About Drilling 7 Blasting Inc.
History
Drilling 7 Blasting Inc. was founded in 1980 by Jon Cornelsen, whose blasting career began on the rugged logging roads of the Sierra National Forest. It was there that Jon was first introduced to explosives and discovered the skill and passion that would shape his future.
From the very beginning, Jon wasn’t building the company alone. His wife, Delight Cornelsen, managed the office, handled the books, and took on the growing demands of compliance and documentation. Her organization and attention to detail became a cornerstone of the company’s reliability and professionalism.
Starting with nothing more than a hand drill and a portable compressor, Jon took on his first small job. When the customer wrote the check, they accidentally dropped the shift on the ampersand — writing it out to “Drilling 7 Blasting.” The name stuck, and Drilling 7 Blasting, Inc. was born.
In 2002, Jon and Delight’s son, Aaron Cornelsen, joined the operation, learning the trade firsthand and helping expand the company’s capabilities. Working side‑by‑side with his father in the field Aaron became part of the next generation carrying the company forward.
From those humble beginnings, Drilling 7 Blasting has grown into a trusted, multi‑generation blasting contractor known for safety, precision, and decades of hands‑on expertise
Our Growing Team
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In 2026, Drilling 7 Blasting Inc. expanded its leadership by bringing on two new partners, Nick Cunningham and Ed Escobar. Both are experienced blasters with strong field knowledge and a proven commitment to safe, precise blasting operations.
- Extensive hands‑on blasting experience across a variety of project types
- Strong understanding of modern drilling, GPS systems, and electronic initiation
- Dedicated to maintaining the high standards and professionalism our clients expect
- Strengthening our team’s depth, capacity, and ability to take on larger, more complex work
Their addition reinforces our mission to provide reliable, high‑quality blasting services backed by a team with the expertise to do the job right.
About Drilling 7 Blasting Inc.
Blasting Specialists
Backed by over a century of combined blasting experience, Drilling 7 Blasting Inc. has the depth of knowledge and field‑tested skill to handle any blasting challenge. Every project is led by a qualified blaster whose experience aligns with the specific demands of the job
Controlled Blasting With GPS & Electronic Initiation Systems
Controlled blasting is a precision‑driven excavation method designed to break rock safely, efficiently, and with minimal impact on surrounding structures, utilities, and the environment. Modern blasting operations combine proven industry practices with advanced digital technologies to achieve highly predictable results.
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Precision Through GPS Technology
Benefits to Project Owners & the Public
Precision Through GPS Technology
Today’s blasting programs rely heavily on GPS‑enabled systems to improve accuracy and quality control throughout the drilling and blasting process. These tools allow crews to:
- Map drill patterns with sub‑inch accuracy, ensuring each hole is placed exactly where the design requires
- Record real‑time drilling data, including depth, angle, and
Today’s blasting programs rely heavily on GPS‑enabled systems to improve accuracy and quality control throughout the drilling and blasting process. These tools allow crews to:
- Map drill patterns with sub‑inch accuracy, ensuring each hole is placed exactly where the design requires
- Record real‑time drilling data, including depth, angle, and location
- Verify burden and spacing to maintain consistent energy distribution
- Document field conditions for quality assurance and regulatory compliance
- Integrate digital blast designs directly into drilling equipment for seamless execution
GPS technology reduces human error, improves blast predictability, and provides a digital record of the work performed — a key advantage for engineering teams, inspectors, and project owners.
Electronic Initiation Systems
Benefits to Project Owners & the Public
Precision Through GPS Technology
Electronic initiation systems represent the highest standard in modern blasting control. These systems use programmable electronic detonators that provide:
- Extremely precise timing down to the millisecond
- Improved vibration control through optimized delay sequencing
- Reduced airblast and flyrock risk due to consistent, reliable firing
- Enhance
Electronic initiation systems represent the highest standard in modern blasting control. These systems use programmable electronic detonators that provide:
- Extremely precise timing down to the millisecond
- Improved vibration control through optimized delay sequencing
- Reduced airblast and flyrock risk due to consistent, reliable firing
- Enhanced safety features, including built‑in diagnostics and encrypted communication
- Full digital traceability, allowing crews to confirm circuit integrity before firing
By replacing traditional initiation methods with electronic systems, blasting operations achieve smoother fragmentation, tighter control of blast effects, and a higher level of operational safety.
