The disclosure relates to an above ground stemming device. The device comprises a body configured, in use, to cover an open end of a blast hole loaded with explosives to surface or to within 300 mm of surface. The body has a void containing a stem of superabsorbent polymer gel therein. In use, the body is position to allow the stem of superabsorbent polymer gel to be in contact with the explosives. In one embodiment, the body has a base and an upper portion extending upwardly from the base. In another embodiment, the body is a regular polyhedron. In an alternative embodiment, the body is a mat fabricated from a flexible material capable of being inflated with the superabsorbent polymer gel.
