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Who invented the safety fuse for mining explosives?
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explosive
A coal miner loading a drill hole with a water gel explosive called Tovex.
The safety fuse for mining explosives was invented by William Bickford, an English leather merchant living in the tin-mining district of Cornwall, England.12
Concerned by the frequent accidents caused by the unreliable quill fuses used in mining, Bickford developed his safety fuse in 1831. His invention consisted of a core of black powder tightly wrapped in textiles, such as jute yarn, and coated with a waterproofing agent. This design provided a consistent, dependable, and water-resistant method for conveying a flame to an explosive charge, significantly improving safety in blasting operations. The device is often referred to as a Bickford fuse in his honor.21