Benefits to Project Owners & the Public
Benefits to Project Owners & the Public
Benefits to Project Owners & the Public
The integration of GPS systems and electronic initiation technology results in:
- More predictable blast outcomes
- Reduced overbreak and improved excavation accuracy
- Lower vibration levels at nearby structures
- Faster production with fewer delays
- Comprehensive digital documentation for compliance and reporting
These advancements ensure that contro
The integration of GPS systems and electronic initiation technology results in:
- More predictable blast outcomes
- Reduced overbreak and improved excavation accuracy
- Lower vibration levels at nearby structures
- Faster production with fewer delays
- Comprehensive digital documentation for compliance and reporting
These advancements ensure that controlled blasting remains a safe, efficient, and environmentally responsible method for rock excavation in construction, mining, and infrastructure development.
Flyrock Prevention
Nonel Blasting Initiation
Benefits to Project Owners & the Public
Flyrock prevention is a core focus of every blast we design. Through accurate GPS‑guided drilling, precise electronic initiation, and proven protective measures, we ensure each blast is fully controlled and contained.
- GPS‑verified hole placement for consistent burden and spacing
- Electronic initiation systems for predictable, controlled ene
Flyrock prevention is a core focus of every blast we design. Through accurate GPS‑guided drilling, precise electronic initiation, and proven protective measures, we ensure each blast is fully controlled and contained.
- GPS‑verified hole placement for consistent burden and spacing
- Electronic initiation systems for predictable, controlled energy release
- Site‑appropriate containment methods such as blast mats and clearance zones
- Thorough pre‑blast inspections and clear communication protocols
Nonel Blasting Initiation
Nonel Blasting Initiation
Nonel Blasting Initiation
Nonel initiation systems provide a reliable, shock‑tube‑based method for controlled blasting. They offer consistent timing, strong field durability, and a simple, proven design that performs well in a wide range of conditions.
- Non‑electric shock tube system resistant to radio‑frequency interference
- Consistent delay timing for predictable,
Nonel initiation systems provide a reliable, shock‑tube‑based method for controlled blasting. They offer consistent timing, strong field durability, and a simple, proven design that performs well in a wide range of conditions.
- Non‑electric shock tube system resistant to radio‑frequency interference
- Consistent delay timing for predictable, controlled blast sequencing
- Durable, field‑ready components that perform in harsh environments
- Ideal for projects requiring a non‑electronic initiation option
Nonel systems remain a trusted choice for many blasting applications, delivering dependable performance while maintaining the safety and control standards our clients expect.
Drilling Operations
Nonel Blasting Initiation
Nonel Blasting Initiation
At Drilling 7 Blasting, our drilling capabilities are built to handle projects of every size and terrain. Our fleet includes both cab drills (top-hammer) and outside (top‑hammer) drills, giving us the flexibility to tackle everything from precision blasting prep to general drilling needs across construction, roadwork, utility, and speci
At Drilling 7 Blasting, our drilling capabilities are built to handle projects of every size and terrain. Our fleet includes both cab drills (top-hammer) and outside (top‑hammer) drills, giving us the flexibility to tackle everything from precision blasting prep to general drilling needs across construction, roadwork, utility, and specialty projects.
We operate modern, well‑maintained equipment capable of drilling in hard rock, fractured ground, steep slopes, and tight access areas. Whether the job calls for production drilling, controlled blasting layouts, anchor holes, test holes, or specialized drilling support, our team brings the experience and accuracy needed to get it done safely and efficiently.
With decades of field expertise and the right equipment for any environment, Drilling 7 Blasting delivers reliable drilling solutions that keep your project moving forward.