The first weeks of 2025 present the industry’s drillers and blasters with a pair of opportunities to expand their knowledge of the craft and renew certifications.
The International Society of Explosives Engineers’ (ISEE) 51st Annual Conference on Explosives & Blasting Technique is scheduled for Jan. 21-26 in Cherokee, North Carolina. The event, which ISEE characterizes as the largest on explosives and blasting technique in the world, will take place at Harrah’s Cherokee Casino Resort.
Just a few weeks later, the Mine Safety & Health Administration (MSHA) will host its Mine Blast Safety & Application Seminar at the National Health & Safety Academy in Beaver, West Virginia. This event takes place Feb. 19-20.
Exploratory endeavor
The 2025 ISEE conference will offer education on a range of topics related to blasting, drilling, mining and explosives technology. Some of the topics to be covered are blast optimization, innovative technologies, environmental impact, geological insights, and safety and compliance.
The conference will also offer two days of training for blasters, with Nick Adams (Austin Powder Co.) John Capers (explosives consultant), Tyler McCallum (McCallum Drilling), Kyle Perry (Missouri S&T), Nathan Rouse (Thoroughbred Drill & Blast Consulting) and Alex Tyson (Dyno Nobel) serving as Day 1 instructors on Jan. 24.
Stuart Brashear (Austin Powder), Ralph Burnham (Reminger Law), Travis Davidsavor (Barr Engineering), Kelly Ratliff (Reminger Law), Brian Sandhaus (Vulcan Materials), Janeen Smith (Explosive Consultants), Matt Spina (Explosive Consultants) and Tamara Whitaker (RAM Consultants) will serve as instructors on Day 2 in the blasters’ training program.
Yet another educational opportunity
MSHA characterizes its Mine Blast Safety & Application Seminar as a tuition-free opportunity for mining company managers, blasting engineers, blasters and others involved with the planning, design and use of explosives in mining.
Innovations in drill and blast design technology will be addressed, along with specific blasting applications and up-to-date blasting regulations.
According to MSHA, its presenters are drawn from the manufacturers of explosives and accessories, blasting consultants, design experts and government agencies.
One of the topics to be covered during the seminar is safety related to the storage, transportation and use of explosives, as well as how to recognize and prevent malfunctions.
Additionally, blast design technology will be discussed, along with safe blasting practices, drilling design, the use of seismology in blasting, electronic initiation systems, flyrock, construction blasting and vibration control.
Learn more about MSHA’s Mine Blast Safety & Application Seminar at msha.gov.
