ALWAYS EVOLVING Astec shows how technology is taking its crushing and screening solutions to the next level.
a top business honour.
FAMILY SECURES TOP WIN Striker Crushing and Screening has been recognised with
14 Smooth Sailing
A new bucket has taken the stress out of upgrading an excavator for a Newcastle quarry.
22 Unleash the triple threat
Multotec Australia is offering the ACE system to the local market as a fast, safe and easy-to-use solution.
26 Bigger, bolder and better
The PNG Expo is set to return in 2026 with a bigger and bolder showcase.
28 Experience the show
Registrations are open for the upcoming CONEXPO-CON/AGG 2026.
34 Unlock data’s potential Eltirus Enable is taking the headaches out of managing multiple quarries.
36 Rebuild and revitalise
Caterpillar is offering its customers the ability to rebuild their machines.
38 Fully loaded
Tesmec’s 1475XL EVO Rockhawg excels as a high-performance surface mining solution.
40 Send for SAM
Rammer has released a new and improved remote monitoring platform for its rockbreakers.
42 Crushed to perfection
A leading US contract crusher engaged Superior Industries to deliver a custom processing solution.
44 Quality equipment delivered
ASQ operations director Wes Bird explains how the business’ success is based on a reputation for reliability.
46 Going for gold
The MACAR Group has invested in a Striker CQ400 cone crusher.
48 Crushing with assurance
Elite Maintenance Solutions deployed a solution from Tutt Bryant Equipment to deliver its latest contract.
COUNTING SAND
Around 20 years ago, astronomers set out to finally solve the question: are there more stars in the universe than there are grains of sand on Earth. A lot of very smart people put their heads together and calculated that Earth has roughly more than seven quintillion grains of sand.
That’s a lot of sand.
Whether there are more stars in the sky is harder to determine –what we do know is that sand is valuable as a construction material. Without sand, we would not have the concrete needed to build the houses and infrastructure we need to support a growing population.
Unfortunately, not all of the sand on the planet is useable as construction materials. Even less of it is accessible, as environmental restrictions limit the amount that can be extracted.
That hasn’t stopped the construction industry’s neverceasing need for sand though, so quarries have started to look for ways to improve their productivity. Others have sought alternatives entirely, looking to turn quarry byproducts into a valuable material.
In the next edition of Quarry, we will highlight some of the key players in the sand sector, showcasing the equipment needed to prepare it for the construction industry.
It will also highlight innovators in the space that are addressing key sustainability and supply issues.
If your business is involved in sand, we encourage you to get in touch.
William Arnott Editor
A LOT OF VERY SMART PEOPLE PUT THEIR HEADS TOGETHER AND CALCULATED THAT EARTH HAS ROUGHLY MORE THAN SEVEN QUINTILLION GRAINS OF SAND.
As we move into the final months of the year, there’s a real sense of momentum across the IQA. Our branches and sub-branches are in full swing with end-of-year events and technical programs. These gatherings are more than just opportunities to network – they’re about celebrating achievements, sharing knowledge, and strengthening the connections that make our sector so resilient.
From bowls in Cairns, trivia in Townsville, technical nights in Victoria, to site tours in Southern NSW, and social weekends in Tasmania, it’s wonderful to see such a diverse calendar of events bringing our members together. These local activities, combined with a strong line-up of webinars and workshops, ensure members have opportunities to connect and learn no matter where they are.
GOLD COAST 2026 BUILDING THE FUTURE TODAY
Planning is also progressing for our 2026 IQA National Conference – Building the Future Today. From 6-8 October 2026, the Gold Coast will host three days of insights, innovation, and networking, with more than 50 presentations, more than100 exhibitors, local site visits, and the IQA National Awards. I encourage you to stay across updates and take advantage of presale registration opportunities.
TELLING OUR STORY
Production is underway for our national awareness campaign launching in 2026. We’re filming quarrying professionals sharing their experiences – stories that highlight both what our sector contributes to communities and why people choose this rewarding career path.
This campaign addresses a fundamental challenge: public awareness of who we are and what we do. Thank you to members who nominated team members to be featured. Your participation is helping reshape how Australia sees our sector and the opportunities it provides.
DIGITAL TOOLS
STRENGTHENING CONNECTIONS
The IQA Connect member app is now live, putting networking opportunities, training notifications, and sector updates directly at your fingertips. Combined with our redesigned website, these platforms make it easier for members to stay connected while helping the community learn about quarrying’s essential role in building communities.
EDUCATION EXPANDING TO MEET SECTOR NEEDS
We remain focused on delivering education that reflects member needs and regulatory change. New webinars on managing conflict and plant and equipment safety are just some of the latest offerings from our education team, with more development underway to support safe, productive, and compliant operations.
LOOKING AHEAD
The final months of 2025 show a sector moving forward with purpose. From national campaigns to digital transformation, from expanding education to strengthening regional networks – every initiative serves our members and advances our collective future.
I look forward to connecting with many of you at upcoming events as we close out another productive year.
Jane Schmitt Chief Executive Officer Institute of Quarrying Australia
NEW WEBINARS ON MANAGING CONFLICT AND PLANT AND EQUIPMENT SAFETY ARE JUST SOME OF THE LATEST OFFERINGS FROM OUR EDUCATION TEAM, WITH MORE DEVELOPMENT UNDERWAY TO SUPPORT SAFE, PRODUCTIVE, AND COMPLIANT OPERATIONS.
www.quarry.com.au
The IQA’s Strategic Plan 2023 to 2026 embodies the following vision, values and strategic priorities:
Thriving communities supported by a sustainable industry
Operational Priorities:
• Deepen industry participation
• Sustainable revenue streams
• Highly capable team
• Technological innovation
• Effective engagement
• Great governance
Strategic Priorities:
• Support industry participants with compliance and regulation
• Build a diverse and skilled industry
• Foster strong industry connectivity
IQA Contacts:
For all education, member and branch enquiries:
Phone: 02 9484 0577
Email: iqa@quarry.com.au
Chief Executive Officer
Jane Schmitt
President Michael Close
Company Secretary David Cowie
Follow the IQA on our social media pages:
IQAustralia
the-australian-institute-ofquarrying/ iqaus
The Institute of Quarrying Australia
Educating and connecting our extractive industry
Engineered to match. Proven to perform.
A partnership which brings over two decades of minerals processing expertise and trusted screening solutions to the industry.
20+ years of screen media in Australia every year 32,000m2 field maintenance support
of minerals processing expertise
24/7 Brisbane, Perth, Newman, Mackay, Newcastle
5 locations part of global Multotec network
100 countries
About Multotec Australia
Multotec Australia is a minerals processing and engineering company which locally manufactures high-performance screen panels, purpose built for quarry applications. With over 20 years of experience and deep engineering expertise, our screening solutions are trusted to perform in some of the world’s toughest minerals processing environments.
