The extraction of potash salts is a key stage in the production of mineral agrochemicals for agriculture in Russia. According to the Ministry of Natural Resources of the Russian Federation, 95% of the world’s potash salts are used for the production of fertilizers for growing vegetables, fruits, cereals and industrial crops. Potassium chloride regulates the water balance of plants, increases their resistance to drought and diseases, and improves crop quality.
However, potash mining is associated with serious hazards, especially in areas with high concentrations of methane. Blasting is a common technology for ore destruction, but upon detonation, the shock wave creates cracks from which methane is released. This gas is highly flammable — even a small spark can lead to a fire or explosion. According to Rostechnadzor statistics, 23.6% of all mining accidents are caused by methane-air mixture explosions.
Risks and existing protection technologies
To reduce risks in mines, special safety explosives are traditionally used, which have lower power and a reduced risk of gas ignition. However, their use is associated with disadvantages:
• Low rock destruction efficiency
• Increased cost (2-3 times more expensive production)
• Difficulties with production, the need for strict control of the composition
This is important for potash deposits, where high productivity is combined with strict safety requirements and production costs.
Scientists from Perm Polytechnic University, Ural Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences and VostNII conducted research on the use of conventional explosives in potash mines. In laboratory conditions, an explosion was simulated in chambers filled with methane to a dangerous level. The results showed that the potassium salt present in the exploding array serves as a natural inhibitor and flame suppressor: salt particles suppress the development of flames and prevent the ignition of methane.
To achieve a safe effect, the mass of the salt shell should be 1.5–2.6 times the mass of the explosive. In potash mines, these conditions are fulfilled naturally: too fine salt after an explosion holds the flame and reduces the risk of an accident.
Conclusions for the mining industry
The introduction of standard explosives without specialized inhibitors in potash mines will increase the efficiency of drilling and blasting operations, accelerate production and significantly reduce operating costs. At the same time, the safety level will remain consistently high, a factor that is critically important for gas—hazardous facilities. Perm scientists’ research opens up new opportunities for optimizing extraction processes and improving the safety of mineral fertilizer production in Russia.