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ANFO

explosive
Also known as: AN–FO, ammonium nitrate fuel oil mixture

Quick Summary

ANFO, an acronym for ammonium nitrate/fuel oil, is a compound used as a commercial explosive and in improvised bombs. It was developed in 1955 and revolutionized the explosives industry. ANFO is created by mixing 94% prilled ammonium nitrate with 6% fuel oil. Prilled ammonium nitrate, originally developed for fertilizers, is porous and absorbs oil well, creating a more sensitive explosive.12

ANFO is widely used in open-pit mines for coal and iron, as well as in construction for tasks like road building. It can also be used in smaller underground mines. ANFO and similar water-gel explosives now account for at least 70% of high explosive consumption in the United States.23

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