RI 5988 Underground Blasting Accident Involving An Air-Placed Ammonium Nitrate-Fuel Oil Mixture ? Introduction

A premature detonation of an explosive charge occurred on January 30, 1961, at a face being prepared for blasting in the underground Jefferson Island Salt Mine, Diamond Crystal Salt Co., Jefferson Island, Iberia Parish, La. The accidental blast injured the powderman fatally; his helper was injured also, but recovered. The accident represents the first fatality reported to the Bureau of Mines in connection with the use of ammonium nitrate-fuel oil (AN-FO) blasting agents in underground mining in the United States. Representatives of the Bureau of Mines Explosives Research Laboratory, Pittsburgh, Pa., and field representatives of the Bureau's Health and Safety Activity conducted the investigation, upon request of the manufacturer of the ammonium nitrate being used and with concurrence by the mine management.