CONVERSATIONS WITH MICHAEL CLOSE, PRESIDENT
Michael Close interviews
Brett Kean a partner at William Buck, which is one ofthe strategic advisory partners supporting IQA’s mission to connect, educate, and elevate the sector through educational seminars and tailored financial advisory services.
Michael Close: What drew William Buck to partner with the IQA and support Australia’s quarrying professionals?
Brett Kean: The quarrying sector is fundamental to Australia’s infrastructure and economic growth, and we recognise that the professionals driving this sector have unique financial and business challenges at different career stages. Whether it’s a young professional planning their first home purchase, a mid-career operator expanding their business, or a senior leader preparing for retirement, we understand each stage requires specific expertise.
The IQA’s focus on professional development creates the perfect platform for us to deliver educational content and advisory services that truly meet the sector’s needs.
Michael: How do you see the financial and business advisory needs evolving across a quarrying professional’s career journey?
Brett: We’ve structured our approach around three key member segments because financial priorities shift significantly.
For the young member network - those aged 28-35 - the focus is foundational wealth building: home ownership strategies, wealth building and early career financial planning. Growth-focused members, typically 35-55, face
more complex challenges around business expansion, advanced tax planning strategies, and operational efficiency. Senior members, 55 and above, focus on retirement strategies, superannuation optimisation, business succession planning.
Michael: Tell us about the upcoming opportunities for members
Brett: Our first event is a webinar on 26 November covering business expansion, tax planning, and operational efficiency for growthfocused members. Following that, we’ll run face-to-face workshops in Queensland and NSW in early 2026 aligned with state events.
The combination of digital and in-person engagement lets us reach members across Australia while building those important direct relationships.
Michael: What role do you see professional advisory partnerships playing in strengthening Australia’s quarrying sector?
TO AUSTRALIA’S INFRASTRUCTURE AND ECONOMIC GROWTH, AND WE RECOGNISE THAT THE PROFESSIONALS DRIVING THIS SECTOR HAVE UNIQUE FINANCIAL AND BUSINESS CHALLENGES AT DIFFERENT CAREER STAGES.
www.quarry.com.au
The IQA’s Strategic Plan 2023 to 2026 embodies the following vision, values and strategic priorities:
Vision:
Thriving communities supported by a sustainable industry
Operational Priorities:
• Deepen industry participation
• Sustainable revenue streams
• Highly capable team
• Technological innovation
• Effective engagement
• Great governance
Strategic Priorities:
• Support industry participants with compliance and regulation
• Build a diverse and skilled industry workforce
• Foster strong industry connectivity
IQA Contacts:
For all education, member and branch enquiries:
Phone: 02 9484 0577
Email: iqa@quarry.com.au
Chief Executive Officer
Jane Schmitt
President Michael Close
Brett: Professional advisory partnerships are essential because they help individual careers and businesses thrive, which ultimately strengthens the entire sector. When quarrying professionals have access to quality financial and business advice, they make better decisions around business growth, investments and succession planning. Our partnership with the IQA ensures this expertise is accessible.
Ultimately, when the sector’s professionals are financially secure and their businesses are wellstructured, it attracts more talent, encourages innovation, and builds the strong foundation the sector needs.
Michael Close, FIQ
President Institute of Quarrying Australia
Company Secretary David Cowie
Follow the IQA on our social media pages:
IQAustralia
the-australian-institute-ofquarrying/ iqaus
The Institute of Quarrying Australia
Educating and connecting our extractive industry
NEW: MOBISCREEN MSS 502 i EVO
COMPACT, POWERFUL AND VERSATILE: Introducing the MOBISCREEN MSS 502i EVO mobile coarse screening plant. Its compact size, low transport weight and impressive feed capacity of up to 350 tonnes per hour ensure that this versatile machine can be used flexibly and quickly for even the most heavy-duty applications in natural stone and recycling. The compact MSS 502i EVO, with its advanced ergonomics, was designed for exceptional operability. It can also be operated electrically thanks to its optional dual-power drive. The MOBISCREEN MSS 502i EVO: the (small) multi-talented powerhouse.
www.wirtgen-group.com/mss-502-evo-kleemann
MSS 502i EVO
The IQA Queensland branch committee hit the mark with the Adbri Fernvale site tour on 11 September, drawing over 50 members for an in-depth look at quarry operations.
The day kicked off with host David Gormley leading the group through the site’s inner workings, while the Adbri team – Michael Higgins, Tony Lukritz and Hamish Weston opened the books on operational insights and fielded every technical question thrown their way.
But the learning did not stop there.
Event supporter Multotec brought the technology right to the quarry floor, with Matthew Ferguson and Marc Barraclough demonstrating their latest products onsiteturning theory into tangible solutions.
“A big thank you to the team at Adbri Fernvale for hosting an insightful and wellorganised IQA site visit,” one attendee said. “Your passion and professionalism were evident and greatly appreciated by all.”
Victorian sub-branch unpacks new mining laws at Shepparton gathering
The IQA Victorian sub-branch held its annual general meeting alongside an informative site tour and networking dinner at Parklake, Shepparton on 11 September, with 62 members in attendance.
The Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action’s Heather Hawkins and Amanda Wellesley provided insights into the upcoming Mineral Resources (Sustainable
Development) Amendment Act 2023, set to take effect on July 1, 2027.
Members gained clarity on new general duty requirements, regulatory procedures, and transition planning.
The evening provided networking opportunities while keeping the sector informed on important regulatory changes.
Engineering history meets quarrying innovation
The IQA southern NSW region sub-branch members experienced a fascinating journey through military engineering history at Holsworthy Military Engineering Museum, perfectly timed with R U OK? Day.
The museum’s impressive displays of Royal Australian Engineers equipment told compelling stories of ingenuity and courage, from gap-crossing technology to massive, armoured construction vehicles.
But the real highlight was hearing from Shine Summerfield, whose 20-year service with the Engineers brought the exhibits to life with personal insights and historical context.
The evening continued at Brighton Lakes Golf Club, where sponsor Cutting Edges delivered more than just dinner support.
Chief executive officer Faye Duncan’s presentation showcased how this Australianowned company leverages 60 years of experience and more than 40,000 products to solve real operational challenges – from site audits to innovations that reduce costs and improve safety.
It was a blend of honouring engineering heritage while exploring the latest sector solutions. The event saw IQA members nationwide connecting and learning simultaneously across the country.
North Queensland branch tees off for another successful year
The sun was shining, and the greens were calling as more than 100 players gathered at Rowes Bay Golf Club for the 27th Annual Townsville golf day.
The IQA’s heartfelt thanks go to Greg Rains FIQ and the North Queensland branch committee for delivering another successful event that perfectly captured the spirit of our quarrying community.
