Which statement best describes a notable property of ANFO?

Which statement best describes a notable property of ANFO?

• A. Inexpensive oxygen balanced mix
• B. Not USDOT rated, requires priming
• C. Poor water resistance
• D. Two-component mix on-site cartridge

Answer: (A)

ANFO’s standout feature is that it’s an inexpensive, oxygen-balanced blasting agent. It’s made from ammonium nitrate (the oxidizer) and fuel oil, mixed on site so the oxygen from the nitrate is just enough to burn the fuel oil cleanly and release a large amount of energy. That balance—cheap materials plus efficient energy output—is what makes ANFO widely used in big blasting operations. Other points describe practical aspects (how it’s initiated, its dependability in wet conditions, or how it’s packaged), but they don’t capture the defining advantage. The notion of cost and chemical balance best explains why ANFO is a go-to blasting agent.

ANFO’s standout feature is that it’s an inexpensive, oxygen-balanced blasting agent. It’s made from ammonium nitrate (the oxidizer) and fuel oil, mixed on site so the oxygen from the nitrate is just enough to burn the fuel oil cleanly and release a large amount of energy. That balance—cheap materials plus efficient energy output—is what makes ANFO widely used in big blasting operations.

Other points describe practical aspects (how it’s initiated, its dependability in wet conditions, or how it’s packaged), but they don’t capture the defining advantage. The notion of cost and chemical balance best explains why ANFO is a go-to blasting agent.