxidizer salt phase and, as an emulsifier, a dimer acid glyceride wherein the dimer acid has a carbon atom chain length of C18-C60. The composition demonstrates superior properties of long period storage stability and sensitivity.

Emulsion explosive compositions and method of preparation

A water-in-oil emulsion explosive composition is provided wherein the continuous carbonaceous oil or fuel phase comprises an unrefined or partly refined petroleum product, for example, slackwax. The resulting explosive composition exhibits properties of strength, detonation velocity and stability comparable and in some cases superior to similar compositions containing refined petroleum fuels.

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Otterburn Park, Canada

Howard A Bampfield