More than 50 IQA members attended a site tour at Adbri Fernvale.
Images: IQA
The Victorian sub-branch held its annual general meeting alongside an informative site tour and networking dinner.
IQA NEWS
IQA southern NSW region sub-branch members visited the Holsworthy Military Engineering Museum.More than 100 players attended the 27th Annual Townsville golf day.
The spring weather provided the perfect backdrop for networking, friendly competition, and celebrating our industry connections.
Team Holcim 1 claimed the coveted Nordev Trophy for first place, with Team Markwell Group taking second and Team Taro Software rounding out the podium.
UPCOMING COURSES AND EVENTS
The novelty competitions kept everyone entertained throughout the day, with standout performances in longest drive, nearest the pin, and even best dressed competitions.
Victoria sub-branch end of year networking dinner
Contractor safety management webinar
276:00pm – 9:30pm All Seasons Hotel, 171 McIvor Highway, Strathdale
2 9:30am – 1:30pm (AEST) Online
Learning from disasters Dec 3 8:30am – 4:30pm Penrith RSL
Queensland branch end of year networking event Nov 4 1:45pm – 6:00pm XXXX Alehouse
ALWAYS EVOLVING
Quarry speaks with Astec Industries’ Adam Gordon to find out how innovative technologies have unlocked a brand-new design of crushing and screening equipment.
Astec Industries does not want to stand still. If it does not stay up to date with the latest innovations and improvements, it risks being surpassed in the competitive original equipment manufacturer (OEM) market.
“If you don’t incorporate improvements into your machinery, someone else will,” Astec Industries business line manager Adam Gordon told Quarry. “That means we have to stay innovative.”
This drive to evolve is what inspired the company to design 20 new mobile tracked crushing and screening plants.
Based on tried-and-tested machinery that has proven popular in the US, the new range of plants has been designed to be easier to maintain.
The new range has also incorporated improvements in engines, hydraulics, and materials.
Gordon said that in an industry where heavier usually means longevity, the new range has reduced weight to make it easier to move.
“It’s not just our industry that has seen rapid development, it’s the whole world. There are all new specialty steels with unique performance characteristics that allow us to design these machines even better,” he said.
“Some of the heavy-weight sections can be reduced in thickness because the steel has gotten much stronger.
“With greater strength characteristics, you can reduce the weight of the steel section, which means more flexibility and less impact on the ground.
“Similarly, if you can make your conveyors more efficient and require less power, then your drives can be smaller. Your hydraulic flow can be reduced thanks to more efficient pumps.
“All of these small improvements add up to about a 10 to 15 per cent improvement in productivity and yield.”
Finding new ways to improve efficiency for customers is key for Astec. At the end of the day, the company’s clients are looking to reduce their cost per tonne, which means using the most cost-effective equipment possible.
Mobile equipment also offers significant benefits for Australia’s quarrying sector.
Gordon said they offer an effective way of avoiding lengthy approvals.
“It can be difficult to get approvals in this industry for fixed infrastructure,” he said.
“Setting up a fixed plant is also a big capital investment, and securing a lender can be a headache.
“Mobile equipment is fast to set up on a site, meaning that equipment can get to work as soon as possible.”
Images: Astec
Mobile equipment offers significant benefits for Australia’s quarrying sector.
This flexibility is especially important for smaller quarry operations. Often, the profit margins are much tighter, so finding the right size of equipment is key to getting the economics right.
Mobile gear can also be moved to different sites, creating the potential for smaller production volumes to become more economical.
AUSTRALIAN SUPPORT
The first few of the new machines, the SF20 Tracked Screeners, have already been rolled out. Three have already been in the field for thousands of hours to ensure they can handle all the challenges operating in a quarry can throw at them.
This robust field testing helps Astec find the unexpected and is important to improving the designs.
Astec has service facilities in Brisbane and Melbourne, with technicians located throughout the country to support its asphalt plants and crushing equipment products. Most of these service technicians are crosstrained, enabling them to handle any issue that may arise across Astec’s broad range of products.
Gordon said it’s important to provide high-quality, fast-response service in the quarry sector.
“When a piece of equipment breaks down, it’s not just affecting one thing – it impacts the entire process,” he said.
“The loaders, the excavators, the tracked equipment – all of it comes to a halt waiting for the problem to be solved. If you’re working with something like an asphalt mixer, there’s also a time limit before the material begins to thicken and solidify. That’s why reliability is so important for our customers. If there’s a breakdown, they’re losing out on productivity. The better we can support our customers, the more likely they will support us in return.”
Repeat business is an important part of Astec’s goal of growing six times larger by 2030.
The company recently acquired TerraSource, a specialist manufacturer of complementary equipment, providing new opportunities for the company.
This international growth has given Astec the support it needs to start rapidly expanding across Australia.
Gordon said the tracked equipment market was competitive, which is why having an efficient production process were vital.
“Each company is trying to continually evolve, offering greater features and benefits while improving their production volumes while reducing their manufacturing costs,” he said.
To reach this, Astec has fast-tracked the growth of its manufacturing facility in Omagh, Northern Ireland.
The country has long been a hub for crushing equipment manufacturing, and by expanding its presence there, Astec has freed up its US factories, which had previously supplied the global market.
Gordon said having its manufacturing facilities in Northern Ireland was the best for ease of manufacturing and logistics.
“If you look at Northern Ireland, around 7000 tracked crushers and screeners are manufactured and shipped from there to the world market,” he said. “That means there is a lot of expertise we can harness, as well as the auxiliary equipment that is needed for tracked equipment. At the moment, we have 19 pieces of tracked equipment in our Australian inventory, and this is growing all the time. We’re excited to start showing off what it can do.” •
For more information, visit astecindustries.com
Astec has service facilities in Brisbane and Melbourne, with technicians located throughout the country to support.
Astec has designed 20 new mobile tracked crushing and screening plants.
SMOOTH SAILING
A new bucket has taken the stress out of upgrading an excavator for a Newcastle quarry.
Quarry Products Newcastle has supplied roadbase and aggregate to the local construction market for nearly five decades.
The business recently acquired a new excavator, which would be the primary tool for the quarry’s load and haul operations. Having upgraded to a 90-tonne model, Quarry Products Newcastle quarry manager Matt Frost needed to choose the bucket to work alongside it.
After speaking with the excavator’s agent and learning what kinds of buckets were available, he found himself drawn to the ONTRAC Extreme Premium XP Bucket.
EC500 Excavator
“I’d heard the bucket had good results on another quarry,” Frost told Quarry “Timeframe was also a big factor, and the ONTRAC bucket was built for that machine, so it was efficient to acquire.”
“It was reasonably priced and had a decent wear package included – it looked like a wellbuilt bucket.”
