Oxidizer solution

Abstract

According to this invention there is provided an aqueous oxidizer solution containing a mixture of dissolved oxidizing salts, for use in the preparation of explosives formulations, which a crystallization point as low as below 0° C. The solution has a water content of 25% by mass or less and contains ammonium nitrate and calcium nitrate wherein the ratio of the molar concentration of ammonium nitrate to calcium nitrate is preferably approximately 1. When the water content of the solution is 24% by mass or less, the solution further contains monomethylammonium nitrate. This solution can be used for manufacturing watergel explosives, or emulsion explosives or ANE's (ammonium nitrate emulsion suspension or gel explosives). It can be easily transported underground in deep level mines through relatively small diameter pipelines, using existing access ways and shafts, to the working places at which point it can then be converted into a watergel or emulsion explosive or an ANE.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.