Colloidal Emulsion Explosive Supplier South Africa

What Is Colloidal Emulsion Explosive?

Colloidal emulsion explosive (CEE) is a higher-viscosity form of water-in-oil emulsion explosive manufactured as a pumpable colloidal gel or paste. The colloidal matrix encapsulates microscopic droplets of ammonium nitrate solution within a continuous oil/wax phase, forming a chemically stable gel that is highly resistant to water infiltration and provides excellent detonation performance even when fully immersed in water-filled blast holes. Colloidal emulsion is supplied in bulk by specialised explosive supply trucks and pumped directly into the blast hole as a column load, with the sensitiser (typically chemical gassing agent producing microbubbles in situ) incorporated to achieve the target density. The higher viscosity compared to powdery emulsion means CEE stays in the hole and does not migrate even in fractured or very wet ground conditions.

Advantages in Wet and Large-Diameter Holes

Colloidal emulsion’s key advantage is its exceptional water resistance and ability to fill irregular blast holes completely in pumped column loading. ANFO and even some granular emulsion products are vulnerable to washing out or performance loss in wet holes — colloidal emulsion fills the hole profile completely, maintains excellent coupling to the hole wall, and detonates reliably even after prolonged immersion. In large-diameter open-pit blast holes (150–380 mm diameter) where bulk loading is standard practice, colloidal emulsion provides more consistent energy distribution than bagged explosives and eliminates the loading time advantage of simple ANFO in holes where water resistance is required. It is initiated by boosters and commercial detonators.

Supply and Regulatory Requirements

Colloidal emulsion explosive is a Schedule 1 explosive under the Explosives Act (South Africa). Supply is restricted to licensed mining operations with valid explosives licences and appropriate end-user documentation. Bulk supply to site by specialised tanker or explosive truck is coordinated with the client’s blasting contractor and site management. Terracore Chemicals supplies colloidal emulsion explosive to licensed open-pit mining operations and bulk blasting contractors in South Africa and the SADC region. All enquiries require explosives licence references and site delivery details before supply can be arranged.