Estimated Industrial Explosives And Blasting Agents Sold For Consumption In The United States, By Class And Use

This table presents estimates of industrial explosives and blasting agents sold for consumption in the United States, categorized by class and primary use across various industries such as coal mining, quarrying and nonmetal mining, metal mining, construction work, and other purposes. This data is crucial for understanding the demand and distribution of explosive materials that support key sectors of the economy, including resource extraction and infrastructure development. Tracking these figures helps policymakers, industry stakeholders, and analysts gauge industrial activity levels, assess supply chain needs, and anticipate economic trends related to mining and construction operations.

Analysis of the data reveals a notable decline in total explosives consumption from 1,630 thousand metric tons in 2021 to 1,460 thousand metric tons in 2022, representing a decrease of approximately 10.4 percent. This reduction is primarily driven by a significant drop in blasting agents and oxidizers usage, which fell from 1,600 to 1,420 thousand metric tons. Coal mining experienced the largest decrease, with total explosives consumption dropping from 803 to 712 thousand metric tons, largely due to a decline in blasting agents and oxidizers from 800 to 708 thousand metric tons. Quarrying and nonmetal mining, metal mining, and construction work also saw decreases, though less pronounced. The category of other high explosives remained relatively stable, with a slight decrease from 37 to 34 thousand metric tons. These trends may reflect shifts in industrial production, regulatory changes, or market conditions affecting mining and construction activities during this period.