Duration: 5 Days (Includes 16-Hour Colorado PETS) | Location: Golden, Colorado | Tuition: $2,950

Learn How to Improve Quarry Performance, From Drilling to Final Production

This comprehensive five-day academy connects the essential elements of quarry operations, drilling technology, blasting engineering, equipment performance, and production optimization.

Instead of studying each operation separately, participants learn how the quarry works as one integrated system.

Through engineering exercises, real-world case studies, operational troubleshooting, and practical discussions, students develop the knowledge needed to:

• Improve drilling and blasting efficiency.
• Optimize rock fragmentation and material handling.
• Understand the relationship between blasting, loading, hauling, and crushing.
• Identify equipment and operational inefficiencies.
• Reduce production costs while maintaining safety.
• Apply engineering principles to solve real quarry problems.
• Understand explosives safety and applicable regulatory requirements.

Five-Day Course Outline

Day 1: Quarry Operations, Management & Production Optimization. Quarry planning, production systems, operational efficiency, and cost management.

Day 2: Aggregate Production, Equipment & Maintenance. Loading, hauling, crushing, screening, equipment selection, maintenance, and production optimization.

Day 3: Drilling Technology & Best Practices. Drilling equipment, drilling accuracy, geological conditions, borehole quality, and their influence on blasting performance.

Day 4: Blasting Engineering & Production Blasting (PETS Day 1). Explosives fundamentals, blasting principles, explosives safety, regulatory requirements, and practical blasting applications.

Day 5: Advanced Blasting Applications & Safety (PETS Day 2). Controlled blasting concepts, blast-related hazards, regulatory compliance, safety practices, and practical case studies.

Colorado PETS Is Included

The final two days (February 11–12, 2027) include the 16-hour Colorado Practical Explosives Training School (PETS). Participants completing the full Academy also receive the PETS training. No additional PETS registration or tuition is required.

Completion of training does not automatically qualify an individual for a state permit; additional state requirements may apply.

Learn from Industry Experts and Guest Speakers

In addition to instruction by Dr. Vilem Petr, the 5-Day Academy will feature industry experts and guest speakers with practical experience in quarry operations, drilling, blasting, equipment technology, and aggregate production. These professionals will share real-world case studies, industry best practices, innovative technologies, and practical solutions to common operational challenges. Learn directly from experienced professionals, ask questions, and gain valuable insights you can apply to your own operations.

Who Should Attend?

Quarry managers, production supervisors, mining and civil engineers, drilling and blasting professionals, equipment operators, technical personnel, and professionals responsible for quarry productivity, safety, and operational performance.

Which Course Should You Choose?

Choose the Full 5-Day Academy ($2,950) if you want comprehensive training in quarry operations, equipment, drilling, blasting, and explosives safety.

Choose the 2-Day Colorado PETS ($795) if you only need explosives safety training for blasters, continuing education, or training relevant to Colorado permit requirements.

Both courses are taught in person in Golden, Colorado. Seats are limited.

Upcoming Training Dates

November 2026: Full 5-Day Academy, Nov 9–13; PETS Only, Nov 12–13.
February 2027: Full 5-Day Academy, Feb 8–12; PETS Only, Feb 11–12.
Location: Golden, Colorado, USA.

Meet Your Instructor: Dr. Vilem Petr

Founder, Petr Explosives Group. Dr. Petr brings more than 25 years of experience teaching explosives engineering, blasting technology, and explosives safety. His training combines engineering fundamentals with practical applications, helping students understand not only how operations work, but why they work and how to improve them.

Registration: Full 5-Day Academy, $2,950. Use the Register Now button.