Licensed Quarry Blasting · Eastern Ontario

Quarry
Drilling &
Blasting

Frank's Drilling & Blasting has been the trusted blasting partner for aggregate producers across Eastern Ontario for over 30 years. From production blasting to development shots, we deliver consistent fragmentation, safe operations, and reliable scheduling — shot after shot.

Live Blast Production blast at an Eastern Ontario aggregate quarry — multi-bench shot showing controlled fragmentation across the rock face.
30+
Years in Quarries
500+
Quarry Blasts Completed
100%
Licensed & Insured
0
Lost-Time Incidents
What We Do

Quarry Services

We offer a full range of drilling and blasting services for aggregate quarries — from regular production blasting to development work opening new benches. Every shot is designed for optimal fragmentation, minimal vibration, and maximum efficiency.

Quarry blasting is the core of what Frank's does. We understand that your operation depends on consistent, predictable rock supply. That's why we work with quarry managers to develop blast plans that integrate seamlessly into your production schedule — minimizing downtime and maximizing output.

Every quarry is different. Rock type, bench height, fragmentation requirements, proximity to neighbours, environmental constraints — we account for all of it. Our team brings decades of experience reading Eastern Ontario's geological formations and adapting our approach accordingly.

Production Blasting
Routine blasting for ongoing aggregate production. We design shot patterns optimized for your crusher specifications — maximizing fragmentation while minimizing oversize. Available on contract or per-shot basis.
Ongoing Contracts
Development Blasting
Opening new benches, extending quarry faces, and creating new working areas. Includes full blast design, pre-split drilling, and controlled perimeter blasting to maintain clean face profiles.
New Bench Work
Production Drilling
Large-diameter blast hole drilling using hydraulic track-mounted rigs. Pattern drilling for production shots with precise burden and spacing optimization. Up to 6" diameter holes in any rock type.
Track Drill Rigs
Blast Design & Engineering
Custom blast plans for every shot — accounting for geology, fragmentation targets, vibration limits, and regulatory requirements. Powder factor optimization and electronic delay sequencing for precision results.
Engineered Plans
Vibration Monitoring
On-site seismograph deployment for every blast. Real-time PPV (peak particle velocity) and airblast measurement to ensure compliance with provincial limits and protect neighbouring properties. Full reports provided.
Instantel Monitoring
Regulatory Compliance
We handle all blast reporting, maintain required documentation, and ensure every shot meets Ontario Ministry of Labour and MECP requirements. Pre-blast surveys available for adjacent properties upon request.
Full Documentation
From Plan to Production

How Quarry Blasting Works

Every blast follows a disciplined, repeatable process. Here's what a typical production shot looks like from start to finish.

1
Blast Design
We survey the face, assess geology, and design the shot pattern — hole diameter, spacing, burden, subdrill, stemming, and powder factor are all calculated for your specific rock and fragmentation needs.
2
Drilling
Our track-mounted rigs drill the pattern. Each hole is logged for depth and condition. Any anomalies (voids, soft zones, water) are noted and the blast design is adjusted on the fly if needed.
3
Loading & Timing
Holes are loaded with bulk ANFO or emulsion explosives, primed, and connected with electronic detonators. Delay timing is programmed to control fragmentation, heave direction, and vibration.
4
Fire & Monitor
Exclusion zone is cleared, seismographs are armed, and the shot is fired. Post-blast, we inspect the muck pile, review seismograph data, and document the results for your records and ours.
Our Quarry Fleet

Equipment & Capabilities

Purpose-built equipment maintained to the highest safety standards. Every piece is operator-certified and inspection-ready.

Track-Mounted Drill Rigs
Hydraulic track drills capable of drilling large-diameter production holes in any rock formation. Self-propelled for fast repositioning between patterns.
Up to 6" diameter · All rock types
Electronic Detonators
Programmable electronic initiation systems (ORICA & Dyno Nobel) for precise delay timing. Tighter control = better fragmentation, less vibration, and reduced flyrock.
1ms precision · Programmable delays
Bulk Loading Equipment
Licensed for bulk ANFO and emulsion loading. Faster loading times, consistent energy distribution, and lower per-tonne blast costs compared to packaged product.
ANFO · Emulsion · Pumped loading
Seismograph Systems
Instantel Minimate Plus units deployed on every blast. Measures peak particle velocity (PPV) and airblast overpressure in real time. Full compliance reports provided.
Instantel Minimate · PPV & dB logging
Portable Compressors
High-capacity diesel air compressors for pneumatic drilling in any location. Reliable power where grid connections aren't available.
400–750 CFM · Diesel-powered
Support Fleet
Drill steel carriers, shot-firer vehicles, magazine trucks, and all support equipment needed for fast mobilization and safe, efficient quarry operations.
Licensed transport · Full magazine
Eastern Ontario Geology

Rock Types We Blast

Eastern Ontario sits on some of the most diverse geology in the province. We've worked in every major formation across the region.

