Quarry Feb 2021

How a rock on ground model is assisting a remote mobile crushing operation

ENHANCED PERFORMANCE AT MOUNT MORGANS A drill rig fleet is creating increased productivity and savings for a Tier 1 contractor

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ROCK ON GROUND SERVICE SOLIDIFIES PARTNERSHIP

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OFFICIAL JOURNAL OF THE INSTITUTE OF QUARRYING AUSTRALIA

FEBRUARY 2021

EXPLOSIVE TESTED FOR HIGHER FRAGMENTATION Boral trials an explosive formulated at a higher density and increased energy

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IN THIS ISSUE FEBRUARY 2021

VOLUME 29, ISSUE 02

FEATURES 26 SURFACE CRAWLER RIG PROVIDES ALTERNATIVE RTDrill has unveiled the RTD32 down the hole hammer drill rig in the Australian extractive market.

28 INTELLIGENCE SYSTEMS AID DAM CONSTRUCTION A civil works contractor has employed intelligent machine control systems to construct tailings storage facilities in a WA extractive operation.

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ENDURING PARTNERS How a rock on ground model is assisting a remote mobile crushing operation.

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MOUNT MORGANS MINE A drill rig fleet is creating increased productivity and savings for a Tier 1 contractor.

32 WASH PLANT SOLUTIONS AUGMENT PRODUCER A quarry producer has been boosted by a quality wash plant and water and silt management system.

34 CORRECT EQUIPMENT KEY TO SUCCESSFUL RECYCLING The compactness of the Metso Nordtrack range is part of its appeal for recyclers and contractors.

38 CAN QUARRIES RETURN TO A NATURAL STATE? Quarrying companies are being encouraged by regulators to return sites to a ‘natural character’. But, as Shaun Rosier asks, is that enough?

39 ONUS, PRESUMPTION IN ADVERSE ACTION MATTERS

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HIGH FRAGMENTATION Boral has executed a trial blast with an explosive formulated for higher rock fragmentation.

FEBRUARY 2021

OFFICIAL JOURNAL OF THE INSTITUTE OF QUARRYING AUSTRALIA

ENHANCED PERFORMANCE AT MOUNT MORGANS A drill rig fleet is creating increased productivity and savings for a Tier 1 contractor

24

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QUARRY

How a rock on ground model is assisting a remote mobile crushing operation

HEROIC SUPERVISORS A safety management expert discusses support structures needed for quarry supervisors.

FEBRUARY 2021

www.quarrymagazine.com

ROCK ON GROUND SERVICE SOLIDIFIES PARTNERSHIP

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An employee has received more than $5 million in compensation for breach of contract and other general protections provisions by an employer.

EXPLOSIVE TESTED FOR HIGHER FRAGMENTATION Boral trials an explosive formulated at a higher density and increased energy

COVER ADVERTISER: Orica has introduced Centra Gold higher strength base emulsion, with an increased density range, to deliver higher throughput and lower cost than ever before.

Turn to page 24 or visit orica.com

EVERY MONTH 04 FROM THE EDITOR

15 PRODUCT FOCUS

06 FROM THE PRESIDENT

40 IQA NEWS

08 NEWS THIS MONTH

41 FROM THE IQA CEO

Quarry February 2021 3

EDITORIAL

A DUAL-EDGED RECOVERY BUT GROWTH OPPORTUNITIES ARE THERE

W

elcome to 2021! Hopefully the Christmas/New Year break and the first month of the new year were kind to you all. It seems 2021 will have its own unique challenges and pitfalls, and we will still have to contend with many of 2020’s legacies (eg COVID-19, bushfires, floods, etc).

The sporadic outbreaks of COVID-19 along the east coast over the holiday season was a “wake-up call” that people in all walks of life cannot treat the virus (and safety in general) with complacency. As Victoria found to its cost last year, we can’t afford to go into and out of prolonged lockdowns because of the enormous economic repercussions – but we must also remain vigilant as well and do what we can to contain and eradicate bouts of the virus.

This is especially while new strains of COVID-19 run rampant abroad.

As I’ve mentioned previously, the extractive industry has done a remarkable job in providing and helping to maintain essential services. The industry will likely be a beneficiary of growth as the economy improves – but that’s where the hard work starts.

As we went to press, Deloitte Access Economics (DAE) forecast that there is scope for the national economy to grow strongly from this year onwards – by as much as 4.6 per cent. Indeed, DAE predicted Victoria (in a massive reversal of fortune) could outstrip the national economy in growth – by 5.3 per cent – in 2021. Of course, that’s dependent on various factors coming into alignment – a smooth roll-out of a COVID-19 vaccination as soon as possible, a softening in border lockdowns between the states and territories, and virus numbers staying suppressed. Rising employment will also be dependent on businesses taking advantage of government incentives to invest in their own manufacturing processes and equipment.

While some distributors and suppliers of plant and equipment to the quarrying industry are keen to explore channels with OEMs about the development of locally manufactured spares and components, DAE’s Dr Chris Richardson (who has previously presented at a Construction Materials Industry Conference) is not optimistic that government incentives will lead to a rise in manufacturing jobs, largely as the domestic workforce lacks the high level of engineering and technical expertise required to start manufacturing onshore.

He also predicts companies may move their manufacturing facilities to other nations (eg Vietnam, Indonesia) where COVID-19 is under control.

Nonetheless, while there is an outside chance of further disruptions to the international supply chain courtesy of COVID-19, quarrying producers have good reason to approach 2021 and beyond with some optimism.

There is likely to be more aggregate demand from ambitious government infrastructure programs, especially in road, rail, education and health infrastructure, and from a recovering housing market as immigration resumes.

There will, however, still be plenty of other challenges that predate the pandemic: tightening regulation as quarrying reserves become scarce and more exclusive; competition for a skilled workforce with the likes of the civil construction and mining sectors; encouraging greater participation from women and younger people; and improving engagement with communities.

Recovery is always a “dual-edged sword” but the opportunities for growth are there – and with a five-year strategy mapped out, the IQA can show the industry the way.

DAMIAN CHRISTIE Editor

Published by:

DAE PREDICTED VICTORIA (IN A MASSIVE REVERSAL OF FORTUNE) COULD OUTSTRIP THE NATIONAL ECONOMY IN GROWTH – BY 5.3 PER CENT – IN 2021

11-15 Buckhurst Street South Melbourne VIC 3205 T: 03 9690 8766 www.primecreativemedia.com.au Publisher John Murphy john.murphy@primecreative.com.au

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Quarry February 2021

PRESIDENT’S REPORT

WALKING A POSITIVE, UNITED PATH INTO 2021 The Institute of Quarrying Australia

I

sincerely hope that you all had the chance to catch up with your family and friends over the Christmas and New Year period. After a challenging year, the opportunity to spend time with family was uplifting, enjoyable and very much needed.

Credit goes to most Australians for doing their bit in following the COVID-19 health directions to be in the position we are in, compared with other parts of the world. The vaccine will soon be available to the most vulnerable and throughout the year we should all have the chance to be vaccinated. My hope is that the state parochialism that has always been a part of our Australian vernacular with great humour, care, affection and competitive Australian spirit does not continue down the seemingly more negative path that we have seen over the past 12 months of separation and alienation. Hopefully our state and territory leaders, despite the pressure on them to look after people in their jurisdictions, do not lose sight of what I suspect the majority would feel – ie no matter where you live, it should not define who we are as Australians and the Australian way.

The IQA is absolutely focused on member services for all parts of Australia in 2021. The past year enabled greater reach with additional and improved online education and webinars made available to everyone, no matter where you are located. We will continue down this path of offering a mixture of face to face events as restrictions ease, along with increased virtual offerings available to be undertaken at your convenience.

If you feel that the IQA is not providing what you are looking for, or you have ideas on how we can improve member services, we would dearly love to hear from you. Please contact us via email: admin@quarry.com.au By now, you will be aware of advertising for the 62nd IQA Conference to be held in Newcastle, NSW, from 5-7 October, 2021. The conference theme is:

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Quarry February 2021

• Re-think – ie new technology, sustainability, change management, regulation, innovation and rethinking our approaches to business and operations.

• Re-source – ie access to materials, economic development and our social licence to operate underpin how the industry will move forward.

This includes exploring innovations in recycling and waste management in future operations.

• Re-engage – ie realising the importance of people and the workforce in future. How do we manage the human aspects of business with our people, customers, suppliers and community?

The conference organising committee is extremely focused and determined to put on the best educational and social program. I have no doubt they will deliver an outstanding conference.

Why not consider using the conference as a key part of your holiday plans for 2021? By October, we would hope we can travel more freely and what a great opportunity to spend some days either side of the conference enjoying Newcastle and other parts of eastern Australia. Families are most welcome and it would be a wonderful chance to travel together and participate in the extensive conference social program. There is nothing like having a holiday to plan and look forward to, so why not spend some leisure time mixed with some fantastic educational and networking opportunities?

To register for the IQA national conference, visit the IQA website – quarry.com.au – and click on the conference banner at the top of the home page. We hope to see you there in October!

Until next month, stay healthy and stay safe.

SHANE BRADDY President Institute of Quarrying Australia

Educating and connecting the extractive and associated industries

quarry.com.au THE PAST YEAR ENABLED GREATER REACH WITH ADDITIONAL AND IMPROVED ONLINE EDUCATION AND WEBINARS MADE AVAILABLE TO EVERYONE

The IQA’s Strategic Plan 2020 to 2025 embodies the following vision, values and strategic priorities: Vision: Educating and connecting the extractive and associated industries.

Values: • A safe and sustainable environment.

• Diversity and inclusion.

• Workforce development, skills, careers and life-long learning.

• Networking, connection, trust and communication.

Strategic Priorities: • Maximise outcomes for industry through education and sustainable practise.

• Increase our relevance.

• A high performing and sustainable organisation.

IQA CONTACTS: Phone: 02 9484 0577 Email: admin@quarry.com.au Chief Executive Officer Kylie Fahey Company Secretary Rod Lester For all education, member and branch inquires,-- email: admin@quarry.com.au.

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PAST IQA PRESIDENT APPOINTED AS EARTH RESOURCES REGULATION LIAISON MALEMPRE’S FINAL ROLE WITH BORAL WAS AS NATIONAL RESOURCES MANAGER WITH GEOLOGICAL AND TECHNICAL RESPONSIBILITY FOR ALL OF BORAL’S QUARRY OPERATIONS THROUGHOUT AUSTRALIA

Past IQA President John Malempre is now an independent stakeholder liaison on behalf of Earth Resources Regulation.

Victoria’s Earth Resources Regulation has appointed a past IQA President as independent stakeholder liaison.

John Malempre’s role includes managing resolutions of stakeholder complaints and queries, along with improving complaint handling practices from the regulator.

His role also comprises guiding industry operators about regulatory approval processes and application requirements, while assisting Earth Resources Regulation (ERR) with

their understanding of the extractive industry.

ERR believes Malempre will help improve the “timeliness and quality” of application submissions from the industry, which will ultimately shorten the review period.

Malempre has an extensive history in the resources sector, having worked at Boral across various roles in Victoria, South Australia and Queensland.

“After managing quarry operations

in various roles in Victoria, South Australia and Queensland, I was appointed to a number of general management roles including general manager of Boral’s NSW Country Concrete and Quarries and Sydney Region Concrete and Quarries,” Malempre told Quarry.

“I then returned to Melbourne to take up the role of regional general manager for Victoria and Tasmania, responsible for Boral’s quarry, concrete, asphalt, transport and associated businesses across those states.”

Malempre’s final role with Boral before retirement was as national resources manager with geological and technical responsibility for all of Boral’s quarry operations throughout Australia. This also included assignments associated with acquisitions and development of projects in Europe, America, South East Asia and the Middle East.

After retiring from Boral, Malempre founded CONMATS, a consulting firm that provides advice to the construction materials industry.

John Malempre is a long-time member of the IQA and served as President from 2006 to 2007. He has remained an Honorary Fellow of the Institute of Quarrying.

BORAL EXITS US BRICK OPERATIONS Boral has agreed to sell its US-based Meridian Brick joint venture with an affiliate of Lone Star Funds for $USD250 million ($AUD322.3 million).

interest in bricks in Australia and since forming the bricks joint venture in the US with Lone Star in 2016, the plan was to ultimately prepare the business for sale.

The divestment will provide $USD125 million to Boral for its 50 per cent share in the joint venture.

“As part of this process, Meridian’s leadership was refreshed with the appointment of a new CEO in December 2018 and a stronger focus on improving performance.”

The sale is expected to be completed in the 2021 financial year with the transaction subject to closing conditions and regulatory approvals.

Boral chief executive officer and managing director Zlatko Todorcevski said the sale of the Meridian Brick joint venture is the final step in its move away from brick operations.

“In recent years Boral has divested its

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Todorcevski said the divestment of the Meridian Brick joint venture will streamline Boral’s US business.

“The agreed sale represents a fair value for the business and reflects its improved performance,” he said.

“The divestment of Meridian is a further step in Boral’s portfolio review works,”

Boral has entered the final step in its exodus from brick operations.

Todorcevski added. “It helps streamline our US business and allows us to further focus on the improvement initiatives underway in the remaining businesses in Boral North America.”

WA COMPANIES SELECTED FOR OCEAN REEF MARINA UPGRADE

CRUSHING AND SCREENING CONTRACT AWARDED FOR SUNSHINE COAST QUARRIES

The Western Australian Government has enlisted WA Limestone and Italia Stone Group to construct $60 million breakwaters at the Ocean Reef Marina in Western Australia.

The two companies will employ 56 local workers to construct the breakwaters, which will require 650,000 tonnes of limestone and 30,000 tonnes of granite.

Limestone for the breakwaters will be sourced from DevelopmentWA’s limestone quarry in Neerabup.