ONTRAC Group is an Australian manufacturer that specialises in building high-quality, bespoke excavator buckets that
quality materials was important for Frost, who was looking to minimise downtime at the site.
“Reliability is the big factor we look for in equipment,” he said. “Anything that can reduce downtime and ease maintenance means we can get more dollars per tonne.”
“If one link in the chain breaks, the whole system stops.
“The flow-on effect of unplanned downtime is massive.
If a machine goes down, you can’t service your customers, which then makes them unhappy.”
replacements or repairs have been necessary.
“ONTRAC have been good with aftersales support,” he said. “I’ve had a number of phone calls from their team about wear parts, but we’ve not needed to go down that route yet.”
“They’ve provided us with a manual on the bucket that includes all of the parts that are required and follow up with us every couple of months to see if there are any dramas.”
ONTRAC Group is a member of the ‘Hardox in My Body’ quality program, which provides direct and prioritised access to steel manufacturer SSAB.
The program is open to manufacturers that can provide their products and production methods that meet the highest quality standards.
Being part of this program allowed ONTRAC Group to begin building its range of XMOR high productivity buckets.
Frost said he had been impressed by the premium quarry bucket and was interested in seeing the XMOR Bucket in use.
“Their XMOR range of buckets looks pretty interesting. I like to try new things, and if it’s capable of working even better, then it’s definitely something we would want to try,” he said.
“We would definitely go back to ONTRAC in future. They’re easy to work with and it’s been smooth sailing throughout the purchasing process.”•
For more information, visit ontracgroup.com.au
The bucket is easy to service, with teeth that can be easily changed.
BEST IN CLASS
Local operators had the opportunity to learn from Metso’s experts over the course of three showcase events throughout Australia.
Australian operators were treated to three educational showcases featuring Metso’s leading experts from its crushing and screening, development, and automation departments.
The original equipment manufacturer hosted events in Brisbane, Sydney, and Melbourne during September, where attendees could learn about best practice approaches, the capabilities of Metso’s leading equipment, and preview what the manufacturer will release.
Quarry was invited to the Melbourne training day held in the heart of South Yarra at The Como Melbourne.
In a packed room featuring representatives from leading companies, including Boral, Heidelberg Materials Australia, Barro and Fulton Hogan, the full-day event covered Metso’s Nordberg HPe crushers, automation in crushing equipment, the Metso HRC 8, crusher optimisation, and plant optimisation, as well as a guest panel to close out the event.
Metso vice president of crusher solutions Pierrick Boulay, Metso director of automation Toni Peltomäki, Metso senior application and project manager Glenn Oldfield and Metso product manager for Nordberg HP Cone
Crushers Ilkka Somero were in attendance at the events. As part of the knowledgesharing event, attendees had the opportunity to engage with Metso representatives and participate in insightful discussions at the end of each session.
Boulay said it was important to Metso to engage its customers in a meaningful way.
“It is really important to show that as Metso, we’re investing a lot of time into these new technologies,” he said.
“It is about showing not only what we are building today but also what we will develop for the future. We want to shape the future with our technologies, and we want to show that to the sector as well.”
Boulay predicted the HRC 8 and the future HRC models would become important in markets like Australia.
“It might be just beginning in Australia, but we are seeing more machines now, and that’s why the HRC is becoming important. With those applications like sand production and recycling, even if it’s not big now, it will be in the future,” he said.
“We are seeing a lot of demand for the HRC machines in those markets where recycling is growing. We’re already seeing it in South America; it has become really
important, and there have been a lot of HRC machines sold there.”
The HRC 8’s design sees material pushed into the crushing zone between two rotating rollers. The rollers, one in a fixed position and another floating, generate extremely high pressure, extruding the feed material down to the desired smaller grain sizes. The quality product is achieved with minimal energy output due to the unique patented roller design, which delivers high pressure to the feed material.
This design means it excels in several applications, including recycling and producing sand, which can replace natural sand. It provides high-level gradation control and a consistent shape needed for concrete and asphalt sands. Due to this gradation control and particle shaping, it also excels in converting waste materials into high-value, sellable products like manufactured sand.
Metso showcased the early results from its field tests in India with the new HRC 10, which is expected to be released in select markets in early 2026.
“We’re really excited for the HRC 10. The HRC 8 is a really good machine, but some customers are looking for higher capacities. With the HRC 10, it’ll be a bigger capacity.
“In markets like Australia, it could be a really good option or also in the US or China, where they have bigger quarries with bigger capacities.”
“We can see that the competition in the crusher market is getting better and better, and we want to keep improving our machines as well to stay at the front,” Boulay said.
Somero demonstrated the HPe cone crusher range, as the evolution of the famous HP cone. The new line covers the entire size range of machines from the HP150e to the HP900e, incorporating many internal improvements without altering the external dimensions. The improvement results in better performance via new kinematics, higher power and hold-down forces. According to Metso, the new HP200e and HP350e models, deliver up to 20 per cent and 10 per cent more production than their predecessors.
The new HP450e features 13 per cent more power and 20 per cent more force for enhanced performance.
Additional controls and features such as head brake, automated ring bounce control ensure the new evolution range can be operated safely at maximum performance for any application. With its wide range of sizes, HPe models can be used in various stages of the crushing process including secondary, tertiary and quaternary crushing. It is also an environmentally friendly solution as backing material is not needed like in conventional cone crushers.
“Already most of the range is now released and installed around the globe, giving our customers improved performances in product yield and capacity,” Somero said.
“Our class design will continue to be supported with 85 per cent of the components shared with the new Evolution range.
“With the latest addition of the Nordberg HPe crusher series, we are able to offer customers the ideal balance of power and efficiency for their specific crushing needs.”
The HPe range has been a major drawcard for Metso throughout 2025. With six current HPe models, plus the option to retrofit HPe features onto HP crushers, 10 different chamber profiles and advanced simulation software. The HP450e was launched at bauma 2025 in Munich, Germany, where attendees got up close with Metso’s latest innovation. Using case studies from its global customer base, Metso demonstrated how it was integrating and utilising artificial intelligence (AI) in its crushing equipment.
Peltomäki led the discussion, which included a look forward at the suite of automation and AI solutions Metso was testing.
“What we’re doing is picking the right technologies that are a good fit for aggregates production. We’re working on a series of tools that use AI and machine learning and bringing them up to the level that is beneficial for aggregates producers,” he said.
“Remote monitoring is everywhere now, with excavators and OEMs all having their own systems. What we’re working on is providing better analytics tools that analyse the data for fluctuations and patterns.
“We’re also working on developing more advanced process controls, which not only keep safety and uptime at high levels but also take the next steps and maintain stable production levels in the plant. That’s where the technologies come into play.”
