Longtime blasting educator Konya dies

Konya

Calvin Konya, a blasting pioneer who left his mark on the industry in countless ways, died Nov. 28. He was 78.

Konya was a founder of the International Society of Explosive Engineers, and served as its first executive director and first president. He authored more than 150 books, papers and publications on blast engineering, and he contributed a variety of his work to Pit & Quarry.

Konya trained blasters around the world on techniques, design and vibration levels over 40 years. He began his career at the Missouri School of Mines & Metallurgy, where he earned bachelor’s and masters degrees in mining engineering. Konya earned a Ph.D. in mining engineering at the University of Missouri-Rolla.

From 1971 to 1978, Konya served West Virginia University as an associate professor of mining engineering. He transitioned to Ohio State University in 1978, dedicating nine years of his career as chairman and professor of mining engineering.

Konya was a lifetime member of the National Academy of Sciences, and he was the founder and president of Intercontinental Development Corp.