About Us

The Pennsylvania Drilling and Blasting Conference is structured to provide continuing education to blasting professionals and is a statewide forum for discussing current issues. During a series of technical sessions, participants will examine new products and practices for cost savings, improved fragmentation, vibration control, improved safety, and regulatory compliance. These topics will be covered in the conference presentations using relevant examples from quarry, surface coal, and underground metal/nonmetal mining and construction projects. This conference attracts a varied and impressive list of professionals, each with special expertise and a strong desire to share knowledge and experiences. This conference is supported by Penn State’s College of Earth and Mineral Sciences (EMS) and its Department of Energy and Mineral Engineering (EME), which offers several undergraduate degree programs, including mining engineering. Learn more about the Mining Engineering Scholarship in memory of Dale Ramsey.

Exhibits

The conference will also include a major exhibition of products and services available to the drilling and blasting industries, to be highlighted Thursday evening with a reception hosted by the exhibitors. Exhibit booths, open throughout the conference, will be conveniently located near the presentation room at The Penn Stater Hotel and Conference Center. They will showcase the newest developments in products and services available to the blasting industry. Limited outside exhibit space will be available to display large equipment.

Mining Engineering at Penn State

The John and Willie Leone Family Department of Energy and Mineral Engineering degree programs, including a fully accredited bachelor’s degree program in mining engineering that prepares students for rewarding positions available in mining engineering, mining equipment and services providers, and government agencies.

College of Earth and Mineral Sciences

The College of Earth and Mineral Sciences prepares professionals for work with earth and mineral sciences, energy resources, materials, and the environment. EMS offers 12 baccalaureate degree programs, as well as an associate degree program and graduate programs in 12 areas of specialization. Additional information can be found on the College of Earth and Mineral Sciences website.