The project will provide the longest breakwaters in Western Australia at two kilometres long, with works to commence by the end of 2021 and be completed by mid-2022.

The Ocean Reef Marina is anticipated to create 8600 jobs over its 10- to 15-year construction period.

Black Cat Civil has received an $8.5 million contract for work at the Image Flat and Dulong quarries on Queensland’s Sunshine Coast.

The construction of the breakwaters will require 650,000 tonnes of limestone and 30,000 tonnes of granite.

support local jobs and assist in WA’s economic recovery,” he said.

Image Flat Quarry is operated

by Sunshine Coast Quarry Services and provides road base, landscaping and rock products and crusher dust and contains rhyolite and basalt. The Dulong Quarry also contains rhyolite and basalt.

“We’re investing $126.5 million in funding for the marina over the life of the project to help deliver an iconic development which will benefit the local community, as well as become a popular tourist attraction.

Western Australian Premier Mark McGowan said the hiring of WA Limestone and Italia Stone Group will support the state’s economic recovery.

“This project will generate more than 8000 jobs during construction for local workers and businesses like the Joint Venture announced today, which is critical to WA’s COVID-19 recovery.”

“Today’s announcement of the preferred contractors shows this landmark and long-awaited project is full steam ahead,” McGowan said.

Lands Minister Ben Wyatt said the project will inject $3 billion into the economy.

“We are proud to deliver this major election commitment that will

The contract commences in early 2021 and will require Black Cat Civil to undertake mobile crushing and screening services for a twoyear period.

Sunshine Coast Division 10 Councillor David Law said Black Cat Civil will “be crushing, scalping, blending and screening approximately 350,000 tonnes per annum of rhyolite and basalt shot rock for a variety of sizes and products”.

The building materials would be available to both the construction industry and general public, Law said.

The existing boat harbour will stay in operation during the breakwater construction works.

ADBRI TARGETS LOCAL LIME PRODUCTION PLANT Cement and lime producer Adbri is seeking to open a lime production plant in a regional part of Western Australia.

The Australian cement, lime and dry blended products manufacturer is in discussions with the City of KalgoorlieBoulder in WA to secure a location for the lime plant, the Australian Financial Review has reported.

The sites that Adbri is considering in Kalgoorlie are located where Lynas Rare Earths’ processing plant is under construction.

An Adbri spokesperson told the Australian Financial Review in December that a definitive decision had not been made.

“As indicated to the market previously, Adbri is assessing a range

of options for its lime operations in WA so that it can continue to support its customers with a high quality and competitive product,” the spokesperson said.

“We are making good progress in evaluating the optimal strategy but at this stage no definitive decision has been made.”

The new lime production plant would be a major boon for Adbri after long-term customer Alcoa halted its lime dealings with the company in 2020, choosing to purchase imported products from Malaysia instead of Adbri’s local supply.

Adbri’s Cockburn Cement subsidiary produces its lime supply in WA, and is the only producer of the commodity in the state.

“WE ARE MAKING GOOD PROGRESS IN EVALUATING THE OPTIMAL STRATEGY BUT AT THIS STAGE NO DEFINITIVE DECISION HAS BEEN MADE”

Black Cat Civil is a Supply Nation company that is based in Nambour, and offers mining, civil works, earthmoving, road works and land development services across Australia.

“I am really pleased that a local Nambour company Black Cat Civil has won this competitive contract,” Law said. “It shows that the council’s local procurement policy is really working.”

The Image Flat quarry produces basalt and rhyolite. Image courtesy of Sunshine Coast Council.

Quarry February 2021 9

NEWS

EARTH RESOURCES REGULATION UPDATES QUARRY GUIDELINES The Victorian earth resources regulator has updated its work plan and geotechnical guidelines for quarries.

According to Earth Resources Regulation (ERR), new work plans will require a planning permit unless they are subject to an Environment Effects Statement or existing use rights have been instilled.

An initial site meeting is required to assist in drafting a work plan. The visit brings the quarry together with relevant agencies being affected by the proposal – either statutory referral authorities or relevant nonstatutory referral bodies.

The work plan must include risk control measures for areas including dust, noise and erosion.

It also requires a risk management plan, community engagement and geotechnical requirements.

ERR’s updated Preparation of Work Plans and Work Plan Variations – Guideline for Extractive Industry Projects is available to assist in the creation of high quality work plans.

The regulator stated the guideline will “provide greater certainty for industry and streamline regulatory decisions”.

An updated Geotechnical Guideline for Terminal and Rehabilitated Slopes – Extractive Industry Projects has also been released to assist with submitting a work plan’s geotechnical requirements.

According to the new guidelines, a qualified geotechnical engineer must undertake the geotechnical assessment.

For more information, visit earthresources.vic.gov.au

The Victorian earth resources regulator has updated its work plan and geotechnical guidelines for quarries.

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VRX SILICA LOCKS IN SILICA SAND MINING LEASES “THE GRANTING OF LEASES FOR OUR ARROWSMITH SILICA SAND PROJECTS IS A SIGNIFICANT MILESTONE FOR VRX SILICA” BRUCE MALUISH VRX SILICA.

VRX Silica has been granted mining leases for its Arrowsmith North and Arrowsmith Central silica sand projects in Western Australia.

The combined 3600ha lease area will support more than 100 years of production due to the high estimates of ore reserves.

Arrowsmith North contains a probable ore reserve of 204 million tonnes (Mt) at 99.7 per cent silica, and Arrowsmith Central has an ore reserve of 18.7Mt at 99.6 per cent silica probable ore reserve.

and secure the necessary funding for the development of these projects.

“All three projects have outstanding economic prospects and will support a substantial export industry in Western Australia, providing significant financial and employment benefits to the state.

“With all three mining leases granted and development of our projects ontrack, VRX Silica is truly a global player in high quality silica sand supplies.”

Arrowsmith North and Central are positioned 270km north of Perth.

Combined with VRX’s existing Muchea silica sand project, the combined post-tax value of the projects is $727.8 million.

According to VRX, the silica sand the sites will produce is suitable for the glass making and foundry sand industries.

VRX managing director Bruce Maluish said the mining leases mark a new milestone for the company.

VRX is targeting 47.7Mt from the first 25 years of Arrowsmith North’s mine life.

“The grant of mining leases for our Arrowsmith silica sand projects is another significant milestone for VRX Silica, hot off the heels of the mining lease granted for our Muchea silica sand project.

It has submitted a formal referral to the Federal Department of Agriculture, Water and Environment and has confirmed it will follow with referral to the WA Environmental Protection Authority to seek approval for development of Arrowsmith North.

“As for Muchea, there is strong demand for Arrowsmith sand and we will now look to finalise sales contracts for high quality silica sand products

VRX is also aiming to submit formal referrals to the aforementioned departments for Arrowsmith Central.

LOCKDOWN CONSTRUCTION IMPACT NOT SO SEVERE The September 2020 quarter ABS Construction Work Done statistics have shown that Melbourne’s prolonged Stage 4 COVID-19 restrictions did not impact Victorian construction as severely as predicted.

The ABS data found that total building activity dropped by two per cent. The estimate for construction work done in the September 2020 quarter was $51.18 billion.

“This result was propped up by stronger than expected activity in Victoria, demonstrating that the lockdown impact in Melbourne wasn’t as severe as first thought,” BIS Oxford Economics’ senior economist Nicholas Fearnley said.

Victoria had the second highest value attributed to construction work

done in the September quarter at $14 billion, behind New South Wales at $15.5 billion.

With residential and non-residential building falling by one per cent and 3.4 per cent respectively, Fearnley said declining conditions will persist.

“The lag between the slowdown in approvals due to the coronavirus pandemic and actual construction activity is expected to be at least six months,” he warned.

Fearnley said Western Australia and the Northern Territory can attribute most of their construction activity to mining, as engineering (non-building) construction activity fell 3.3 per cent seasonally adjusted over the September 2020 quarter.

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NEWS

OXBOTICA LAUNCHES AUTONOMOUS VEHICLE SOFTWARE An autonomous vehicle software company has announced it will accelerate its worldwide deployment of autonomous software for heavy industries, including the extractive industry, after being backed by a suite of global investors.

Oxbotica’s software platform is claimed to feature fast deployment, low energy and is adaptable to multiple on-road and off-road vehicles.

The software has also been designed to be retrofitted to older mining vehicles.

Oxbotica received $USD47 million ($AUD60 million) from investment partners including BP Ventures and BGF, along with financial and strategic investors in Australia, China, the United Kingdom and the United States.

The commercial deployment of the software platform is expected to occur in multiple industries ahead of its adaptation to passenger vehicles.

Oxbotica chief executive officer Ozgur Tohumcu said the global footprint of its investors reinforces the company’s position in the autonomous industry.

“This round of investment marks a key chapter in Oxbotica’s continued growth and pushes us forward in commercialising our autonomous software today, through key strategic go-to-market partnerships,” he said.

Oxbotica, which was founded as an Oxford University spin-off in 2014, commenced a partnership with Hitachi Construction Machinery subsidiary Wenco in June 2020 to develop an open autonomy solution for mining.

GRAVEL SITE PROPOSED – 15 YEARS EARLY THE SITE IS PROPOSED TO BE LEASED BACK TO ITS CURRENT OWNERS FOR FARMING AFTER 200,000 CUBIC METRES OF AGGREGATE IS EXTRACTED.

A gravel quarry proposed by an earthworks and excavation service could provide aggregates for 50 years if it starts production in 2035.

The quarry is based near Manawatū River, in Palmerston North, on the North Island of New Zealand, and the proponent, Hoult Contractors, is working with the local indigenous population – the Rangitāne o Manawatū – to reach an agreement.

According to the Stuff news service, the quarry may not begin operations until 2035 when Hoult exhausts its existing Forest Hill Road site. Hoult has proposed a 15-year delay before extraction begins.

Independent commissioner Mark St Clair heard the resource consent applications in early December.

The site is proposed to be leased back to its current owners for farming after 200,000 cubic metres of aggregate is extracted. It is expected the site will be rehabilitated.

Hoult surveyor and consultant Phil Pirie told Stuff it could be up to 25 years before the quarry is required,

xxx

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but it is vital to secure consents early in the process.

“It is important for the economic basis of the region that quarrying continues,” he said.

“My view is an acceptance that we have to have development, but in a way that does not cause a problem for the environment.”

According to Hoult, the quarry would not have significant visual impact as between four and six hectare portions would be dug at any time.

SLATE QUARRY STRIKE REACHES 120TH ANNIVERSARY A new tour is retelling the story of the Great Penrhyn Strike, which lasted three years from 22 November, 1900, in the town of Bethesda, Wales.

unions, and removed the “bargen” system at the quarry, which involved workers negotiating their pay on the basis of the rock quality worked.

The “Slate and Strikes” trail starts at Penrhyn Quarry, which still operates today. It takes tourists and sightseers through Bethesda, where 19 points are marked with plaques bearing QR codes which can be scanned by mobile phones. The codes link to online information and stories about each location, and how they fit into the turbulent history of the strike.

This resulted in a three-year strike which created divisions between workers and spilled into violence.

By 14 November, 1903, the strike had bankrupted the North Wales Quarrymen’s Union, forced hundreds of residents to seek employment in other parts of South Wales and overseas, and contributed to the demise of the Welsh slate industry.

With their families beyond the point of starvation, some strikers had little choice but to return to work.

In the early 20th century, Penrhyn Quarry was considered the largest slate quarry worldwide and employed 2800 workers at its peak.

An Oxbotica autonomous passenger vehicle.”

If approved, the quarry would be located between the Manawat River and State Highway 57 in New Zealand.

According to historian Hazel Pierce, the “Slate and Strikes” project’s advisor, Lord Penrhyn had deep-seated grievances with his workers and their

The divisions of the strike are still felt – even a century on. The descendants of some of Bethesda’s strikers will, on principle, not step foot inside Penrhyn Castle.

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QUEENSLAND HARD ROCK QUARRY FOR SALE

JERSEY SAND QUARRY TO CLOSE IN 2023 The Simon Sand & Gravel Quarry, based on St Ouen’s Bay, Jersey, will cease operations in 2023.

The sand and gravel quarry, on the island of St Helier, Jersey, will not have its permit renewed beyond 2023, with the Ports of Jersey intending to import its future construction material industry supplies.

THE QUARRY’S VOLCANICLASTIC SILTSTONE RESOURCE IS USED TO PRODUCE 5MM, 7MM, 10MM, 14MM, 16MM, AND 20MM PRODUCTS.

There has been considerable debate within the small island community about the future use of the Simon Sand & Gravel Quarry, which lies within the boundaries of St Helier Island’s national park.

The Booyal Quarry has crushing and screening approval up to 500,000 tpa.

There was speculation Simon Sand & Gravel could sell the site for redevelopment into a landfill but no formal application has been lodged.

The family-owned Booyal Freehold Quarry in Queensland is on the market and represents a 500,000 tonne per annum (tpa) resource.

Simon Sand & Gravel has publically clashed with the National Trust of Jersey in recent months, with the owner Jason Simon accusing the Trust of lobbying the Jersey Government for the cessation of all sand extraction activities, in spite of the implications the import of sand will have on Jersey’s carbon footprint.

“As the end date [of the prior planning consent] approached and government failed to meet its objective to provide an alternative [to sand extraction], it fell upon me to ensure that a sand supply for the industry was maintained,” Simon said.

The imported aggregates will be provided in particular for the £42 million ($AUD76.15 million) redevelopment of Jersey Airport.

Established from a greenfield site in 2013, the Booyal Quarry has grown its sales and income each year, with the past three years trucking 380,000, 420,000 and 320,000 tonnes per annum (tpa) of material consecutively.

Located 25km west of Childers, the 75ha Booyal Quarry has crushing and screening approval up to 500,000 tpa.