The three technical seminars also provided an opportunity for Metso representatives to receive feedback from their Australian customers. Boulay said this would be important when Metso planned further upgrades to its product lines.
“Along with this one in Australia, we had one a few months ago in the US. We’re constantly talking with our distributors and customers so we can understand this market and what they need,” he said.
“We want to create a portfolio of products that can cover any type of application, feed material or type for this market.” •
For more information, visit metso.com
SMART ROCKBREAKING DATA
The next evolution of RD3, Rammer’s new RD Guard™ links to each rockbreaker’s serial number and tracks work hours, impact periods, service intervals, GPS location and more – with data seamlessly transferred to SAM over 5G.
Turning Data into Insights
RD Guard™ with SAM transforms realtime rockbreaker data into practical guidance that maximises uptime and optimise processes.
By measuring impacts and stresses, it shows how the rockbreaker is operatedhelping operators refine techniques and reduce maintenance costs caused by premature wear.
Key Benefits:
• Precise unit location tracking
• Accurate work hours by site
• Operational insight leads to better breaking techniques
• Improved techniques for longer tool life, less wear & lower mainternance costs
• Automatic service alerts enable proactive maintenance planning
Want to know more? Contact your Rammer dealer today!
CRUSHE R &
TOR for Aust ralia, Papua N ew Guine a and South East Asia
IMS have added the new BP1200-48TB track electric twin power blender to its impressive collection of blenders and pugmills, the new BP1200-48TB has four separate feed hopper each five meters long holding 12m3 each. All feed hopper conveyors are fitted with belt scales and controlled by a PLC control and recording system that can be operated from an iPad or phone from its own Wi-Fi system from a loader or site office. A Cat C7 Generator powers the Nord electric motors a speed to each feed hopper conveyor. The generator can be connected to mains power and could power an extra 24-meter radial stacker increasing the stockpile capacity. A new IMS-PM1200-20TB Track Pugmill with twin 10m3 feed hoppers has just commissioned to Braeside Quarry on the New England Highway Warrick in Qld, the options t improved product management with the twin feed hoppers blending having two different products available ready for moisture contr system can be operated from an iPad in a loader managing all aspects of the operation including loading trucks and multiple trailers stopping when the required weight has been reached for each unit and recording the ID number of each load.
GREEN LIGHT FOR MAJOR QUARRY PROJECT
Australian Resource Development Group has successfully obtained the green light for a major quarry development
in New South Wales.
After nine years and countless hours, Australian Resource Development Group (ARDG), run by Damon Bird and Dr Justin Meleo, will be able to progress its Stone Ridge Quarry Project.
The major quarry project, located within the Wallaroo State Forest at Balickera, will provide a high-quality hard rock quarry resource to support the Lower Hunter, Central Coast and northern Sydney construction materials markets. The project has planning approval to produce 1.5 million tonnes every year of hard rock materials over the course of its initial 30-year period.
“The Stone Ridge Quarry project emerged from the key business driver underpinning the company’s establishment – namely to identify, prove-up and develop a strategically located, high-quality hard rock quarry resource in the Lower Hunter,” ARDG said.
“This project will be able to replace the mature quarry resources that supply the Lower Hunter, Central Coast and northern Sydney construction materials markets.
“We’re currently in the process of advancing the development strategy for the project. We’re also working with organisations that have expressed an interest in being involved with the development of the largest approved greenfield quarry resource in the Lower Hunter and Central Coast region.”
LONG ROAD
ARDG is no stranger to developing quality quarry resources. Since the company was established, it has located and obtained development approvals for 12 quarries which have supported the construction materials requirements of the Sapphire, Crudine Ridge and Rye Park wind farms.
It is also currently working on development approvals for two state significant on-site quarries which would support the Liverpool Range and Winterbourne wind farm projects in NSW.
Over the past nine years, the company has worked through site identification and
selection, resource evaluation as well as the federal and state government’s approval processes for Stone Ridge Quarry.
In December 2024, the Independent Planning Commission of NSW approved the project, however, an objector appeal resulted in the project being sent to the Land and Environment Court of NSW (LEC) for determination. The LEC confirmed the planning commission’s decision and proceeded to approve the project in August 2025.
Located 25km north of Newcastle and 1.3km west of the A1 Pacific Highway, Stone Ridge Quarry has long been a site of interest.
In the early 1990s, Forestry Corporation of NSW (FCNSW) completed preliminary drilling which confirmed the existence of a hard rock
hard rock supplies for the Hunter Region.
An extensive expression of interest and competitive tender process was developed from 2009, however, ultimately no proponents were prepared to invest. The project lapsed for several years before ARDG approached FCNSW about exploring potential quarry sites in the Wallaroo State Forest.
“We carried out an exhaustive assessment of quarry resource opportunities in the Lower Hunter region in 2017, that extended to the purchase of land considered to have potential for quarry resources” ARDG said.
“One area of interest to ARDG was the former Hamburger Hill site, or what is now known as Stone Ridge Quarry. We undertook comprehensive negotiations over the next 18 months with FCNSW. A formal agreement was finalised that enabled ARDG to undertake quarry resource investigations, and if feasible, seek planning approval to
The time between 2017 and 2019 proved to be critical to the success of Stone Ridge Quarry as ARDG carried out an intensive testing process to validate the quality of
This included a comprehensive quarry resource assessment program which included: extensive surface geological mapping and sampling, high-resolution ground magnetic surveying to define geological units and structure, approximately 1800m of diamond core drilling, downhole geophysics, exhaustive multiparameter geotechnical testing on multiple bulk samples of diamond core, resource modelling
The geotechnical testing proved the resource is suitable for producing a broad range of quarry products including:
•High polished aggregate friction value asphalt and sealing aggregates
•Coarse and fine concrete aggregates
ARDG spent nine years working to get the Stone Ridge Quarry project approved.
Images: ARDG
•Roadbase and crushed rock products
According to the developers, the site has proved reserves of 50.56Mt (to be accessed in the first approval period) and additional measured resources of 80Mt, with further potential to increase the resource base through additional drilling.
“The standard of the resource assessment and testing program undertaken across the site exceeds the typical level of investigation undertaken by proponents of quarry developments in Australia,” ARDG said.
“The resource assessment confirmed the existence of a very large hard rock quarry resource, that greatly exceeded FCNSW’s earlier resource estimates.”
The project, which has been deemed to be of state significance due to its scale and annual production limits, required an exhaustive approach by ARDG to negotiate the long road from testing to planning approval.
This included the company engaging a series of specialists, including consultants and legal experts, to navigate this road as they consulted State and Commonwealth government agencies, the local council and the local community.
“We made a decision early on in the process to only engage highly experienced consultants to manage and undertake the various specialist planning and environmental
assessments and to ensure that no shortcuts were taken,” the company said.
