A dud is a loaded blast hole or individual explosive charge that misfires and remains unexploded after the firing sequence. This creates a severe safety hazard, as the live explosives or detonators can be accidentally triggered during subsequent mucking or drilling operations. Finding and safely neutralizing duds requires strict misfire protocols.
Heard on the job
Stop the scoop and clear the face, the shotfirer found a dud in the bottom left corner.
Insider tip
Never attempt to dig out a dud with heavy equipment; standard procedure is to wash it out with water or carefully re-prime and shoot it.
Also heard as
- misfire