The Queensland Department of Environment and Science’s extraction limit at the freehold quarry is one million tpa, with the ability to extend the council DA from 500,000 tpa to one million tpa.

The site is positioned among surrounding properties owned by the current quarry owners. It features significant hard rock deposits with minimal overburden.

The quarry’s volcaniclastic siltstone resource is used to produce a range of products at the site, including 5mm, 7mm, 10mm, 14mm, 16mm, and 20mm aggregates, Main Roads materials and roadbase materials that are supplied to local projects.

Volcaniclastic siltstone is a hard rock with low abrasive qualities which minimises machine wear.

A Jersey sand and gravel quarry will cease operations in 2023.

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Booyal Quarry is well positioned to particularly take advantage of the infrastructure works planned for Queensland’s Wide Bay and Burnett regions.

Logistically, the site is just off the

Bruce Highway between Childers and Gin Gin, with an operating range of up to 200km.

The site has all the necessary industrial approvals and infrastructure in place to continue operations, including haul roads, transportable buildings, offices, a workshop and weighbridge facilities.

It also features a mobile crushing and screening plant, excavators, loaders, dozers, dump trucks, prime movers, tippers, side tippers and stage trailers.

The crushing plant and equipment is regularly maintained.

An estimated three million tonnes has been extracted from the quarry within the past seven years, with the site having a more than 50-year working life.

The quarry currently has two pits which will eventually join together to be extracted to a 65m depth. Further pits can then be created.

Booyal Quarry is up for sale on a “walk in, walk out” basis, with offers to also be considered for the land, approvals and fixed infrastructure, either with or without plant and equipment.

For further inquiries and inspections, contact the marketing agent Graham Messer Industrial Auctioneers & Valuers, tel 0417 771 642, email graham@grahammesser.com.au or Morgan Bennett Machinery, tel 0439 175 999, email morganbennettmachinery @gmail.com

PRODUCT FOCUS

To submit new product and equipment releases, email: les.ilyefalvy@primecreative.com.au

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More information: Kinder Australia, kinder.com.au

STEMGEL FOR IMPROVED BLASTING Rainstorm Dust Control’s StemGel is a convenient, effective stemming technology solution for drill and blast applications. StemGel replaces existing aggregate stemming materials by using an advanced polymer gel to improve bench heave and stabilise water as a solid containment system for explosives. The non-hazardous gel is easy to pour down blast holes and fixes misfires, while protecting ANFO against rain and running water. The polymer gel can also act as a Pw deck to boost hard rock fracturing.

More information: Rainstorm Dust Control, rainstorm.com.au

HIGH FREQUENCY SCREEN FOR WET AND DRY FINES RECLAMATION Astec’s GT2612V is a self-contained, track-mounted machine which features a 1.8m x 3.6m (6’ x 12’) double-deck high frequency screen.

This screening technology is ideal for producers wishing to reclaim fines in both wet and dry applications. All high frequency screen decks are driven by independent variable speed hydraulic vibrators, which can be operated up to 4200 rpm, to ensure optimal screening efficiency and production capacities are achieved. This screen also includes a hydraulic angle adjustment and a rotary tensioning system for media changes.

Astec’s high frequency screens are also available in static and wheelmounted configurations to suit varying applications.

More information: Astec Australia, astecaustralia.com.au

SCALING UP EFFICIENCY WITH THE WK-60 RANGE The On Board Weighing WK-60 range enables highly accurate load scaling. The WK-60 loader scales enable dynamic weighing while material is being loaded within an acceptable margin of error. It features a compact seven-inch display that is designed to function like a smartphone or tablet.

Return of investment is strong with the WK-60 through its ability to prevent underloading or overloading. The fully customisable solution is ready for the bespoke requirements of quarry operations.

More information: On Board Weighing/Kerfab, kerfab.com.au/product/wk-60-smart/

Quarry February 2021 15

DRILL & BLAST

ROCK ON GROUND

MODEL CONSOLIDATES PARTNERSHIP A drill and blast specialist’s complete service model – from mine planning to drilling through to blasting – is helping a Queensland-based extractive company’s mobile crushing operations run ever more smoothly in Central Queensland’s Galilee Basin. Damian Christie reports.

T

he Wagner Group (aka ‘Wagners’ among its quarrying peers) is a diversified Australian construction materials and services provider. The ASX-listed company, which has interests in quarrying, mobile crushing, concrete and cement production, composite fibre technologies, Earth Friendly Concrete and transport and logistics, and (more recently) aviation, celebrated its 30th anniversary in 2019.

In particular, Wagners has over the life of the company run a successful network of hard rock quarries and natural sand and gravel extraction operations throughout Queensland.

It has complemented its quarrying business with profitable mobile and project crushing and screening services, boasting one of the nation’s largest tracked, wheel-mounted and skid-mounted crushing and screening fleets,

with outputs of up to 700 tonnes per hour.

Most famously, in the past decade, Wagners has been responsible for the construction of Australia’s first privately owned airport – the Brisbane West Wellcamp Airport, owned and operated by the Wagner family in southeast Queensland’s Darling Downs region.

During construction, the company also set up its own quarry at the airport site and extracted more than eight million tonnes of basalt to provide rock fill for the runway and aggregates for concrete, asphalt and other building materials in the region.

Nick Harrigan, who is Wagners’ quarries and contract crushing operations manager, was involved in the Wellcamp Airport project from 2013 to 2015. “I spent some time in the quarry there,” he told Quarry, “producing pavement materials in operations, and then spent a large

majority of time in the concrete batch plants there for the production of concrete for the aprons. I was involved in quite a bit of concrete on that project.”

Harrigan has worked for Wagners for the best part of 10 years. “I look after our fixed quarry sites outside of the southeast corner, and I also look after our contract crushing business which involves our crushing and screening fleet which does mine-type work,” he said. “I’ve been in this role for four years now. Prior to that, I held roles in both quarry operations and concrete batch plant management throughout Wagners.”

Another party involved in the Wellcamp Airport project was Steve Price, the explosives and technical services manager for national rock on ground service Impact Drill & Blast.

He was a shotfirer on the project and oversaw what is considered today to be the largest

Impact Drill & Blast has been assisting the Wagner Group with its rock on ground model for the South Back Creek Quarry, in Central Queensland.

16

Quarry February 2021

“non-mining” blast in the southern hemisphere – of the 44 shots, it yielded 448,000 tonnes of basalt (the average shot size was about 182,000 tonnes) and about 108 tonnes of explosives were utilised in this single blast.

“Technically, it was either a quarrying or a civil project blast – we weren’t quite sure how we were going to class it at the time,” Price said.

“Calling it ‘non-mining’ ticks all the boxes.”

Like Harrigan, Price has spent the best part of a decade in the extractive industry, mainly in shotfiring and blast operations. “In the last couple of years, I’ve been handling the rock on ground operations for southeast Queensland and northern New South Wales, and more recently the role of tech services manager for Impact Drill & Blast nationally, developing our tech services and implementing locally,” he said.

LONG-STANDING COLLABORATION Harrigan and Price have collaborated on other projects on behalf of Wagners and Impact Drill & Blast. Their companies’ partnership dates back at least 15 years, when they first collaborated in the former Keperra Quarry, about 8.5km from the Brisbane CBD. Back then, Impact was a smaller familyowned company operating in Queensland and northern NSW. While Impact grew its operations across Australia in the past decade through a few acquisitions of its own, in 2019, it became part of a much larger entity when Yahua Australia amalgamated four Australianbased drill and blast companies under the Impact Drill & Blast banner. Headquartered in Brisbane, the combined company is now one of Australia’s largest drill and blast businesses with bulk explosives supply capabilities.

Impact and Wagners are currently collaborating on the South Back Creek Quarry, about 160km northwest of Clermont, in Central Queensland’s Galilee Basin. Wagners is delivering quarrying materials for supporting infrastructure on the neighbouring mine and rail network, including access and haul roads, camps, pads, dams and mine civil works. It is expected to extract and supply more than 700,000 tonnes of construction material over 15 months.

According to Harrigan, South Back Creek Quarry features a hard rock rhyolite deposit which is expected to produce end product such as rock protection products, assorted rock products, road pavement materials and ballast sub-capping materials.

Impact Drill & Blast’s role at this site has been, as Price explained, to deliver high volumes with a quick turnaround. “One

An aerial overview of the mark outs, which have been assisted via GPS.

Two of Impact’s mobile processing units were involved in preparing a shot utilising 76 tonnes of emulsion product.

example was a shot where 76 tonnes of emulsion product were loaded and fired in two days, using two of our mobile processing units (MPUs) and a B-Double reloader,” he said.

Harrigan said the work at South Back Creek Quarry has provided an opportunity for Wagners and Impact to trial the latter’s developments in electronic detonators.

“Over the past 12 months we have been working with Impact to implement the use of electronic detonators in our quarries,” he said.

“With the use of electronics we have seen good results with more control over timing to achieve optimum results. We have seen an increase in the dig ability of raw material, resulting in reduced cycle times and increased efficiency in the quarries business.”

Impact has in conjunction with engineers from Davey Bickford ENAEX (aka DBE) focused on enhanced blasting outcomes with electronic detonators. It has optimised staggered blast patterns, loaded with its Redstar emulsion blend, which itself delivers more effective results than regular ammonium

nitrate/fuel oil (ANFO) and other emulsions.

One trial reduced oversize to less than two per cent and led to increased fines that subsequently improved crusher throughput by more than 100 tonnes per day. There was also less back-break and pre-conditioning required of the pit walls, improving the safety of the blasting crew and other quarry personnel.

“Impact is working with a company on a separate project where we can test the detonation velocity of each hole, confirming there have been no misfires,” Price explained.

“We’ve also recently been using this technology to understand the need for double priming on sites which may have poor geology.

“We can basically establish where the product starts to malfunction because of poor geology and then we can work out bench heights where we need to double prime – or we don’t need to double prime – which can be a cost saving back to the customer.

We’re focused on constantly implementing technology in unique ways and continuously improving the business and services overall.

Quarry February 2021 17

DRILL & BLAST

One of Impact’s Sandvik DP1100i rigs on the outskirts of Wagner Group’s Wellcamp Airport quarry, circa 2014.

INTEGRATED SERVICE The electronic detonators and the emulsion blend are just two elements in Impact’s rock on ground program. The company is distinguishing itself across Australia by providing a more integrated service to quarry producers through numerous technological innovations, eg surveying (via drones), blast pattern design (with 3D imaging software), drilling (thanks to pre-programmed GPS mapping software uploaded to its drill rigs that can significantly reduce mark-up time).

“Our true point of difference in comparison to our peers is that we offer full rock on ground services – from design planning through to drilling, loading and firing,” Price elaborated.

“From the initial quotation, we do planning around environmentals, GPS mark outs and drone surveys, design load and fire utilising MPUs.” The Impact Drill & Blast fleet comprises of 40 operational surface drill rigs, two of which include the latest generation Sandvik DX900i Ranger. Ninety per cent of the Ranger’s drilling operation is fully automated and the rig can do much of the drilling and set-up by itself once it receives the pre-programmed GPS mapping program via wireless upload.

“We are modernising our drill fleet of about 40 rigs, expanding drill patterns through use of electronic detonators, meaning lower powder factors but also yielding higher results for the customer with an overall lower carbon footprint,” Price said. “Savings not only include drill and blast costs but lower wear costs and increased throughput.

“In fact, not only are we doing GPS mark outs,” Price added, “but we are gradually fitting our drills with on-board GPS technology.

Reduced mark outs on the ground increases our drill efficiency, less time on-site, quicker

18

Quarry February 2021

turnarounds and most importantly this dramatically increases safety by reducing plant interaction and drillers spend less time outside on the ground. It’s working extremely well so we’re really excited to keep rolling that out and putting it into all the regions.”

Harrigan said Impact’s rock on ground business model was ideal for Wagners because it “allows the blasting and quarrying companies to understand what each other’s needs are and to strive for the best results out of the blast. The chance of the quarry’s objective being misunderstood is reduced because there’s a clear line of communication from the quarrying or crushing manager to the drill and blast company, rather than to a drilling contractor and then to a blasting contractor.

“There’s good clear lines of communication from the quarry to Impact, and I think when you have that model going, it’s a lot easier for quarry managers to achieve the right results, rather than the quarry manager trying to relay those parameters between the blasting contractor and the drilling contractor.”

Depending on the size and the timing of the project, Harrigan said that Impact was renowned for its short lead times and quick mobilisation, which is particularly important in a remote location like South Back Creek Quarry.

“Impact supports us with quick mobilisation and turnaround times to deal with changing circumstances,” Harrigan said. “I would think from the time Steve comes out to the site and has the consultation with the quarry manager, from that initial site visit, the design is done within 24 hours and sent back to the quarry managers for approval. Impact is very reactive and it only takes a short lead time to mobilise a site. We can typically have rock on ground soon after Impact has mobilised to a site.

“This is vital to operations like ours,

particularly with more complex deposits and restricted space. Maintaining your pit development plan and ensuring you have the right material blasted to meet forward orders, which can change without notice, is critical.”

Price agreed, saying that Impact strives to keep lead times very low. “It’s an initial consultation with the client to establish what they require. It’s then generally a conversation on-site at the same time about what we think would work, to put it all together. Maybe we suggest some extra prep or some extra clearing to meet specific volumes and we work together on a solution which is orientated around safety.

“In all, a project could be just one shot in a quarry, so that would be a turnaround of one week – from quotation. If it was a special job, it could be one to two weeks. In projects like Wellcamp, where we fired more than 40 blasts, or like South Back Creek Quarry, we would expect to be on-site for much longer.”

ONGOING PARTNERSHIP Harrigan and Price said that Wagners and Impact will continue to work together on other quarrying projects in 2021 in addition to South Back Creek Quarry.