“While cost control of this aspect of the Project was important, ARDG’s philosophy of addressing issues by ‘hitting a walnut with a sledgehammer’ and ‘getting it right the first time’ was considered far more important than getting it done for minimal cost.”
The site’s unique location in the Wallaroo State Forest at Balickera provided some advantages as being situated in this spot meant the site was relatively isolated from residential areas and the local community.
“We had the freedom to design the project to optimise the layout of the site, including the staging of resource extraction, to minimise operational costs and the disturbance footprint of the project,” the company said.
“Minimising vegetation clearing was an important consideration, despite the project being located in a section of forest that is highly disturbed from historical logging activity and with low current economic timber value.”
Following the LEC’s approval in August 2025, the company is now in the process of obtaining secondary consents and licences prior to the commencement of site construction and operations.
“Despite the project’s somewhat tortuous and protracted planning process that ARDG
successfully negotiated, the company’s decision to ensure that every aspect of the project, no matter how small, was subjected to rigorous testing, assessment and justification, was ultimately vindicated by receipt of planning approval for a quarry that will underpin development and growth in the Lower Hunter, Central Coast and northern Sydney regions for decades,” the company said.
“The project’s close proximity to the A1 Pacific Highway will enable quarry products to be supplied to market without the need for heavy vehicle traffic to use transport routes that would directly affect rural and residential communities.”
The project will also benefit from a recent development approval for a road intersection upgrade to enable safe access onto the Pacific Highway for quarry trucks associated with the three quarry operations in the Balickera area. This upgrade will be jointly funded and utilised by the three quarry operators prior to Transport for NSW constructing a grade-separated interchange to address existing intersection safety concerns along the Pacific Highway.
The company said it is looking forward to advancing the next stages of the Stone Ridge Quarry project. • For
Stone Ridge Quarry is located 25km north of Newcastle.
LT350HP
Introducing the Next-Level Mobile Crushing Power
Metso has unleashed its latest innovation - the Lokotrack® LT350HP, a mobile cone crusher designed to push productivity to new limits. HP350 cone crusher offers superior capacity, tighter closed side settings, and up to 10 chamber profile options for unmatched versatility. Smarter by design, the LT350HP comes with a TK12 scalping prescreen that
UNLEASH THE TRIPLE THREAT
Multotec Australia is offering the ACE System to the market as an easy-to-use solution that supports increased safety via hammerless panel maintenance.
While delivering projects on time at the lowest cost per tonne is important, safety is a never-ending obligation from everyone involved, from operators to manufacturers and distributors.
Multotec takes this responsibility seriously, which is why it spent six months re-defining the ACE system for greater safety outcomes. The ACE System was introduced in 2019 as a fast, reliable and easy-to-use screening solution which removed the hazards associated with panel maintenance.
The ACE System’s design means that it enables hammerless panel maintenance compared to traditional fastening systems. Without the need for hammers, as the ACE System can be pressed together, the chance of suffering impact injuries is reduced.
“Traditional screening panels can be ineffective and unsafe. Not only does this mean valuable products can be entirely missed, going right down the drain and never making their way to market. It also means your team is at risk from impact injuries and pinch points during installation,” Multotec Australia site service supervisor Callan Gerick said.
“We undertook years of rigorous testing across various applications and international markets to ensure the ACE System is engineered for maximum performance, adaptability and simplicity that keeps profits high and your team safe.
“The ACE System is an ergonomic, safetyfirst design that protects your crew and speeds up installation.”
AN UNSTOPPABLE SOLUTION
Fundamental to the ACE system is that its installation process requires no hammers, which reduces the potential injury risk to workers. The ACE System panels only require hand pressure to lock into place rather than external tools. From there, the panels are secured due to the dual locking mechanism. In combination with a toplocking strip, the ACE System has proven to remain secure even when other fastening systems have failed. Removal is streamlined as Multotec’s battery-operated tool can remove the panels quickly and safely without the need for screwdrivers or pry bars.
Gerick said these results had seen the ACE System earn a reputation as one of the most reliable on the market.
Multotec Australia is offering the ACE System nationwide.
“ACE is engineered for extreme conditions. The robust construction and design contribute to a longer service life, even under challenging operating conditions. The duallocking system means ACE stays secure even in tough environments,” Gerick said.
“The locking system with the ACE panels means that there are no risks and no pinch points. It reduces physical effort, lowers the risk of strain or injury and creates a safe, more ergonomic work environment.”
ENHANCED PERFORMANCE
No two quarries are the same. Each one has different needs to function at its optimum level. This is why the ACE System is fully customisable.
The ACE system is manufactured from rubber, polyurethane and wedge wire. It features customisable apertures that can suit a range of material options, wear profiles and individual processing requirements. The ACE System has capacity for multiple media
types, including the wedge wire, punch plate, rubber and polyurethane.
This level of customisation reduces the occurrences of blinding and pegging within any screening system, as the ACE’s modular design can be manufactured to any configuration currently on the market.
“The use of advanced polymers extends the component life, which reduces the frequency and cost of replacements,” Gerick said.
“The improved clipping system ensures panels are firmly in place, and fewer failures and unplanned maintenance periods occur. By reducing replacement and failure rates, ACE reduces operational interruptions, which leads to enhanced productivity.
“ACE panels have been shown to maintain consistent screening performance and result in more precise product sizing. Further to that, the panels’ modular design means only the worn panels need to be replaced, which further reduces downtime and maintenance costs.”
LOCAL SUPPORT
The ACE System is manufactured from Multotec Australia’s purpose-built facility in Berrinba, Queensland.
The facility has received significant investment from Multotec to enhance its production capabilities in polyurethane screening media with greater efficiency. All of Multotec Australia’s products are backed by its experienced team, which has decades of local knowledge within it.
“The ACE System reduces total cost of ownership for quarries as well as life cycle costs which further reduces consumption costs per tonne for clients. With this in mind, clients can maximise their profits as their downtime periods and operational costs reduce,” Gerick said.
“The ACE System is helping plants across Australia crush production targets and cut costs.” •
For more information, visit multotec.com
FAMILY BUSINESS SECURES TOP PRIZE
Striker Crushing and Screening has secured a top honour for its work as a family business at the recent Family Business Association’s excellence awards.
SBusiness Insights WA Conference as it took out the 2025-26 Established Family Business Award for Western Australia.
The longstanding Family Business Excellence Awards, run by the Family Business Association, recognise the achievements of outstanding family businesses across Australia for across key business fundamentals including governance entrepreneurship and stewardship.
Founded by Craig Pedley in 1998, Striker Crushing and Screening has designed, manufactured and delivered high quality crushing and screening equipment to businesses and contractors in Australia and overseas.
