Sulphide ore/explosives exothermic reactions
CIM Bulletin, Vol. 88, No. 987, 1995
T. Steis and W. Evans, ICI Explosives Canada
Sulphide ores under certain circumstances will react with explosives to generate an autocatalytic chemical reaction. This reaction is exothermic and results in the production of large volumes of poisonous gases and creates an unsafe, unstable condition with the possibility of a low energy deflagration or even a detonation of the loaded hole. This paper outlines the conditions that need to exist for such a reaction to take place and the precautions necessary to minimize or eliminate the problem in areas of reactive ore. A special case study involving a northern Ontario mine will be detailed.
Keywords:
Explosive exothermic reactions, Sulphide ores.