“Impact Drill & Blast has worked with Wagners for more than 15 years,” Harrigan said. “Their approach to business is professional. They are reactive to our requests and they’re always willing to talk through our requirements and work with us to achieve the best results possible.

“I have little doubt we will continue to work with Impact into 2021 on our existing operations and hopefully new opportunities.”

Harrigan also had little hesitation in offering advice to other quarries that are interested in pursuing an integrated rock on ground model for their drill and blast needs.

“I think rock on ground is a great model,” he said. “I personally enjoy the ability to talk to the drilling and blasting contractor as a single company and would suggest this model to anybody looking to get the best out of their drill and blast services. Rock on ground provides a very clear line of communication between quarry managers and the drill and blast contractor.”

Price suggested quarry operators looking to adopt the rock on ground model, and in effect employing Impact Drill & Blast, should be open-minded.

“Impact has invested heavily in technology and we treat each site differently,” he said.

“Our advice is to be open to change and see where it takes you, it could save you a lot of money in the long run.” •

RIG WITH MORE GROUND COVERAGE In late 2020, Impact Drill & Blast announced it had added two Sandvik Ranger DX900i machines to its 40-strong surface drill fleet.

One of the rigs is being employed in southeast Queensland and the other in the state’s north.

The DX900i features a revolving counterweight structure which offers a 290° reach and 55m2 of coverage. This counterweight structure ensures stability by maintaining weight opposite the boom. The Ranger DX900i rig also has a low centre of gravity and high tramming power, which ensures its mobility.

The DX900i employs a 27kW RD927L or RD927L-C hydraulic drill, with tube diameters of 51-60mm.

Sandvik’s publicity for the Ranger DX900i has emphasised that fuel consumption can be reduced by as much as 15 per cent on previous models.

Like other members of the Ranger DXi series, the DX900i is equipped with the latest versions of “Sandvik intelligence” – including full hole automatics, troubleshooting functions, iTorque drilling system, and full radio remote control.

Impact Drill & Blast currently has two Sandvik Ranger DX900i rigs (pictured) working in Queensland’s north and southeast regions.

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DRILL & BLAST

INNOVATION, AUTOMATION AND

TEAMWORK DELIVERS ENHANCED PERFORMANCE AT MOUNT MORGANS A nine-strong fleet of Epiroc drill rigs is creating increased productivity and both financial and environmental savings for a Tier 1 contractor at a Western Australian gold mine.

Damian Christie reports.

M

acmahon provides contract services for mining operations throughout Australia and internationally.

One of the contractor’s current engagements is at Mount Morgans gold mine, in Laverton, in Western Australia’s Goldfields region.

Dacian Gold awarded a $250 million open pit mining contract to Macmahon in November 2017 for a five-year period at the mine, where it is undertaking drill and blast, load and haul, and technical duties.

In that five-year period, the mine contractor expects to move more than 100 million tonnes of material, with the option to extend the contract beyond November 2022.

At the start of the contract, Macmahon purchased the first machines in what is now an integrated, nine-strong drill rig fleet. Its preferred choice has been the currently semiautomated Epiroc SmartROC T45 tophammer rig, which has been developed for high performance in harsh applications.

An intuitive control system offers mines and quarries precise drilling and consistent operation, leading to improved blasting results.

The rig is also designed to be fuel-efficient, only expending the amount of energy the work demands.

“We have an entire fleet of T45s, the standardisation of the fleet helps reduce our training and maintenance costs,” Macmahon’s project manager Paul Haynes told Quarry. “The platform is well suited with the wide tracks, allowing it to be quite manoeuvrable on uneven terrain.”

Haynes and the onsite team manage the open pit operation at Mount Morgans, which includes drill and blast, load and haul,

20

Quarry February 2021

The SmartROC T45 offers mines and quarries precise drilling and consistent operation, leading to improved blasting results.

maintenance, mine planning, and run of mine delivery.

He said the T45 rig is well suited to the local environment, providing “good flexibility in terms of hole sizes. We predominantly drill 115mm holes but due to collar piping and presplits we are also required to use 102mm and 140mm bits. The long mast allows us to single pass the 5m benches which saves a lot of time and enables operators to ‘beat the water’, reducing redrills and collar piping requirements leading to an increase in the productivity of the fleet.”

AUTOMATED ROD HANDLING INNOVATION The T45 features an automatic feed alignment that enables the operator to maintain the desired angle when drilling, fundamental to the operator’s optimal blasting requirements.

In particular, the rig’s automatic rod adding system enables the operator to supplement

rods to the exact desired drilling depth.

Kris Thomas, who is the capital equipment product manager for surface and exploration drilling at Epiroc, explains the SmartROC T45s used by Macmahon feature a long feed boom, which is “capable of carrying six-metre drill rods, so there’s higher ability to do a deeper, single plan instead of the conventional 3.6 metres rod which other competitors use”.

The automatic rod handling system, coupled with the 6mm rod capability, enables the T45 to drill the required depths with less rod changes and, according to Thomas, eliminates the need for a single rod change at 12 metres.

“On a conventional rig, you’d have to use three rods,” he said. “With our machine, you can use two rods, so one less rod change per hole over a shift, over a month, over a year is a massive saving in time over that process.”

EXCLUSIVE THREAD The other innovation on the SmartROC T45 is the exclusive Powerbit T-WiZ 60 thread for bench drilling.

“There’s two different rod sizes that you can use on the drill,” Thomas explains. “The T51 is a conventional drill rod size, it’s 51mm. The T-WiZ 60 is an Epiroc-designed 60mm pipe and smartly designed thread where it’s much easier for the operator to break out the drill string when he needs to put the rods away, compared to the conventional T51 that can be harder to break out.

“With the T-WiZ 60, your holes will be straighter because there’s more mass to the rod, it’s stiffer, so you’re increasing your ability to get straighter holes.

“As the T-WiZ 60 breaks out so quickly, there’s also less potential for damaging rods,” Thomas adds. “When the conventional rods are stuck there is a lot more hammering of the machine to try to break the rods and you can cause more damage than with prolonged percussion.

“The T-Wiz 60 has 9mm more mass to the rod than the T51, so it’s going to be stiffer or harder to bend, and because of the increased annulus (ie the difference between the 127mm and the T51 bits), your flushing ability is improved.

When you’re drilling, you’re flushing air down the hole to push the cuttings up to the surface.

With the increased annulus, the cuttings come up more easily.”

For fuel efficiency and high productivity, the SmartROC T45 has been designed to use the least energy. The 242kW Caterpillar turbo-charged diesel engine (Cat C9, Tier 3 and Tier 4), 12 bar Epiroc C146-07 screw-type compressor and standard automatic radiator fan are programmed to automatically adjust to changes in the operating mode. For example, if the rig is tramming or idle, the compressor puts no load on the engine and reduces engine speed.

According to Epiroc, the 1900 rpm hydraulic system does not use or require as much oil as other rigs, and the hydraulic tank is therefore a third of the standard size for its type. Biological

oil can also be used at exactly the same cost as regular oil.

“The total cost of ownership of the machine is very low,” Thomas said. “There’s very small amounts of oil required on the drill, so with less oil, there’s less fuel burn, there’s less wear and tear on the machine, and longer component life.

“Obviously with the lower fuel burn, the engine life is greatly improved. The oil capacity is 100 litres in the hydraulic tank – whereas other manufacturers are using 300 to 400 litres in comparison. So you have that hydrocarbon disposal benefit too – you’re not dispensing so much waste oil, which makes it environmentally friendlier.”

OBSERVING THREE CORE VALUES For Macmahon’s Paul Haynes, the T45s’ innovative features have been beneficial – but to him the diversity and experience of the Epiroc team is the key. “Epiroc’s drills and drilling products come with a whole range of people who have different skillsets that come

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DRILL & BLAST

The standardisation of Macmahon’s Epiroc T45 fleet has helped to standardise training and maintenance costs.

from different backgrounds,” Haynes said. “It’s great to have these people come out and work with our drillers and other team members.”

Epiroc business line manager Beau Tembey said collaboration, innovation and commitment are Epiroc’s three core values and reflected in the company’s work.

“We all have our strengths and capabilities, within Epiroc and with our customers like Macmahon, and we definitely get the best outcomes when we come together,” he said.

“With innovation, there’s always more efficient ways of working. Whether it’s the technology or materials side of things, improvements can be made. Again, that falls into the collaboration side, and coming up with new ideas and requirements helps us improve and innovate more quickly.

“And commitment, for me, is quite simple. That’s about being accountable and delivering quite simply, from our side.

That’s a strong focus of ours – we want our customers to know we’re as committed to providing actual benefits to them as selling a product.”

Tembey believes that Epiroc can play a major role in the automation side of the T45 and other drill rigs going forward.

“Automation is a huge focus, even for us in the drilling tools side, it’s about integration with systems on the drills,” Tembey said.

“It’s important that you’re getting input from the products and the consumables to

the drill to advise on the product wear. It’s about integrating the tooling digitally with the tool itself, which will have benefits.”

Tembey added that it is also about having the right data, which is irrelevant “if it’s not translated into beneficial information that has meaning and context and gives you input. Getting more digital at the best level means all those inputs can be realised in one system, and really provide that information and feedback in near real time.”

That is the direction Macmahon is clearly driving towards as it enters the fourth year of its contract at Mount Morgans.

“We’re now transitioning into a period where we are able to look at more of the data that’s captured within our SmartROC rigs and that is exciting,” Haynes said.

“There’s a lot of data we can capture from the drills. I would say we use a limited amount of the available data at the moment and I would believe that we are not the only ones, it’s now a question of how we integrate data analysis into daily routine and convert it into productive operation.”

With more automation and software features, hole and inclination systems, and hole navigation systems available, it is more than likely the SmartROC T45 fleet at Mount Morgans will continue to go from strength to strength. •

ESSENTIAL SPECS – EPIROC SMARTROC T45 TOPHAMMER DRILL RIG

22

Hole diameter

89-140mm

Rock drill/DTH hammer size

COP SC25-HE and COP 3060 Rotary heads

Maximum hole depth

36m

Engine/engine speed

242kW Caterpillar diesel engine (CAT C9.3/ CAT C9, Tier 4 Final and Add Blue or Tier 3/Stage IIIA) @ 1900rpm

Air capacity

223 l/s

Height

3300mm

Length

10,700mm

Width

2500mm

Weight

18 tonnes

Quarry February 2021

The Epiroc SmartROC T45 tophammer rig.

United. Inspired.

T-Wiz60 Drilling Tools epiroc.com/en-au

DRILL & BLAST

EXPLOSIVE TESTED AT

HIGHEST DENSITY, INCREASED ENERGY Boral Quarries has successfully executed a trial blast in the Sunshine Coast hinterland utilising an emulsion explosive which is formulated for high fragmentation in rock. Karen Normanton, of Orica, discusses the basis of the trial and its outcomes.

B

oral agreed to conduct a trial blast on a Queensland site to demonstrate the performance of Orica’s Centra Gold bulk emulsion at the highest average in hole density of 1.25 grams per cubic centimetre (g/cm3).

The Boral Moy Pocket quarry site was selected due to its geological conditions, large area available for a trial, the site’s ability to measure specific key performance indicators (KPIs) and the team’s strong environmental track record.

THE SITUATION In 2018, Orica launched a reformulated range of Centra Gold bulk emulsion products for the Australian quarry and construction market. The average in hole density of the new products is between 1.15 and 1.25 g/cm3. The purpose of this trial was to measure the performance of the product at the highest density: 1.25 g/cm3.

The trial used a “matched pair” design (Figure 1). Halves of the blast were loaded with 1.15 g/ cm3 and 1.25 g/cm3 Centra Gold, while all other design parameters were held constant. The half with the higher density was designated as “Side A”. Side A therefore had a 15 per cent higher design powder factor than Side B. Boral and Orica determined the KPIs that could be measured on site and recorded

Figure 1. The trial used a matched pair blast design.

these in the project charter. Table 1 refers to the KPIs showing the measures and the values that are desirable from the implementation of the higher energy bulk emulsion.

TECHNICAL SOLUTIONS Fragmentation is an important and direct indicator of blast performance. Quarries are interested in this as it directly affects

Key Performance Indicators KPI

Metric

the cost and efficiency of downstream processes, and the yield of saleable material from the resource. Fragmentation is often presented as a single number, such as P80, representing the size of the sieve that 80 per cent of the rock mass would pass through. As a single number, it can be compared to other blasts analysed by the same method.

The fragmentation measurements (Figure 2) show 25 per cent improvement in fragmentation, P80, on Side A. Oversize material was set aside during excavation. Figure 3 shows the oversize

Extended value

VODs

Recorded for agreed holes

Values equivalent to the standard Centra Gold product

Fragmentation

PowerSieve Analysis and processing plant data

Increase on standard

Dig rate productivity

Cyclepro

Increase on standard

Vibration, overpressure

Recorded for agreed monitor placements

Values equivalent to the standard Centra Gold product

Crusher throughput

Processing plant data

Increase on standard Figure 2. Side A produced better fragmentation.

Table 1. KPIs used in the trial.

24

Quarry February 2021

CENTRA GOLD - NOW WITH UP TO 13 PER CENT MORE ENERGY

Figure 3. Oversize was set aside in stockpiles and measured.

material set aside in stockpiles. The stockpile volume was measured using aerial photography. Figure 4 shows that Side A produced less than half of the oversize of Side B, a 55 per cent reduction.

Excavation productivity was measured using Orica’s video analysis software, CyclePro. The analysis showed loading was five per cent faster on Side A. The average dig time per bucket for Side A was 25 seconds and the average dig time per bucket for Side B was 28 seconds (Figure 5).