Craig remains at the helm of the business he founded, continuing to drive its growth and success. At the same time, his succession plan is steadily taking shape, with his daughter Jordan stepping into an increasingly prominent role. As the company looks toward its future as a secondgeneration family business, Jordan was on hand to accept the award at the conference, where she spoke about what the milestone
“I am really, really proud and honoured to accept this award. Dad worked in the industry for a fair few years as an operator, maintaining crushing and screening equipment before he went into designing and manufacturing his own range. Now, I am pretty proud to say we’ve got global manufacturing facilities and crushers and screens all around the world,” she said.
“It’s awesome to reflect on what we’ve done. We’re all here because we’re family businesses, so be proud of what you’ve done.”
The WA-based business has been earning plaudits from across many of sectors.
Earlier this year, Craig was named as the winner in the Lifetime Achievement Award as part of the 2025 Australian Mining Prospect Awards. Named alongside Fortescue chief executive officer Dino Otranto and Newmont principal surface drill and blast engineer Leonard Rowe, the nomination underlined Craig’s extensive contribution to the Australian mining, quarrying and aggregates sector of the past three decades. Craig’s method of manufacturing robust equipment
with smart designs has held true across that time with Striker developing a strong reputation as a dependable manufacturer which provides extensive technical and aftersales support across all of its equipment.
The business, which in celebrated 25 years in 2023, has manufacturing facilities in Western Australia, Malaysia, and Thailand. While the company is now a global force, it has maintained committed to its core values of creating equipment that goes the distance and being solutions-focused for its customers.
Following in the footsteps of her father, Jordan paid tribute to the role Craig played in developing Striker from the ground up.
“Learning from my dad has been one of the most valuable experiences of my career,” she said.
“He’s always led by example, showing me the importance of hard work, resilience, and staying true to your values. The lessons he’s passed down to me go far beyond business, they’ve shaped the way I approach challenges, leadership, and growth.”
Craig said he believed the company was well-placed for a successful future with Jordan at the helm.
“The industry is always evolving, and having key people with passion and a can do attitude will support the next generation with new ideas and innovation, it’s key to staying ahead,” he said. “I’ve seen the company grow from an idea into a globally recognised brand, and now seeing the next generation step in with new technology, fresh thinking, and a drive to keep improving, it’s incredibly rewarding.” •
For more information, visit strikercrushing.com
EDUCATION
Member access to IQA
Education Hub & Learning Management System (LMS)
Discounted fees for ALL courses
Over 100 courses, workshops, tours and events offered annually
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Professional connections
INDUSTRY RECOGNITION
Use of IQA digital member badge
Recognition membership status through post-nominals
IQA Award Nominations
Acknowledgement of industry contributions
2 IQA MEMBER BENEFITS
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Incentives for Young Members
Contribute to the industry Opportunity to join branch committees
Engagement with quarrying professionals nationally & globally
Initiatives and support for Women in Quarrying
A range of site tours and workshops, events & conferences
PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT NETWORKING
BIGGER, BOLDER AND BETTER
The PNG Expo is set to return in 2026 with a bigger and bolder showcase of the region’s mining and heavy industrial sector.
The Stanley Hotel in Port Moresby will once again host the latest innovation, networking, and mining technologies when the PNG Industrial and Mining Resources Exhibition and Conference (PNG Expo) returns to the region in July 2026.
Only months after the 2025 iteration broke records, the leading trade show for PNG and Australia’s mining and resources sectors is set for an expanded display in 2026.
This includes an updated and expanded floorplan designed to improve traffic flow, increase exposure for exhibitors, and create more engaging showcase areas across the exhibition floor. This refreshed layout supports more exhibitors, better networking, and more strategic positioning for sponsors and suppliers. Sponsors have already signalled a vote of confidence ahead of the expo’s return. TriCab will return as a silver sponsor in an extension of a long-standing valued partnership, which has supported meaningful outcomes in the sector.
The PNG Mining editorial team will curate the free-to-attend conference program to ensure the platform offers the latest insights and analysis to the sector. By covering the key issues in the sector, the program will
provide attendees with actionable and practical tips.
“The launch of our 2026 event marks a new phase for PNG Expo and one that we’re especially proud to lead,” Prime Creative Media show director for mining events Rebecca Todesco said.
“From a redesigned floorplan to stronger content streams and bigger networking opportunities, everything we’re doing is designed to add value for both exhibitors and attendees. Whether you’re a long-time supporter or considering joining us for the first time, we can’t wait to show you what’s in store.”
RECORD BREAKER
This year’s iteration of the PNG Expo broke show records with its largest ever attendance across the two-day event at the Stanley Hotel and Suites. More than 560 delegates attended the mining showcase, with 60 per cent of those being local to PNG. Attendees took advantage of the networking events as well as the chance to connect with key industry representatives. Industry representatives from Harmony Gold, K92, Newmont Lihir, OK Tedi, Simberi Gold
Mining, the Mineral Resources Council, and PNG Power attended PNG Expo in 2025.
They were on hand to see several highlights from the event, including Metso’s case study about a major VPA filter upgrade by Ok Tedi and Orica’s insightful session about key takeaways from its past and present projects.
The networking agenda was headlined by the poolside welcome event sponsored by TriCab as exhibitors and delegates connected in a relaxed, welcoming environment.
“This year’s event highlighted ongoing confidence in PNG’s mining industry and its prospects,” Todesco said.
“The increase in attendance underscores the mining sector’s importance to PNG’s economy and its relevance in the broader Asia-Pacific resource landscape.
“As we prepare for 2026, we look forward to welcoming both returning and new stakeholders to take part in these important conversations around sustainable growth in PNG’s resources sector. The record-breaking turnout this year has set a new benchmark. We’re committed to further enhancing the experience in 2026.” •
For more information, visit pngexpo.com
PNG Expo is set to return in 2026.
Image: Prime Creative Media
EXPERIENCE THE SHOW
Registrations are open for the upcoming CONEXPO-CON/AGG 2026, which takes place in Las Vegas, Nevada, in 2026.
Anticipation of CONEXPO-CON/ AGG 2026 continues to build as the major trade show has officially begun taking registrations.
The show is set to return to Las Vegas, Nevada, from March 3-7, 2026. The show will focus on the major sectors within the construction sector, including the latest equipment, innovations, and technologies.
“CONEXPO-CON/AGG is far more than an industry event—it’s the crucible where the future of construction is forged,” CONEXPOCON/AGG show chair and LBX Company president and chief executive officer Eric Sauvage said.
“For exhibitors, this is a rare and invaluable opportunity to connect directly with thousands of decision-makers, showcase state-of-the art products to an international audience and gain firsthand insight into the evolving needs of the marketplace.”
“Here, the world’s leading innovators unveil their latest breakthroughs, create meaningful partnerships, and shape the direction of our industry for years to come.
