Researchers Cut Blasting Emissions With Nitromethane
A new formulation using nitromethane reduces toxic post-blast gases while significantly increasing detonation velocity.
Updated on Sept. 19, 2026 in Chemistry
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Researchers have developed a method to reduce post-blast emissions in ammonium nitrate fuel oil (ANFO) by substituting a portion of the mixture with nitromethane. This research-stage study demonstrates that incorporating nitromethane can lower carbon monoxide and nitrogen oxide emissions by nearly half.
Why it matters
The use of ANFO in industrial blasting frequently results in hazardous gaseous byproducts and suboptimal performance. This method addresses those challenges by modifying the chemical composition to improve both safety and physical output.
Incorporating 4% to 9% nitromethane by weight into the fuel blend improves the velocity of detonation from 1,595 meters per second to 2,604 meters per second. This shift also yields a 43% to 44% reduction in total carbon monoxide and nitrogen oxide volumes.
The details
Researchers utilized Explo5, a specialized software for calculating theoretical detonation parameters, to model the performance of the modified fuel blend. The process involves replacing a fraction of the standard ammonium nitrate and fuel oil mixture with nitromethane, a highly energetic liquid compound. Validation was achieved by measuring the velocity of detonation—the speed at which the reaction front travels through the explosive—and analyzing the composition of gases released after the blast.
Timeline
September 19, 2026: Article publication.
The Tech Race
This development marks a departure from standard, high-emission ANFO formulations that have long dominated industrial blasting. By leveraging high-fidelity modeling, the research benchmarks a clear path toward balancing increased performance with environmental impact standards.
Industrial blasting operations may eventually adopt this mixture to meet stricter environmental regulations regarding toxic gas output. The transition depends on the future field validation of this formulation in active mining or construction environments.
The takeaway
This study establishes a proof-of-concept for cleaner, higher-velocity industrial explosives. Readers should watch for follow-up field trials that determine if these laboratory-modeled emission reductions translate into commercial mine-site performance.
Further reading
For more research on energetic materials and industrial processes, visit the Chemistry section.
More information
Review the full scientific research article published in Nature.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Nature.
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Should mining industries be required to adopt new chemical methods to lower blasting emissions?