As the blast was fired as one single event, it was not possible to distinguish vibration levels from each side of the blast at the normal monitoring location. The measured vibration was compliant with the site’s licence conditions and within the normal range for standard production blasting on site. Extra vibration monitors installed in the near field1 indicated that the vibration was 14 per cent higher from Side A. Face velocity measurements showed that Side A had a 15 per cent higher face velocity than Side B. Despite this, the measured overpressure from each side was not significantly different.

OTHER RESULTS Other measured results showed that Side A had, compared to Side B: • Six per cent higher VoD. • Similar crusher throughput (one per cent higher).

• 15 per cent less scalps.

• No observable difference in back-break and side break.

• No discernible post-blast fume.

This trial sought to verify the performance of Centra Gold at a density of 1.25 g/cm3 by comparing VoD and blast outcomes in a side by side blast with Centra Gold at a density of 1.15 g/cm3. The results were mostly in line with expectation for a 15 per cent increase in energy. • Karen Normanton is the senior technical services engineer for quarries and construction at Orica.

Figure 4. Side A produced less oversize.

Offering higher strength base emulsion, with an increased density range, Orica’s capability to deliver higher throughput and lower cost is better than ever before.

With Centra Gold, you can tailor density and blends to match your site’s unique geology. Its improved maximum in-hole density also means you can increase fragmentation and dig rates, or expand drill patterns, depending on your site’s operational objectives.

Combined with Orica’s robust and responsive supply chain, and industry‑leading service and support, Centra Gold provides increased power from every angle.

More information: Orica, orica.com/ centragold

Figure 5. Loading time was measured using video analysis.

CUSTOMER TESTIMONIAL “Boral Quarries are continuously searching for ways to improve how we operate, whether this be from a safety and environmental perspective, or in a commercial sense.

The trial of the higher density Centra Gold at Moy Pocket Quarry was performed in a professional manner – Orica personnel and Boral site staff worked together to scope out and risk assess the trial, determine the methods for capturing and assessing outcome data and performance, and implement the appropriate processes to conclude the data was representative of the outcome.

The Centra Gold high energy project has been an excellent example of supplier and customer working together to yield a result that has value for both parties.”

Neil Bellamy, Drill and Blast Manager, Boral

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS: Orica thanks the customer for its support and permission to publish this case study.

FOOTNOTE: 1. A distance of 20-40m from the nearest blasthole.

Quarry February 2021 25

DRILL & BLAST

The RTD32 DTH hammer drill rig is now available in the Australian market.

SURFACE CRAWLER RIG PROVIDES ALTERNATIVE FOR THE LOCAL MARKET

R

TDrill has unveiled its latest down the hole (DTH) hammer drill rig, the RTD32, which is now available across Australia through CRAM. The latest in the range of RTDrill’s surface crawler drill rigs is suitable for drilling diameters of 105 to 203 millimetres and a net drilling depth of 40 metres.

With 403kW engine options in the Tier III and Tier IV models, the RTD32 features a 1000 CFM compressor.

“The new RTD32 combines the efficiency, safety and functionality of the DTH drill rig in its class, combined with an affordable price tag,” William Rogers, CRAM’s national product manager of surface mining equipment, said.

“A compact design that is 12.55m in length and 2.5m in width makes the RTD32 a cost-effective model in terms of operation, transport and maintenance costs.”

The RTD32’s engineered safety controls include a falling object protective structure (FOPS) and a rollover protection system (ROPS) built to European standards.

Two emergency stop buttons, one on the drill carriage and another on the control panel, allow immediate engine shutdown and compressor depressurisation. The cab is also equipped with a reversing camera 26

Quarry February 2021

and designed ergonomically for maximum driller comfort and safety, with the option for full MDG15 compliance from the factory.

The drill features a tilting and slewing system mechanism that allows operators to drill in all directions, even horizontally if necessary. The crawler can move at speeds up to 1.9 to 2.62 kilometres per hour and has up to 60 per cent gradeability.

Part of the Motion Asia Pacific business portfolio, CRAM specialises in fluid power, electro-hydraulic engineering and design, undercarriages and specialised maintenance and engineering services.

From multiple service centres across all states, CRAM offers full maintenance support for RTDrill products, facilitating maintenance, refurbishment, repairs and overhauls throughout the entire life cycle of the equipment.

“Our technical team can assist customers with drill rig component supply and service, as well as customisations and adding new machine options.

“Our clients benefit from access to factory level pricing supported by comprehensive inventory, workshop and site service capabilities,” Rogers said. • Source: CRAM/Motion Asia Pacific

RTD32 SPECIFICATIONS •A pplication: Down the hole •D rill hole diameter: 105-203 mm (4-8 inches) •W eight: 31,000 kg (68,200 lbs) •P ower: 403 kW@1800-2100 rpm •A ir volume: 28m3/min (989 CFM) •P ressure: 28 bar (406 PSI)

9 SEPT 2021 MELBOURNE

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OMINATION NOW OPEN NOMINATIONS NOW OPEN BULKHANDLINGAWARDS.COM.AU

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LOAD & HAUL

INTELLIGENT TECHNOLOGY

ASSISTS TAILINGS DAM CONSTRUCTION A civil works contractor has taken advantage of intelligent machine control systems in an OEM’s earthmoving equipment to construct tailings storage facilities in a WA extractive operation.

W

hen long-time friends Joe Riccardo, Mike Heddon and Mark Tyler set up RHT Contracting in mid-2018, they knew they needed a winning edge when bidding for contracts – so they went for the most innovative and technically advanced construction equipment available.

That saw them choose Komatsu’s intelligent Machine Control (iMC) dozer and excavator technology when bidding for a large contract to construct tailings storage facilities (TSFs) for a major mining operation in Western Australia.

Currently RHT runs four Komatsu iMC

RHT has trialled Komatsu’s EveryDay Drone technology with the SMARTCONSTRUCTION Edge technology.

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Quarry February 2021

machines: two D65PXi-18 swamp dozers, a D155AXi-8 dozer, and a PC360LCi-11, as well as Komatsu wheel loaders, dump trucks, graders, and other excavators on the one site.

Not only does the iMC technology give RHT significant safety, productivity, efficiency and accuracy advantages in TSF construction, it also provides the company’s mining clients with the security and peace of mind that their critical facilities have been built to the highest and most exacting standards.

Today, that’s essential for any extractive operation, following catastrophic failures of tailings dams in South America in the past five years, which have killed many people and caused widespread environmental devastation.

To ensure their integrity and long-term performance, it is essential that TSFs are constructed to an established process, which involves placing the dam material in 300mm thick layers, that are then compacted, and the top 100mm scarified to ensure a strong lock with the subsequent 300mm layer.

Using Komatsu iMC machines in this application, each 300mm layer can be placed quickly and efficiently, within tight tolerances, ready for compaction.

And unlike conventional “bolt-on” machine control systems, the iMC system prevents dozer blades or excavator buckets from “over-digging” into the already compacted and scarified layers, ensuring they are not compromised during placing of the next layer.

When RHT was formed, Riccardo, Heddon and Mark Tyler (the company’s name comes from their surname initials) saw the opportunity to use Komatsu’s iMC technology to give them a real competitive advantage.

“These days, you’ve really got to innovate,” Heddon said. “Clients want to see that you are innovative and you’re not a dinosaur.

“I’ve been going to shows like CONEXPO and BAUMA for years, and I see all the latest stuff, and I was wondering how good it actually was. Then we spent some time

with Dean Jones and Colin Brindle (from Komatsu Perth), to find out what their iMC technology could do.

“We were convinced enough to buy a D65PXi-18 swampy and a PC360LCi-11 excavator, plus a Topcon base station, which were delivered in February 2019, and took them to the site.

“We also put on Fraser Mead, a young surveyor, who’s passionate about technology, plus he’s really into drones and how they can really help with the whole mine infrastructure construction process.”

SUPER-FAST DELIVERY As of June 2020, Mead and RHT trialled Komatsu’s EDD (EveryDay Drone) technology, a high precision UAV (drone) survey system providing superfast on-site processing with Komatsu SMARTCONSTRUCTION’s Edge technology.

“Initially the operators weren’t convinced about the iMC machines,” Heddon said. ”They said ‘Stuff this, I’m an operator, I

for sale aPProvEd FrEEhold hIGh QualITy Quarry

RHT is using the Komatsu D155AXi-8 for bulk earthworks on the dams and haul roads.

don’t need that’, but then after a few days of seeing what the technology could do, they were going ‘Wow!’ “On the first dam we built, we never put a grader on it, did the whole batter with just

our first D65EXi dozer and the PC360LCi excavator. I have never, ever done that before, so they are exceptionally good. The dams look great, the batters look great, we’re never having to do rework, we get it right – from the

Under Instructions from Caspagold Pty Ltd T/s Booyal Quarries Pty Ltd

Booyal FrEEhold Quarry

graham messer INDUSTRIAL AUCTIONEERS & VALUERS PTY LTD

RHT is using the Komatsu D155AXi-8 for bulk

196 Ringwood Road, Booyal, Queensland 4671 earthworks on the dams and haul roads.

A1

GIN GIN Duingal A1

Drive through Childers west on A1 (Bruce Highway) towards Gin Gin. Turn left into Ringwood Road.

Booyal Quarry is approximately 2klms on your right.

3

Booyal

Cordabla A1

ChIldErS

Booyal Quarry 196 ringwood road

• all necessary infrastructure in place: • location: 25km west of Childers • Weighbridge • Workshop • Offices & Associated Equipment • Total area: 78.43 Hectares • Extensive Mobile Crushing & Screening Plant • all Extractive Industry approvals in Place • Crushing and Screening Approval up to 500,000 t.p.a. • Excavators • Loaders • Dozer • Dump Trucks • Prime Movers • Tippers • Side Tippers • Stag Trailers • resource: Volcaniclastic Siltstone

52

The Freehold Quarry is being offered For SalE on a “Walk In Walk out” basis.

Detailed information is available from the marketing agents:

Graham Messer Industrial Auctioneers & Valuers Pty Ltd Graham Messer: Mobile 0417 771 642 Email: graham@grahammesser.com.au

Mobile 0439 175 999 Email: morganbennettmachinery@gmail.com

For further information and photographs visit www.grahammesser.com.au / www.morganbennettmachinery.com

A1

To Maryborough Cordabla

LOAD & HAUL

On the first dam it built, RHT found that a D65PX8-18 was even more effective on the batter than a regular grader.

When it comes to efficiency, the D155AXi-8 is still a ‘work in progress’ for RHT.

start to the end. It’s always spot on.”

Following the success of the first D65PXi-18, RHT bought a second D65PXi-18 in September 2019, and the D155AXi-8 in February 2020.

“At the moment, we’ve got all these machines working on-site, building up to three dams at one time,” Heddon said.

“With the dozers, we are using them for winning material from borrow pits, while the excavator is pulling up batters.”

Building tailings dams for larger mines

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Quarry February 2021

requires large amounts of earthworks – with dam walls up to four to six kilometres around, along with haul roads, so there is a lot of earth to be moved.

RHT’s two smaller iMC machines, with their swamp tracks, are proving ideal for the precision final trim work to millimetre level accuracy, while the larger D155AXi-8 is being used for the bulk earthworks on the dams and haul roads.

“On the newer dams we are building, we are using clay oxide materials, which are heavier

to work with, which is why we brought in the D155AXi,” Heddon said. “Plus we can also use it for building haul roads. We can just map in a haul road route and design, and the machine can go out and build it, even in rock and clay.”

One thing RHT has found is that the D155AXi-8 hasn’t so far been giving quite the final trim accuracy of the D65PXi-18s.

“Certainly it’s extremely accurate compared with any conventional dozer next to it, but because we’ve seen how precise the D65s are to a few millimetres, we were expecting that with the D155. However, because it’s bigger, it corrects slightly differently,” Heddon says.

“It’s still good, still within ‘coo-ee’ of what we need, but we know at the moment it’s giving a slightly rougher surface, so you’ve got to take things a bit slower, use a lower gear to get there.

“On the bulk side, Komatsu’s intelligent Machine Control works really well, absolutely on this bigger dozer. You can just set it, and it does exactly what we need. It’s on the fine control, where I think we can get it going even better.

“Because this is all so new, it’s something we are working with Komatsu to perfect.”

ON THE LEVEL Heddon added the iMC ensures that rework and over-excavation never occurs, thereby eliminating overruns and field survey work.

“With Komatsu’s intelligent Machine Control acting as a rover, we know we are always building to the exact specs. We are never over-building, and everything is always exactly level and ready for rolling.

“We don’t require anyone to go out there with a dumpy level, checking levels and all that stuff,” he said.

The other advantage of the iMC is having all the works designs already in the machines, ready for the operators as soon as they need them.

“That’s a big saving because the operators have everything at hand in the machines to do the work,” Heddon explained. “In the old days, we’d have two teams out there pegging the site, one for the day shift, and another for the night shift.

“Now we just put in a couple of reference pegs, then once the operator has the levels, it’s all good to go.”

And as each part of the job is completed, it can be immediately checked and audited – and the records remain readily available at any time in the future for RHT Planning’s

clients or geotechnical engineers.

“This technology means that the as-built track mapping is all there from the start,” Heddon said. “When you’re building a tailings dam, it’s essential that layers go down in 300mm lifts, before the next one goes on top.

“We can see all this on the computer and know that it was done precisely. So, in future if there is ever a question with a dam, we can go back in there and show that it was done exactly right. There’s no need for anyone to go in and micromanage. It’s a great system.”

Another benefit of the iMC machines, Heddon said, is “essentially they act as a mobile rover, because everything is done within the machine. So the surveyor can be away on another mine site, and if the operator finishes a job, the surveyor can jump in remotely, and work together with the operator to set things up for the next job. So people are not sitting around waiting for someone to get back after lunch to start up again”.

