On Tuesday, Nigeria’s Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dele Alake hosted Chinese investors to discuss the possibilities of establishing a company to produce mining chemical used for blasting at mining sites.
In a statement released on the official X page of the ministry on Tuesday, the meeting had in attendance the Vice Chairman of the China National Association of Engineering Consultants, Chen Xiao Xing.
It read, “Dr. Dele Alake, Minister #SolidMineralsDevt had a meeting with Chen Xiao Xing, Vice Chairman of the China National Association of Engineering Consultants.
“The meeting focused on establishing a company for the production of chemicals used for blasting at mining sites. #SolidMineralsNG”
One of the key checmicals used as blasting agents in mining sites are the Ammonium Nitrate and Fuel Oil (ANFO). With mosly low cost and high energy output, they are a great option for many surface mining operations.
The mining chemical of ANFO blasts consist mainly of 94% solid ammonium nitrate mixed with 6% fuel oil. When ignited, it can fracture and break apart rocks in mines in a controlled way. This mix of ingredients is effective because the ammonium nitrate helps to increase the energy output of the blast, while the fuel oil stabilises it and provides more consistent results.
It is also known to be one of the safest methods for mining explosives because the mixture does not create large quantities of toxic fumes or gases like other explosives, making it an effective and safe choice for underground miners.
