Coal will continue to provide a major portion of energy requirements in the United States for at least the next several decades. It is imperative that accurate information describing the amount, location, and quality of the coal resources and reserves be available to fulfill energy needs. It is also important that the United States extract its coal resources efficiently, safely, and in an environmentally responsible manner. A renewed focus on federal support for coal-related research, coordinated across agencies and with the active participation of the states and industrial sector, is a critical element for each of these requirements. Coal focuses on the research and development needs and priorities in the areas of coal resource and reserve assessments, coal mining and processing, transportation of coal and coal products, and coal utilization.

This Bureau of Mines report covers the latest technology in explosives and blasting procedures. It includes information and procedures developed by Bureau research, explosives manufacturers, and the mining industry. It is intended for use as a guide in developing training programs and also to provide experienced blasters an update on the latest state of technology in the broad field of explosives and blasting. Types of explosives and blasting agents and their key explosive and physical properties are discussed. Explosives selection criteria are described. The features of the traditional initiation systems - electrical, detonating cord, and cap and fuse - are pointed out, and the newer nonelectric initiation systems are discussed. Various blasthole priming techniques are described. Blasthole loading of various explosive types is covered. Blast design, including geologic considerations, for both surface and underground blasting is detailed. Environmental effects of blasting such as flyrock and air and ground vibrations are discussed along with techniques of measuring and alleviating these undesirable side effects. Blasting safety procedures are detailed in the chronological order of the blasting process. The various Federal blasting regulations are enumerated along with their Code of Federal Regulations citations. An extensive glossary of blasting related terms is included along with references to articles providing more detailed information on the aforementioned items. Emphasis in the report has been placed on practical considerations.