Heddon added the iMC also helps to increase site safety. “Safety is paramount for

us. And not having people working on the ground around dump trucks, excavators, wheel loaders, dozers and other machines, is a major safety component. It’s just unreal,” he said.

Heddon also observed some interesting reactions from operators using the iMC systems, and RHT’s clients.

“When these machines first came to site, people said it was just more shit to go wrong. But then after a few days, they all agreed the benefits are countless. And our clients have been really impressed with the quality, efficiency and technology the iMC machines offer.

“With this technology, we have the trucks deliver to the site, the dozers push it out – and it’s so level that the trucks can keep working, whereas before we’d have to call in a grader to give the trucks access.

“Everyone is stoked with it, the whole concept,” Heddon said. “We’ve since bought a second base station, and we’re putting that in our second site.”

INTO THE FUTURE Heddon sees tremendous potential for Komatsu’s iMC technology in future projects.

“This is really moving into the future, that’s the only direction we want to go now. And particularly after those catastrophic dam failures in Brazil, the more you can prove the quality of your work and show that to the geotechs and the clients, the more successful we can be.

“They really need the confidence that these dams are getting built correctly at all times, not just some of the time.

“It’s giving the mining companies that security and peace of mind that their dams are built right, so they know they have their dams constructed to world’s best practice.

“We’re very committed to this technology,” Heddon concluded. “We want to see it on all our earthmoving machines, and we are very keen to see it on the larger excavators, at least up to PC490 size.” • Source: Komatsu Australia

LI ND HA

FIXED

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ASTEC AUSTRALIA.

M SYSTEMS

an Astec Industries Company

1300 278 322 • enquiries@astecaustralia.com.au • astecaustralia.com.au

IN G CL

MATERIALS SOLUTIONS

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EQUIPMENT TO BUILD AND RESTORE THE WORLD’S INFRASTRUCTURE

SAND PROCESSING

WASH PLANT SOLUTIONS AUGMENT PRODUCER’S AMBITIONS Faced with increased demand for concrete sand, a UK producer has been boosted by the commissioning of a quality wash plant and water and silt management system.

O

wned and operated by NRS Aggregates, Saredon Hill Quarry is located at Shareshill near Wolverhampton, in Central England.

Following a period of six months when the site was reinstated into working order, sand processing quickly followed and has been in operation for the past three and a half years.

With current planning permissions in place until 2032, there are also further options for extensions in the future.

Processing was originally handled by a washing plant which at the time was sufficient to cope with the sales, but with rising demand from a major customer to supply sharp sand for three concrete plants, and with a further two coming on-line, a decision was made to upgrade its production capabilities. After some research, specialist washing equipment distributor Power X was duly awarded the order for a new washing plant and a water and silt management system.

As the England and Wales dealer for Terex Washing Systems (TWS), Power X provides cohesive, innovative wash plant solutions for all material and mineral washing needs. For this project, Power X proposed an AggreSand 206 modular wash plant, which is part of the TWS modular, mobile and static wash plant range that focuses specifically on solutions for the quarrying, aggregate and C&D recycling industries.

“The new plant has given us the scope to increase production and improve efficiency and production of high value products to match demand,” Stephen Graham, the operations manager for NRS Aggregates, said. “At this point we are operating at about 58 per cent capacity and processing 10,000 tonnes per week and selling 8000 tonnes per week across the weighbridge.

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The Terex AggreSand 206 modular wash plant (left), the Finesmaster 120C (centre) and the water and silt management system (right) at NRS Aggregates’ Saredon Hill Quarry.

“With a mixed feed from three sources the material is mixed like a cake and blended in metre layers until five metres in height is achieved, this is then levelled off with a dozer with another layer added which provides a better mixture, eliminating any gaps in the grading.”

SAND AND GRAVEL PLANT Capable of processing more than 250 tonnes per hour (tph), the plant is fed by a wheel loader into a 50-tonne hopper (with tipping grid) via access up a wide ramp. The width of this ramp also allows the plant to be fed by a dump truck if there are any problems with the loader.

Material is then fed via a 42m long inclined conveyor onto the 6m x 2m (20’ x 6’) aggregate rinsing screen of the Terex AggreSand 206 modular wash plant. This three-deck version utilises individually controlled spray bars on each deck and the two-bearing screen is fitted with polyurethane modular media on all three decks with the top deck rejecting any +20mm material. This oversize material is fed via a chute onto the 32m long crusher feed conveyor which feeds a 25m³ surge bin. Material is then delivered onto a vibratory feeder which automatically choke feeds the TC1000 cone crusher; the crushed material is then returned to the screen feed conveyor for further processing.

“This closed circuit arrangement has worked very well and has proved to be a very good investment,” Graham said. “We do have a rotary crusher at our other site but I prefer the cone as it’s very efficient.”

The screen decks then split the required products of 10mm and 20mm which is stockpiled via conveyors. The bottom deck is split and provides a 0-2mm material which is delivered to a Finesmaster 120C, a static sand recovery unit on one chassis complete with centrifugal slurry pump, hydrocyclone, collection tank and a 3.6m x 1.5m (12’ x 5’) dewatering screen. This produces a soft sand which is then stockpiled by radial conveyor.

The 0-4mm off the bottom deck is fed to the AggreSand 206 sand plant to produce a sharp sand. Chute work on the 206 employs the well tested “dead box” system which results in a rock on rock set-up which provides excellent wear properties.

The AggreSand 206 sand plant at Saredon consists of a high energy 4m x 2m (14’ x 6’) dewatering screen which can dewater up to 200 tph. Two 45kW 200/150 pumps and one G4-660mm and one 500mm cyclones complete the specification to produce a clean in-specification sharp sand.

“The Terex AggreSand system is delivered pre-wired and pre-plumbed and combines aggregate washing and screening with sand processing on an easily installed modular

chassis which was the ideal solution for NRS,” Luke Talbot, the managing director at Power X, said. “It brings together tried and trusted TWS components in an innovative design that is very appealing in terms of access, serviceability and modularity. Quite simply, it sets itself apart from other washing systems in the marketplace.

“TWS have continually demonstrated their commitment to providing outstanding innovative products, customer support and expertise in the field,” Talbot added. “As their English and Welsh dealer, Power X is dedicated in providing reliable, high quality and very productive TWS equipment to meet our clients’ materials and mineral washing needs that meet today’s stringent specifications of clean material.”

WATER AND SILT MANAGEMENT SYSTEM The water treatment plant at Saredon receives dirty water from the washing plant and has two purposes. The first is to clarify and recycle the water and the second is to concentrate the sludge. This is achieved by the addition of a polymer which attracts the silt particles, forming larger, heavier particles known as flocculants which congeal and sink to allow both targets to be achieved. Delivered as a white powder, the process involves two stages: mixing with a low speed agitator, and secondly by maturation that takes place in a second tank where it is dosed by a pump with a frequency variator.

The dirty water coming from the cyclone overflow is mixed with the flocculant solution prepared by the Dosafloc. An additional and final dilution of the flocculant solution through cyclonic spreaders then optimises this mixing solution in the flocculation box (fitted with baffle plates). Once prepared, the water is directed by gravity into the central feed shaft.

At this point, the flocculation controller takes a sample of flocculated water from the central shaft and the settling speed is measured by the Controlfloc (a glass tube fitted with optical cells). This information is then transferred to the programmable logic controller (PLC) which automatically adjusts the flow from the flocculant dosing pump (according to the settings entered during the commissioning stage) to optimise the flocculation efficiency and consumption. After each measure, the glass tube is automatically rinsed. Samples taken with a vacuum system avoid the use of a pump which would distort the measure by breaking the flocculants. The optic cells also determine the turbidity of the recycled water and therefore adjust the coagulant dosing accordingly.

The Terex Finesmaster 120C (foreground) with the AggreSand 206 modular wash plant in action.

Material is fed by a 42m long inclined conveyor onto the 6m x 2m aggregate rinsing screen.

SLUDGE CONCENTRATION, EVACUATION The sludge settles quickly at the bottom of the thickener where it is concentrated and gathered into the pumping cone, due to the slow movement of the scraper. The sludge is then drawn by a pump which is located alongside the 14m diameter thickener tank which is sized to handle up to 40 tph of silt.

The sludge pumping cycles are controlled according to the measure of the resisting torque applied on the scraper which is interpreted by the PLC. This gives reliable information about the quantity and consistency of the sludge at the bottom of the thickener, and also offers a safety in case of a “build up” inside the thickener.

If an overload is detected by the inverter, the scraper is automatically fully lifted to its upper position and then progressively lowered down to dilute the sludge.

The transfer and pumping of recycled waters is achieved with the overflowing waters being discharged into the 10m diameter clarified storage tank, where the

plant feed water pump delivers it back to the washing plant.

The whole plant is controlled from the technical room (sited on the static bridge) by the PLC; via a touch screen which displays the synoptic and allows access to the settings.

The main switch and control panel are also located inside the technical room which contains the flocculant preparation, dosing unit and controller, the main switch, control panel, scraper driving unit and the fresh water box.

Since its commissioning, the plant has performed efficiently, providing NRS with more control and flexibility over its production and enabling the company to satisfy the increased demand.

In Australia, Terex Jaques is the distributor of Terex Washing Systems modular washing plant solutions. Visit terex.com/washing/en/ Australia/aggresand-206 • Source: Terex Washing Systems

Quarry February 2021 33

MOBILE PLANT

CORRECT EQUIPMENT KEY TO RUNNING A SUCCESSFUL RECYCLING BUSINESS

T

he use of recycled concrete and reclaimed asphalt pavement (RAP) has grown exponentially on a global scale, offering practical business opportunities for small- to medium-sized crushing contractors.

Waste management has become an issue of increasing concern as cities run out of landfill space. To provide context, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), which measures the generation of construction and demolition (C&D) waste in the United States, has estimated that 516 million tonnes of C&D debris was generated in 2017.

Recycling and reuse have therefore been identified as the efficient solutions for dealing with waste. The US Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), for example, supports and promotes the use of recycled highway materials in pavement construction, in an effort to preserve the environment, reduce waste and provide cost-effective material for the construction of highways. About 80 per cent of asphalt removed from US roads is recycled, according to the FHWA. For contractors to take full advantage of this surge in recycling demand, Vesa Tuloisela, the director of Metso Outotec’s Nordtrack offering, has said the choice of correct equipment from a reputable supplier with a strong global support footprint is key.

Some of the key considerations when buying crushing equipment for recycling concrete and asphalt, Tuloisela said, include equipment compactness, ease of use, the ability to be moved easily between worksites, accessibility, reasonable price point, quick return on investment and product support.

NORDTRACK RANGE Metso Outotec has a long history of offering purpose-built equipment for recycling. A case in point is its Lokotrack LT1213 horizontal shaft impact (HSI) crusher, which has been serving this sector with great success over a long period of time. This unit is renowned for its high capacity and efficient fuel economy.

It can operate as a primary or secondary crusher, especially in recycling applications, such as processing concrete, asphalt and demolition waste.

The launch of the Nordtrack range in

34

Quarry February 2021

The Nordtrack I908S is a compact crusher/screen combo that is easy to transport between project sites.

October 2019 ushered in a new era for the global recycling contracting sector. A key feature that appeals to this group of customers is the compactness of the range.

“Typically, most recycling projects happen at the point of demolition to reduce transport costs,” Tuloisela explained. “This is mostly in urban areas, where space is at a premium.

It’s important that crushing machinery is compact in size and easy to move between sites.”

The Nordtrack I908S, for example, is a crusher and screen in one. It is a compact, lightweight recycling crusher that is easy to transport between project sites.

Recycling contracts by their very nature are short, with strict project timelines.

Consequently, crushing contractors are looking for quick lead times for their crushing equipment. Delivery times for Nordtrack equipment are usually just a few weeks, on average. With standard designs for off the shelf availability and plug and play features, complemented by an extensive Metso Outotec support network, these mobile solutions make it easy to get contracting operations up and running quickly.

With recycling contracts mostly small in size and value, crushing contractors are looking for affordable solutions.

“The Nordtrack units are generally smaller and compact in size with a lower price point

than larger units with more options and tailoring,” Tuloisela said. “Thanks to various leasing possibilities, too, contractors can get started in the recycling business with a moderate initial investment.”

Tutt Bryant Equipment is the exclusive Metso Outotec aggregate equipment distributor in Australia. Visit tuttbryant.com.au For more information on Nordtrack, visit metso.com/nordtrack • Source: Metso Outotec

19 PRODUCTS FOR MULTIPLE APPLICATIONS The Nordtrack range includes 19 products, such as small to mid-size jaw crushers, impact crushers, mobile screens and mobile conveyors. The products are designed to be used in multiple applications, whether it be aggregate production, recycling or sand and gravel. The range is ideal for contractors looking for flexibility – to have a solution they can use in any application and move from one application to another.

Visit www.metso.com/nordtrack

REGULATION

SA SAFETY AUTHORITY REDEFINES MINE MANAGERS REGULATIONS

S

afeWork South Australia has announced that effective from 2021, additional mine manager competency requirements now apply for quarry professionals.

At the beginning of December 2020, SafeWork SA issued a gazette notice advising that under Regulation 615A(5)(a) of the Work Health and Safety Regulations 2012 (SA), a person will be competent to be a mine manager of a quarry with 20 or more workers if he/she has satisfied the mine operator that they have fulfilled the requirements under Regulation 615A(9)(a).

To be a certified quarry manager, the person will also be required to have a degree in mining engineering or a diploma in surface operations management from an Australian university or tertiary institution (or equivalent institution as determined by the regulator). They will also have at least three years of practical experience in quarrying, including one year of operational experience, and the experience of supervising a quarrying operation.

The Work Health and Safety (Mine Manager) Variation Regulations 2020 (aka the “Mine Managers Regulations”) will take effect as of 1 January, 2021.