🪨
Limestone
The most common aggregate rock in our region. Typically found in layered sedimentary formations south of the Canadian Shield. Blasts well with standard patterns and is widely used for road base, concrete, and asphalt aggregate.
Sedimentary
Granite & Gneiss
Hard crystalline rock found throughout the Canadian Shield — Frontenac, Lennox & Addington, and northern Hastings. Requires higher powder factors but produces excellent crushed stone for premium applications.
Igneous / Metamorphic
Sandstone & Shale
Softer sedimentary formations found in pockets across the region. Requires careful blast design to avoid over-fragmentation and excessive fines. We adjust patterns and powder factors accordingly.
Sedimentary
Dolomite
Dense, hard carbonate rock found in several Eastern Ontario quarries. Similar to limestone but denser and tougher. Produces high-quality aggregate for infrastructure projects and is valued for its durability.
Carbonate
The FDB Difference

Why Quarry Operators
Choose Frank's

01
Consistent Fragmentation
We design every shot to hit your fragmentation spec. Consistent sizing means less oversize, less secondary breaking, and higher throughput at your crusher. That saves you money on every tonne.
02
Reliable Scheduling
When we say we'll be there Tuesday, we're there Tuesday. Your production schedule depends on predictable blasting cycles. We don't miss dates, and we don't leave you waiting for rock.
03
Safety Record
Zero lost-time incidents. Full MOL certification, Transport Canada explosives permits, and a crew that treats safety as non-negotiable. Pre-blast surveys and seismograph monitoring on every single shot.
04
Local Rock Knowledge
30+ years reading Eastern Ontario geology. We know how limestone behaves differently from Shield granite. We know which formations have cavities, which ones shift, and how to adapt. That knowledge is worth its weight in aggregate.
05
Contract Flexibility
Per-shot, monthly retainer, or full-season contract — we structure our agreements to match how your quarry operates. Ongoing clients get priority scheduling and volume pricing. No lock-in penalties.
06
Full-Service Capability
Drilling, blasting, vibration monitoring, blast design, and regulatory documentation — all from one crew. No coordinating between a driller and a blaster. One call, one team, one invoice.
Common Questions

Quarry Blasting FAQ

How often can you blast at our quarry?
That depends on your production needs and permit conditions. We work with quarries that blast weekly, biweekly, or monthly. For high-volume operations, we can schedule regular production shots as frequently as needed. We coordinate with your dispatch and crushing schedule to minimize downtime between blasts.
What's your typical turnaround from first call to first blast?
For an existing quarry with known geology, we can typically mobilize within 1–2 weeks of contract signing. New quarries or complex sites may require a site visit and blast plan development first, which adds a few days. For urgent production needs, we'll work with you to fast-track wherever possible.
How do you handle vibration complaints from neighbours?
Every blast gets seismograph monitoring — that's non-negotiable. If a neighbour raises a concern, we have documented PPV and airblast data for every shot. We also offer pre-blast surveys of adjacent properties, which establishes a baseline before any blasting begins. Proactive communication and real data resolve most concerns before they become issues.
Can you work with our existing blast plan or do you create your own?
Both. If you have an existing blast plan from your consulting engineer, we're happy to execute it. If you'd like us to optimize or redesign, we'll review your current approach and suggest improvements based on what we see in the rock. Many of our long-term clients started with their own plans and gradually transitioned to ours once they saw the results.
What's the difference between ANFO and emulsion, and which should we use?
ANFO (ammonium nitrate + fuel oil) is the workhorse of quarry blasting — cost-effective and reliable in dry conditions. Emulsion explosives are water-resistant and higher energy, making them ideal for wet holes or harder rock that needs more punch. We often use a combination: emulsion in the bottom of wet holes with ANFO on top. We'll recommend the right product based on your geology and site conditions.
Do you provide all the reporting our quarry licence requires?
Yes. We provide seismograph reports (PPV and airblast), blast logs, hole-by-hole loading records, and any other documentation your licence or your consulting engineer requires. All records are maintained and available on request. We understand that your quarry licence depends on proper blast documentation — we don't cut corners on paperwork.
What areas do you serve for quarry blasting?
We serve quarries across Eastern Ontario — Lennox & Addington, Frontenac, Hastings, Prince Edward County, Leeds & Grenville, Lanark, and into the Ottawa Valley. Our base in Newburgh puts us central to most of the region's aggregate operations. If you're within a reasonable drive, we'll make it work.
Get In Touch

Need Quarry Blasting?

Tell us about your quarry and production needs. We'll respond within one business day with a site visit and detailed proposal.

Based in Newburgh, ON
Serving Eastern Ontario
Contract & per-shot available