Project Objectives
The overarching objective of year two for this project is to provide the MSMC with the information to address
the mining and explosive companies' concerns and start marketing ANSOY with US explosive manufacturers.
Project Deliverables
Determine, for larger explosive manufacturing companies represented in study:
1. soybean oil is economically advantageous and reasonable?
2. soybean oil be widely available or only to smaller regions?
3. How would incorporating soybean oil impact the mixing process of the explosive?
4. How does the stability of the soybean oil compare to diesel fuel in terms of storage and performance?
5. Could the soybean oil be applied to emulsions?
Progress of Work
Updated April 27, 2021:
Throughout 2020 a study at Missouri University of Science and Technology has shown soybean oil can be mixed with ammonium nitrate to produce an explosive. The new explosive may be suitable for mining applications and serve as a low-cost alternative to the traditional ammonium nitrate and diesel fuel mixture (ANFO). The results of the study indicate an explosive that uses soybean oil (ANSOY) produces lower concentrations of toxic gasses after the explosive detonates. The particle size of the gasses is large, which means they do not travel as far. Additionally, the ANSOY produces equivalent power to ANFO. ANSOY could be a low-cost alternative for ANFO, be better for the environment, and result in a need for 21.4 million bushels of soybeans to support the mining industry’s demand.
Before explosive companies will support the production of ANSOY, they have requested a small-scale test showing ANSOY will work. The number of test holes suggested by the explosive companies was beyond the capacity the Missouri S&T Experimental Mine could support. Therefore, a new test site was developed. The new site was identified in Crawford County, about 40 minutes east of Rolla. The new site was selected to support the project but also to aid some local
farmers in Missouri. The drilling and blasting performed at the site will produce fill material and riprap (large boulders) for the farmer.
Final Project Results
Benefit to Soybean Farmers
It is estimated that to meet the industry’s ANFO needs, 30.5 million gallons of diesel fuel are needed annually. Based on the national average fuel costs using soybean oil could save the mining industry 33.5 million dollars annually and
require 21.4 million bushels of soybeans. The decreased cost for the mining industry coupled with the increased production requirements highlights an untapped domestic market for soybeans.
Performance Metrics