SafeWork SA will consequently have jurisdiction in relation to the mine manager competency requirements. The SA Department of Energy & Mining (at time of press) oversees the legislation covering mine manager competencies.

OPERATOR OBLIGATIONS Andrew Dunlevy, the policy and governance manager of SafeWork SA, told Quarry the statutory body is drafting guidance material to assist quarry operators to better understand their requirements under the Mine Manager Regulations.

This information has been communicated via web-based platforms and a mailout.The Mine Manager Regulations were introduced on 1 January.

“Essentially, [the Mine Manager Regulations are] for the person conducting a business or undertaking (PCBU) to determine whether a particular mine manager is competent to be the mine manager based on their

To be a certified quarry manager in SA, a person will have to oversee a site with 20 or more workers, have a recognised qualification and one year of operational expertise.

ability to perform specified duties based on knowledge, training and experience,” Dunlevy said.

“Regulation 615A requires that certain mine operators appoint a competent person to be a mine manager. A mine operator covered by the regulation who fails to do this commits an offence.”

Under the Mine Manager Regulations, the mine operator also cannot appoint an individual as a mine manager if that person is already managing another mine (although an exemption may be granted by the regulator in certain circumstances that permits a mine operator to appoint a mine manager to multiple sites).

Dunlevy said that SafeWork SA has been communicating with numerous stakeholders in the South Australian extractive industry, including the IQA. “The IQA and other stakeholders have provided detailed comments and submissions which have assisted SafeWork

SA in ensuring that communications are targeted at the areas of greatest confusion and concern,” Dunlevy said.

“I am grateful for the input of the IQA and Cement Concrete & Aggregates Australia (CCAA) and their offers to extend the reach of SafeWork SA’s communications through their membership and communication lists.”

Dunlevy said that SafeWork SA will not undertake an audit campaign of South Australian quarries to coincide with the implementation date of the Mine Managers Regulations. However, mine inspectors do reserve the right under Sections 163 and 164 of the Work Health & Safety Act 2012 (SA) to enter sites at any time without prior notice to investigate conditions.

More information about the Mine Manager Regulations and other recently gazetted mining regulations can be found at the SA Department of Energy and Mining website: energymining.sa.gov.au • Quarry February 2021 35

RISK MANAGMENT

ASSISTING INDUSTRY’S HEROES IN THE PURSUIT OF SAFETY

Anthony Beasley is an expert with nearly two decades in the development of heavy industry risk and safety management programs. He talks to Quarry about the supervision and safety responsibilities of members of Australia’s quarrying sector.

T

he Australian extractive industry is a major part of the construction sector’s supply chain, with many quarrying companies aiming to stay ahead of the game by boosting productivity and efficiency.

At times, the desire for higher outputs can lead to an equal desire for a higher tolerance to risk or oversights in certain health and safety practices.

However, taking higher risks can have serious consequences for workers and businesses.

In 2020, Dr Sean Brady issued a report on behalf of the Queensland Government – Review of all fatal accidents in Queensland mines and quarries from 2000 to 2019 – which highlighted the impacts that the lack of effective risk management can have in the quarrying sector.

The report found that quarries in Queensland suffered a serious accident frequency rate of three (3.0) per million hours worked compared to the mining industry average of one (1.0) accident per million hours worked in 2018-2019.

However, Dr Brady also found that the reporting of high potential incidents had declined in the same period, suggesting that potentially some safety issues were not being reported in quarries.

There have been a wide range of suggestions about how this can be improved, but it is ultimately at the discretion of quarry operators and supervisors to “lead from the front” with positive change.

INVERSELY PROPORTIONATE RISKS Jarah Corporate is a specialist consultancy in providing risk and safety management systems for heavy industries including quarrying, mining, construction and civil works projects.

The company provides value adding control management systems into the daily routines of people and operations to prevent

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any oversights.

“It is important operations of all sizes invest in appropriate safety systems to avoid longterm cost and incidence or injury,” said Anthony Beasley (pictured), the director of Jarah Corporate, said.

Jarah Corporate is currently working with the Institute of Quarrying Australia (IQA) to develop leadership-based training for quarry supervisors and managers.

“The IQA have engaged us to assist with the process of developing leadershipbased training for supervisors and managers across topics including legislative obligations through to day-today tools to make the job of supervising more enjoyable and easier to maintain,” Beasley said.

He and his team will work with the IQA to encourage reflections on safety behaviours with people in the industry, while providing valuable knowledge to assist supervisors.

“There’s room for improvement.

Supervisors and managers have an obligation to themselves and others to work, within environmental licences productively and sell high quality product,” Beasley said.

“My involvement with the IQA is in the safety and leadership space – I’ll be providing a program that will also supply useful, handy tools that will make their jobs easier and make ‘good’ supervisors be ‘great’ supervisors.”

SAFETY ‘SUPERHEROES’ Supervision is a key area to tackle in the quarrying industry. Beasley – who has provided supervisor and leadership training

Anthony Beasley (above) oversees Jarah Corporate, which provides risk and safety management systems for quarrying, mining, construction and civil works projects.

for the past 15 years in the infrastructure and extractive industries – explained the role needs to be supported fundamentally by management.

“The whole production versus safety dilemma is a big issue. Supervisors are the meat in the sandwich – I sometimes think they should be called superheroes, not supervisors, because of the expectations on them to be all things to all people,” he said.

“It’s important that supervisors are given the respect, tools and ongoing training to be effective.

“It’s almost the case that if they always do what they’ve always done, they’ll always get what they’ve always got. Unless there

are changes, we will continue to see the outcomes as highlighted in the Brady report.”

On top of these issues, supervisors must maintain systems and records which can also impact successful risk management outcomes.

Beasley proposed that the most effective way to combat red tape is to build an effective system rather than sorting through an excessive amount of documents.

“There’s this great expectation that a system requires copious amounts of complex documents. It doesn’t have to be like that at all,” Beasley said.

He said introducing the correct system into a workplace can lead to a flow-on effect that can improve worker compliance and greatly improve risk management.

“The easiest way of cutting through [the red tape] is to build a system that is fit for purpose and protects the organisation and its people,” Beasley said.

“You don’t need verbose or over the top systems. You need a system that is like a Swiss army knife – something that is handy and useful.

“That’s what the regulators want. They will want to see an alignment of what is being documented, put into practice and actually being used to improve safety.”

Beasley said these systems should reflect the basis of an operation rather than just “ticking a box”.

“Systems are like a ripple effect,” he explained. “You drop a stone into a pond, and there can be different ripples – these are documented physical controls, policies, plans, standards, procedures and forms, etc, that are all based on risk and using the hierarchy of controls.

“You need a system not just for compliance – compliance is a by-product of an effective system,” he said.

“The system needs to reflect the operation so that it is operated systematically in a safe and internally compliant manner first, then shore this up with compliance to legislation.”

Beasley said risks need to be avoided to prevent unnecessary costs.

“You’re in business because of customers,” he said. “To meet customer requirements, you need to deliver a consistent, quality product – to do that you need established and useful systems of work and you need workers to be doing that work safely.

“Injured workers, damaged equipment or poor products cost money and reputations.

For supervision to work in extractive industries effectively, it needs to be strongly supported by management.

It’s not rocket science, it’s effective management of the business when injuries and stop work can occur.”

ASSURANCE VS CONTROL Beasley said Jarah Corporate’s work with the IQA will help supervisors understand the best methods to improve their risk management practices.

In particular, Beasley said it’s better to have a quality assurance approach instead of just a quality control approach.

“So many people aren’t prepared to have assertive conversations with their work teams or their bosses,” he said.

“Be prepared to have these sometimes ugly conversations – and to challenge the norm.

“If there’s a flaw in quality production, quality control enables you to continue to

produce with that flaw. Quality assurance enables you to produce by eliminating that flaw. We need a quality assurance approach rather than solely a quality control approach.

“With quality assurance – you walk past, you realign it. With quality control, you walk past, you accept it.”

Beasley also encouraged members of the industry to join the IQA, which serves as a useful platform to improve workplace practices by bettering the industry.

“I do encourage readers to get involved with the IQA – they’re striving to meet the needs of the industry, and they respond to those needs,” Beasley said. “It makes sense for people to get involved.”

For more information about Jarah Corporate’s services, visit jarahcorp.com.au Anthony Beasley can also be contacted via email: anthony@jarahcorporate.com.au

Quarry February 2021 37

REHABILITATION

CAN QUARRIED SITES EVER BE

RETURNED TO THEIR ‘NATURAL’ STATES? Quarrying and extractive companies in Australia and New Zealand are encouraged by regulators to return quarried sites to their ‘natural character’. But, as Shaun Rosier asks, is that enough?

N

ew Zealand has more than 1100 registered quarries. Some of these mined sites are small, rural operations, but a significant number are large and complex, and within a city’s urban boundaries.

As part of the resource consent application for an extractive project, quarry operators are usually issued with a quarry management plan, which outlines what needs to happen to the landscape once quarrying has finished.

Most local government bodies require quarry operators to do little more than smooth the altered landscape, redistribute topsoil across these slopes, plant some new vegetation, and manage any on-site waterways to prevent surface erosion.

But restoring the ecology of an extracted site isn’t enough anymore.

My research at the Horokiwi Quarry in Wellington explores how design-led remediation projects can restore the ecology of a mined landscape as well as creating new public landscapes that can be used for recreation.

CONDITIONS OF REMEDIATION Quarry management plans currently pay attention to returning the topography of a mined site to a “natural” condition during the remediation. Quarries and mines extract material from the earth, and by necessity alter the surface dramatically.

Often a large amount of material has to be removed first to access the desired aggregate material or rare mineral. Once remediation begins, this material is spread across the site to create a natural appearance, suitable for

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revegetation. The landscape is smoothed over, pits filled in, and topsoil distributed.

Likewise, the revegetation strategy remains relatively simple. Most remediation projects rely on spraying a seed fertiliser mulch mix over these freshly contoured slopes. In difficult conditions, this is often paired with manual planting to establish cover for pioneer species.

These strategies typically use regionally specific plants, ideally sourcing the seed stock from the area to help establish a robust and appropriate ecology.

NATURE AND CULTURE These processes are all used to restore a site back to a “natural character”, but what this means is left undefined. The NZ Resource Management Act (RMA), under which mining resource consent applications have to be made, says miners have: …a duty to avoid, remedy or mitigate any adverse effect on the environment arising from an activity.

While the RMA does not define this natural character condition that is to be preserved or restored, it provides some guidance in the New Zealand Coastal Policy Statement.

Here, natural character is determined to be underpinned by natural processes, elements and patterns. But as some planners and designers have made clear, this is still an unclear position.

It relies on a problematic distinction between nature and culture, where nature is something different and unaltered from humans. Or as US environmental historian William Cronon writes: The place where we are is the place where nature is not.

ANOTHER APPROACH TO REMEDIATION Most remedial works are successful from a biological point of view, leading to full or partial restoration of ecological processes.

For example, the limestone quarry at Cape Foulwind has been relatively successful in its biophysical remediation. But the site is close to local communities and on a major tourist

route, and could play a bigger role as a public space.

Recent research has called for a different approach, especially for quarries and mines within urban areas where landscape architects are involved throughout the entire extraction process.

Using their knowledge and skill sets could bring the extracted landscape significantly closer to a desirable outcome. It would also allow for new spaces, including parks, housing, recreation or ecological reserves.

This is an important shift for urban quarry sites. Establishing a design process that works in parallel with the extraction process would allow sites such as the Horokiwi Quarry to play a role in the public life of a city.

This large aggregate quarry has a remaining lifespan of 20 to 30 years, and presents an ideal case to develop remediation techniques that can bring the most out of this landscape.

The design proposal builds on the experience of a landscape of extreme scale and mass. Facilities such as sports fields, gathering spaces, relaxation and a mix of pathways all feed off the experience of the landscape.

At the same time, new ecological sites are established where appropriate to create a different relationship between visitors and the landscape.

Turning post-extraction landscapes such as the Horokiwi Quarry into public spaces confronts us with their scale and otherworldliness. It can change how we relate to the environment.

We have to remediate these sites in a way that moves us to recognise our relationship with extraction and consumption. This might not be pretty but it is necessary. • Shaun Rosier is a practice-based PhD researcher in Landscape Architecture, Te Herenga Waka — Victoria University of Wellington, New Zealand.

This is an edited version of an article that first appeared in The Conversation. Visit: theconversation.com/mining-companies-arerequired-to-return-quarried-sites-to-theirnatural-character-but-is-that-enough-149814

SMART BUSINESS

ONUS AND PRESUMPTION IN ADVERSE ACTION MATTERS: IT’S ON THE EMPLOYER

U

nder the general protections provisions in the Fair Work Act 2009 (Cth) (FW Act), it is unlawful for a person to take adverse action against another person for a proscribed reason.

One of the features of the general protections provisions under the FW Act is the presumption that adverse action was taken for a proscribed reason unless it is proven that the adverse action was not taken for that reason.

This means that employers and other persons who are alleged to have taken adverse action bear the onus of establishing or disproving that the action was for an unlawful reason. The purpose of this rebuttable presumption is that it would otherwise be difficult for a person to prove that adverse action was taken against them for a proscribed reason.

The practical application of the reverse onus of proof means that evidence of the decisionmaker will be needed to demonstrate that the action was not taken for an unlawful reason and to confirm what was in the decisionmaker’s mind when making the decision.

In Roohizadegan v TechnologyOne Limited (No 2) [2020] FCA 1407, the Federal Court of Australia (FCA) awarded an employee more than $5.2 million in compensation for breaches of the general protections provisions of the FW Act and a breach of contract by the employer and its executive chairman and chief executive officer.

