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Blasting Solutions

ANFO

Ammonium nitrate and fuel oil for surface mining and quarrying.

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The oxygen balanced cost-effective choice for dry blast hole conditions.

A free flowing (loose poured) mixture of porous prilled Ammonium nitrate (Nitropril™) and fuel oil (FO), formulated to be oxygen balanced for use in dry blastholes. 

ANFO is a free flowing mixture of porous prilled ammonium nitrate and fuel oil formulated to be oxygen balanced for use in dry blast holes. It is accurately mixed in a carefully controlled factory environment. 

ANFO is available in bags of in 25 kg for safe and convenient and handling. ANFO can be produced in cartridges also of 50 mm and 85 mm dia subjected to special requirements of customers.

Choose ANFO when:

  • The blast holes are dry. 
  • Cost is a primary concern.
  • The operation is in a remote area with limited infrastructure.
  • High volumes of blasting are needed with low complexity. 

Product benefits

Orica’s products and services are designed to help you achieve safer, more efficient, and more sustainable outcomes, wherever you operate.
Total cost of ownership

Total cost of ownership

Operational efficiency and performance

Operational efficiency and performance

Reduce Costs of Drill and Blast

Reduce Costs of Drill and Blast

Ease of use

Ease of use

Security of supply

Security of supply

Maximise resource recovery

Maximise resource recovery

ANFO range

Anopril

Anopril™ is a low-density, porous prilled ammonium nitrate developed by Orica using Sapphyr™ technology. It is a key raw material for ANFO and emulsion blends, offering robust performance in tropical conditions. Designed for optimal fuel absorption and consistent prill size, Anopril™ ensures reliable mixing and operational efficiency across mining and construction industries.

Nitropril

Nitropril™ is a physically robust porous ammonium nitrate prill manufactured by Orica. It offers superior resistance to breakdown from temperature cycling and abrasion. Specifically designed for blasting-grade explosives, Nitropril™ is a key oxidizer component for ANFO and emulsion doping, ensuring consistent quality and reliable performance in mining and civil applications.

Marbyl AN

Marbyl™ AN is a high-quality, low-porosity ammonium nitrate specifically formulated for use in bulk explosive production. Manufactured to meet stringent quality standards, it ensures consistent performance across a range of mining and quarrying applications. Its low moisture content and uniform prill size support optimal mixing and handling, helping improve blast outcomes and operational efficiency.

Amex

Amex™ is a packaged blend of ammonium nitrate and fuel oil designed for dry boreholes. It offers reduced post-blast fumes, consistent performance and easy loading for surface and underground mining applications.

Learn more

Industries

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Iron ore

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Surface metal

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Surface coal

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Quarrying

Hole conditions

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Dry

Questions?

Contact our global team of experts to learn how we can support your operations. 

Further insights

Common questions about ANFO

What is ANFO? 

ANFO stands for ammonium nitrate fuel oil. It’s a widely used bulk industrial explosive made by mixing:

  • Porous prilled ammonium nitrate (AN) – the oxidizer
  • Fuel oil (FO) – the fuel 

It’s a dry, free-flowing mixture that’s typically used in surface mining and quarrying.

Why would a customer use ANFO over Orica’s bulk emulsion products? 

Orica offers a range of bulk emulsion explosives (like Fortis™, Subtek™, and Vistan™) that are more advanced and versatile. However, ANFO is still chosen in specific scenarios due to its unique advantages: 

  • Cost-Effectiveness: ANFO is significantly cheaper than emulsions, making it ideal for operations where cost is a major factor.
  • Simplicity and Availability: Easy to manufacture and transport.
  • Components are widely available and don’t require complex mixing equipment.
  • High Energy in Dry Conditions: Performs well in dry blast holes, delivering good heave and fragmentation.
  • Ease of Use: Can be loaded using simple pneumatic systems. Doesn’t require specialised pumping systems like emulsions.

 

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