Dynamite’s Successor Tested at the Copper Cliff Elsie Mine – Gary Peck
It combines all the elements of dynamite as an explosive as well as many other laudable features. It is safe to handle and needs the action of heat, flame and concussion to ignite it. One can even pound it with a hammer or rub it with sandpaper without fear. As well, it will not freeze under 25 degrees below zero nor is it affected by water or weather.
Finally, no noxious gases will be emitted underground to slow down work and perhaps overcome the miner. Such were the claims of a company in 1901 developing a new explosive to replace dynamite. Of interest is the little-known fact that the first Canadian plant was built in Sudbury.
The new explosive was of Russian origin, having been invented by Count Sergius Smollinoff.
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