Known types of high explosives used in Bisbee’s underground mines
The following types of dynamite were identified by finding the empty boxes or the explosive itself underground.
Dynamite
Apache powder company (circa 1920’s to closure of mines)
In 1939 Amogel was adapted as the standard Phelps Dodge mines
L-F (Low freezing) 40% Strength Gelatin 1”1/4 and 1” dia sticks 8” long
L.F. Special gelatin 1”1/4 x 8” sticks & 1”X 8” sticks
No. 4 40% Amogel L.F. 1”1/4 x 8” sticks
No .1 60% Amogel 1”1/4 x 8” sticks (used to detonated Carbamite)
No. 5 30% Amogel 1”1/4 x 8” sticks
Du Pont (circa 1911)
Hercules 40% Gelatin no.2 1” 1/8 x 8”
Atlas (circa 1920)
Atlas Gelatin low Freezing 40% strength 1” 1/8 x 8”
California Powder Works ( used very early)
No.2 40% N.G. 7/8” dia sticks
Hercules (circa ?)
Hercules Gelatin L.F. 40 % strength 1”X 8” sticks
Giant Powder Company Consolidated (circa 1917)
Giant Gelatin 40% strength 1” 1/8 x 8”sticks
Ammonium nitrate
Apache powder company
Carbamite prilled( aprox 1/8” beads) ammonium nitrate mixed with organic material. Came in
white and pink in color Available 50lb ,20lb and 10 lb bags for underground use.
References
C.E. Mills 1958 Notations from Annual Reports years 1909 through 1950
Richard Graeme IV 2010, pers. comm., 8 February .
Richard Graeme III 2010, pers. comm., 2 February.