The employee had been employed from 2006 and held the position of Victoria regional manager until his summary dismissal in May 2016. The employee alleged that he was dismissed for a prohibited reason, which included exercising a workplace right to make a complaint that he was bullied. The employer and the CEO denied that the employee was dismissed because he had exercised a workplace right.

The CEO submitted that he was the sole decision-maker and that he terminated the employee’s employment for reasons relating to his performance and conduct, specifically that: • Victorian licences fees were not growing.

• There were concerns about the employee’s team which had been described as a “team in crisis”.

Well balanced stones on top of a boulder. If you’re going to terminate an employee, make sure you are acting for balanced reasons and can back them accordingly in appeals proceedings.

• The employee had not been able to work well with two managers in a two-year period.

The FCA found that it was the CEO who made the decision to terminate the employee’s employment. Having found this, the FCA noted that it was required to assess the “state of mind” of the CEO. The FCA did not accept the CEO’s evidence about his state of mind at the time he made the decision. Rather, the FCA was satisfied that the CEO was aware of the employee’s bullying complaints when he resolved to terminate the employee’s employment. Given this conclusion, the FCA did not accept that the employee was dismissed for the reasons claimed by the CEO. The FCA found that the employee’s exercise of his workplace rights was a “substantial and operative factor” in the CEO’s reasons for taking adverse action against the employee.

Accordingly, the FCA held that the employer had not displaced the presumption and was satisfied that the employer took adverse action against the employee in contravention of the general protections provisions because he had exercised a workplace right and made seven complaints about bullying. The FCA also found that the CEO was accessorily

liable for the contraventions.

The FCA ordered that penalties and compensation be paid to the employee as follows: • $40,000 as a pecuniary penalty to be paid by the employer.

• $7000 as a pecuniary penalty to be paid by the CEO. • $756,410 as compensation for foregone share options as a result of the summary dismissal.

• $2,825,000 in future economic loss.

• $10,000 as general damages.

• $1,590,000 for breach of contract.

LESSONS FOR EMPLOYERS This case serves to remind employers about the presumption in adverse action matters under the FW Act. The onus is on the employer to provide evidence from a decision-maker that the decision to take adverse action against an employee was not because of a prohibited reason such as the exercise of a workplace right.

Significant penalties and compensation can arise if an employer fails to displace the reverse onus of proof and is found to have contravened the FW Act. Source: Workplace Law. Visit workplacelaw.com.au

Quarry February 2021 39

IQA NEWS TASMANIAN BRANCH NEWS The IQA Tasmanian branch conducted its 26th technical and social weekend, from 27 to 29 November, 2020, in St Helens, on Tasmania’s northeast coast.

At the beginning of 2020, it appeared as if there would be little chance of this event happening, due to COVID-19 restrictions. The occasion itself was in some respects an extra cause for celebration.

Thirty-seven delegates assembled at the NRMA St Helens Waterfront Holiday Park on the evening of Friday, 27 November. There were a mix of people in their own caravans and self-contained cabins as part of the accommodation. Past President Dugald Gray was the only interstate “guest” this year.

The branch engaged local historian Garry Richardson, the author of six books on the history of the Greater St Helens/Weldborough area (including lots of information on its mining history) to travel with the delegates.

On the morning of Saturday, 28 November, the delegates’ bus, kindly sponsored by Forze Explosives/Stopford Drilling, headed up the Tasman Highway towards Weldborough, originally known as Thomas Plains.

The first stop on the tour was the Mount Paris Dam, the only concrete-formed buttress dam in Tasmania and one of only a few in Australia. The dam was designed by Haskins and Davey of Sydney, and supervised by mining engineer John Proud (of the Proud Jewellers family, who were major shareholders of the Mt Paris tin mine).

The dam and the 11km of water race were built in 1935 by the Mt Paris Tin Mining

Thirty-seven delegates attended the Tasmanian IQA branch’s annual technical and social weekend in late November 2020.

Company. It took 12 months to build, was crewed by 70 men, and cost the mining company £30,000 pounds (by 1930s standards). The construction included drilling a small diversion tunnel (which is still visible) and the mining company produced just £10,000 of tin value – effectively making a loss! The dam was built using timber formwork/scaffold with wheel barrows and petrol-driven cement mixers.

When full, the dam held about 1300 megalitres and covered 21 hectares.

After the mines closed in 1947, the dam continued to hold water until it was decided the dam was at high risk of failure, so in 1985 a number of holes were cut in the face to prevent water backing up. Today, the dam is 250 metres long and 16m high.

The next stop on the tour was the Weldborough Pub for a coffee. Weldborough is another historical 19th century tin mining boom town. The pub and a few roadside buildings are all that remain of what was a

The tour party visited the Mount Paris Dam on the recent Tasmanian branch technical and social weekend seminar.

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roaring town dominated by more than 700 Chinese workers there to make their fortune.

The delegates then visited the Pyengana Dairy. Pyengana has been producing dairy products, including cheese, from this area for more than 130 years. It was a great spot for a lunch stop and from the venue everyone could watch the cows walking up to the dairy, which is fully automated. The cows come and go as they are ready. The gate automatically opens from a collar they wear and if they are milked they also get a back scratch!

The plan after lunch was to visit the Anchor Mine Stamp Battery and mine site. However, a last minute hitch prevented that so instead the tour party stopped at The Shop in the Bush, which sells vintage jewellery, antiques and collectable books. Needless to say, some delegates walked out with quite a few purchases.

The next stop was the Priory Ridge Wines, on Ansons Bay Road, run by David and Julie Llewellyn. The Reid family (Julie’s

One of the many buttresses on the Mt Paris Dam.

The Institute of Quarrying Australia

LOOKING AHEAD, REFOCUSING AND SETTING GOALS IN 2021 The start of a new year provides the opportunity for us all to look forward, refocus and set new goals. The IQA is committed to resuming branch and education activities and delivering its 2020-25 Strategic Plan.

While restrictions continue in some areas, there is a focus to resume face to face engagement where permissible and safe to do so. The IQA is looking forward to helping the industry remain engaged and support the health and safety agenda through education and events, notably health and safety conferences in Brisbane (11 June), Townsville (17 June) and NSW (date TBC).

The IQA is scheduling education for the remainder of 2021 aligned to industry needs.

As well as the usual courses – eg Slope Stability, Risk Management, Quarry Products, Respirable Crystalline Silica – the IQA is offering a number of new courses in 2021: Key Account Management, Leadership, Supervising for Safety, and more to come in the fourth quarter.

Visit quarry.com.au for the most up to date schedule of courses. If there is a course/topic that you require scheduled, contact us and we will gladly organise the training.

The national network of branches and subbranches will continue to provide invaluable support for members and opportunities for great-grandparents) settled in the area in 1889, after migrating from England. Priory Ridge Vineyard was planted in 2008 with 20 hectares of north-facing slopes on Devonian granite rich soils. Everyone sampled the vineyard’s Sauvignon blanc, pinot gris, chardonnay and pinot noir, and again a few purchases were made.

The last stop for the day, sponsored by RNB Trading, was Lease 65 Oysters, on Binalong Bay Road. Lease 65 produces and sells 200,000 dozen oysters per year, growing them from 8mm spat through to a saleable Pacific oyster in two years. The managing director Craig Lockwood explained how the company works hard to prevent any damage to the oysters, as they grade and grow the oysters in various baskets/ cages. He also highlighted the machinery the company has developed and used at this

operators and suppliers to learn and share their experiences.

Hopefully, these will be to face to face. However, the branches have remained connected through virtual meetings and events and we will continue to provide access as appropriate through virtual mediums.

The extractive industry will play a critical role in driving the economic recovery and the need to compete for – and bring new talent – into the sector is real. Ensuring we have a consistent approach to supporting the training and development of competence in key areas such as health and safety will be vital to establishing a sustainable approach for the future.

The strength of the IQA is in its members and their experience. For those starting out in their careers the network provides a great opportunity to tap into a lifetime of knowledge and experience. In 2021, the IQA will be focusing heavily on growing the activity of its Young Member Network (YMN) to support younger people who are interested in – or currently working in – our industry. The IQA has four passionate YMN co-ordinators who are site. Everyone had the chance to taste some freshly shucked oysters.

That night, the delegates had a group dinner at the Parkside Bar and Kitchen where we officially thanked Garry Richardson for being the official tour and local history guide.

On the morning of Sunday, 29 November, it was off to The St Helens History Rooms.

Garry and the curator Kym showed everyone through a wonderful collection of local history, including plenty of information on mining.

Garry Richardson also kindly provided some of the photos for this story.

After such a successful weekend, the Tasmanian branch is already undertaking planning for the next one in 2021. Watch this space for more information!

By John Stanton

planning activities for their areas. As these YMN events are released, I encourage you to support younger people (members and non-members) to get involved. Establishing networks, learning and innovating with people outside our immediate teams is an important part of career development.

We know 2021 holds many uncertainties but we are looking forward to supporting the industry deliver social and economic growth for Australia.

KYLIE FAHEY Chief Executive Officer Institute of Quarrying Australia

IQA NEW MEMBERS GRADE NAME AIQ AIQ AIQ AIQ AIQ AIQ MIQ MIQ MIQ MIQ MIQ MIQ TMIQ TMIQ TMIQ TMIQ

BRANCH

Stuart Chapman Dave Eckford Justin Kennedy Kyle McClintock Andrew Williams Adam Zaltron Liam Berneville-Claye Peter Bush Blake Deegan Darren House Andrew Manning Paul Patten Brendon Lin Colin Loveday Aidan Manning Mal McDonald

SA NSW VIC QLD QLD SA QLD NSW QLD VIC SA QLD ACT NSW NSW NSW

Quarry February 2021 41

IQA NEWS

The Institute of Quarrying Australia

• Andrew Wilson (Director).

• Duncan Harris (Director).

• Michelle Connelly (Director).

• Phillip Harris (Director).

• David Smith (Director).

• Michelle Lergessner (Director).

For a full list of IQA Board Committees, visit quarry.com.au

NEW IQA WEBSITE The IQA’s website has been given a complete overhaul. The focus has been to improve navigation and the level of information available. Once a branch or education event is confirmed, it will be published on the website. Visit the website to update your member details and access the latest information and events: quarry.com.au The 2019 Gold Environment Award, which was presented to Holcim Petrie Quarry, Kurwongbah, Queensland.

IQA 2021 AWARDS The 2021 IQA Awards are now open for applications and nominations, and will be presented in the following categories: • Alec Northover Award.

• Gold Hard Hat Site Safety Award.

• Gold Environment Award.

• Excellence in Innovation and Community Engagement.

• Quarry Manager of the Year <10 FTE, • Quarry Manager of the Year >10 FTE. • IQA Conference Exhibitor of the Year.

• President’s Medal.

Any member of the IQA can be nominated for an award. A non-member may be the nominator for an award. However, only IQA members can be nominees/recipients of an award. A person may choose to nominate themselves for an award or nominate a third party. The person nominated for the award must be a current member of the IQA. Where the award is site- or company-specific, the site or company must have current IQA members and demonstrate support for the IQA. The closing date for all award nominations is 5pm (AEST) on Friday, 6 August 2021.

The 2021 IQA Award winners will be finalised in September, and the winners announced at the IQA Conference in October.

For full details visit the IQA website: quarry.com.au

67TH AGM The IQA held its 67th Annual General Meeting (AGM) on 24 November, 2020. This was the first time that an AGM was held virtually.

Members elected three directors to the IQA

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Board: Clayton Hill (FIQ), David Smith (FIQ) and Michelle Lergessner (AIQ).

Following the amendment in 2019 to the IQA’s constitution to provide the Associate and Student members with the same voting and other rights as Honorary Fellows, Fellows, Corporate Members and Technical Members, members voted to again amend the constitution in favour of further member equity.

Associate Members and Student Members are now able to use post nominals to represent that they are members of the IQA. It was agreed that: • A person elected to the class of Associate Member may describe themselves as “an Associate of the Institute of Quarrying Australia” and may utilise the designatory letters “AIQ”.

• A person who has been elected into the class of Student Member may describe themselves as “an Student of the Institute of Quarrying Australia” and may utilise the designatory letters “SIQ”.

After a highly successful transition, the Australian Institute of Quarrying Education Foundation (AIQEF) is now operating as part of the IQA. Members supported two changes to governance for the AIQEF. The first amendment resolved ambiguity pertaining to the composition of the AIQEF Committee, which will now consist of the current President and Deputy President of the IQA and five of the most recent past Presidents willing to serve.

The IQA Board of Directors for 2020-21 comprises: • Shane Braddy (President).

• Grant Farquhar (Deputy President).

• Clayton Hill (Director).

UPCOMING EVENTS The 2021 calendar is currently being confirmed with branches. All branches and sub-branches are working hard to confirm activity in line with state requirements and restrictions.

Upcoming branch events in 2021 include: • 9 February – North Queensland branch dinner meeting.

• 13 March – South Australian branch dinner.

• 25 March – Queensland branch lunch meeting.

• 21 May – Queensland Golf Day, Brisbane.

• 11 June – Health & Safety Conference, Brisbane.

• 2 September – Women in Quarrying Conference, Brisbane.

• 5–7 October – IQA 2021 Conference, Newcastle.

• Date TBC – Health & Safety Conference, Townsville.

• Date TBC – NSW YMN site tour (Holcim’s Albion Park Quarry).

• Date TBC – Queensland branch site tour and lunch meeting.

Upcoming education activities (via virtual delivery) include: • 17 February – Respirable crystalline silica (RCS).

• 23 February – Introduction to Quarrying.

• 10 March – RCS. • 16 March – Slope Stability.

• 4 May – Learning from Disasters.

• 8 June – Slope Stability.

CONTACT THE IQA For all branch and education and training inquiries, contact the IQA, tel 02 9484 0577, email admin@quarry.com.au

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