“CONEXPO-CON/AGG is truly an unrivalled platform to demonstrate cutting-edge technology, engage with the brightest minds, and build enduring momentum for lasting success.”
NEW ATTRACTIONS
CONEXPO-CON/AGG is a major event for construction industry professionals, held every three years. The show showcases the latest equipment, products, services, and technologies, along with industryleading education.
“Attending CONEXPO-CON/AGG provides valuable exposure to any potential new and improved safety-related solutions and resources that can be shared, applied, and implemented in our business,” Payne and Dolan Inc aggregates manager Spencer Johnson said.
“There is a wide array of equipment, manufacturers, products, technology, education and people and the show is very
large, allowing for ample opportunity to explore specific interests.”
Next year’s show will include several innovative additions to the line-up, including the Ground Breakers keynote stage and specialised workshops. The Ground Breakers keynote stage will serve as a central forum to spotlight the construction industry’s global influence. It will highlight emerging factors in construction technology and methodology. It will see discussion about key public policies and their implications, as well as solutions for the workforce, including workforce shortages. Other key discussion points will include sustainability practices and mental health in the construction sector.
The Women in Construction: EmpowerHER Workshop will celebrate women in construction with a dedicated event designed to champion the aspirations of women throughout the industry. The workshop will provide networking opportunities and sponsorships that advance women-led construction projects. It will also include panels and keynote addresses from leading industry professionals.
The Small Business Workshop will empower the backbone of the industry and acknowledge the indispensable contribution of small businesses with the workshop crafted to address their unique obstacles. Attendees will be able to take part in networking opportunities and learn about actionable strategies and resources to support their business growth. The workshop has sponsorship options to support smaller enterprises.
The Shop Talks and Walks Workshop provides practical solutions for everyday
operational challenges faced in the sector. This maintenance-centric workshop equips participants with hands-on solutions for daily operational challenges.
“CONEXPO-CON/AGG 2026 is more than a gathering – it’s the launchpad for the next era of construction,” CONEXPO-CON/AGG show director Dana Wuesthoff said.
“This is where construction industry leaders, innovators, and visionaries converge to rewrite what’s possible. From groundbreaking technologies to lasting partnerships, every moment at the show is designed to inspire progress, spark new ideas, and propel the construction industry forward.”
CONEXPO-CON/AGG has also created a new cost-effective way for attendees to experience the Las Vegas-based event next year. People can use the code NEWS30 through December 5, 2025, for discounted pricing up until the advertised date. The show will offer early registrants priority access to limited-capacity workshops, hands-on experiences, and exclusive education sessions.
“If you move dirt, lay pipe or build infrastructure, this is your show. Period. Don’t waste time wondering if it’s worth it,” D2 Contracting owner Dylan Mercier said.
“At CONEXPO-CON/AGG, you’re not sitting in a conference room listening to buzzwords – you’re hands-on with machines, tech, and people who do the work. One trip out to Vegas could change how you bid jobs, build crews, and run your entire operation. You’ll leave with ideas and connections that will put you miles ahead.” •
For more information, visit conexpoconagg.com
CONEXPO/CON-AGG 2026 will return to Las Vegas, Nevada.
LEADING THE WAY IN QUARRYING SOLUTIONS
Tesmec solutions offer a sustainable and performing alternative to drill-and-blast methods. These all-in-one machines combine excavation and crushing, maximizing productivity and minimizing waste. With reduced emissions, noise, and vibration, and real-time geodata for full traceability, Tesmec delivers precision, efficiency, and performance in every cut. Contact us to optimise your next quarry project.
FUTURE FOCUSED
Komatsu Australia’s subsidiary, iVolve, has celebrated 30 years of pioneering industrial technology, with an exciting era ahead.
When iVolve co-founders Kim Parascos and David Eagles established iVolve in 1995 in Australia’s heavy industrial sector three decades ago, the landscape was very different.
Few industrial sites had wireless infrastructure at all, let alone the automated haul trucks and fleet management software that exist today.
In the early 2000s, Eagles developed a hardware box, known as the Nexis device, to provide wireless infrastructure to industrial sites, particularly mine sites. As a Wi-Fi mesh networking device, the Nexis was a groundbreaking innovation.
With its rugged design, which could withstand industrial environments, it became a major success.
Its impact is hard to deny, as customers from around the world invested in the solution to bring their sites into the digital age.
“Our blue boxes ended up in some pretty remote places,” Parascos said.
“The reason we built the blue box was that there was no wireless infrastructure on these sites. The overall vision we had was that managers could see what was happening in the plant on a mobile device, but we needed the wireless infrastructure to do that. Back then, imagining a device that was capable of supporting the level of data was pretty tough. It was probably a bit early for its time, but it led us to our other developments.”
All of iVolve’s fleet management tools can be traced back to Nexis, as its sophisticated platform enabled data extraction from heavy vehicles, laying the foundations for Smart Quarry Site (SQS) years later with Komatsu.
It marked the beginning of a long legacy of innovation and global success that the company can reflect on as it celebrates its 30th anniversary since its founding.
While the landscapes of these heavy industrial sectors have changed, the key aspects of iVolve have remained the same, with Parascos (chief executive officer) and Eagles (chief technical officer) still with the company they founded.
The company is committed to delivering intelligent, customer-centric solutions that can help address customers’ biggest pain points.
“We are an engineering team at heart, and as we solve problems with innovative solutions, new challenges emerge, and we’re ready to meet them head-on,” Parascos said.
“The technology has moved on, and the problems are slightly more advanced, but, ultimately, customers want their sites to work as efficiently as possible. Our role is to provide them with the tools and solutions to help them do that.”
The Queensland-based company is renowned for its fleet management solutions, which have expanded globally after achieving initial success in Australia. Komatsu partnered with iVolve on its SQS platform, which is designed specifically for aggregates applications. The dashboards were built off the fleet management system that iVolve was selling into the mining sector and had become relied upon by operators and contractors alike.
David Eagles and Kim Parascos co-founded iVolve in 1995.
Images: Komatsu Australia
SQS is a digital fleet management tool that enables managers to track key performance indicators across their fleet in real time.
This data, which is easily visualised through dashboards, can help managers make informed decisions about their operations to boost efficiency.
From fuel usage to idle time, machine data can be used to develop on-site maintenance policies and job cycles.
“It was during the COVID period, that we were approached by Komatsu to start exploring the potential of working closely for the quarry market, and this marked the beginning of SQS. SQS has been successful with quarry customers in Australia and now around the world,” Parascos said. “The global quarrying sector and the quarrying companies are considered very important to Komatsu. So having a product that helped them manage their sites more efficiently was seen as a real advantage.”
The success of that collaboration led to Komatsu acquiring iVolve in 2023 through its Australian subsidiary, Komatsu Australia.
The agreement allowed iVolve to provide services as an independent company
while also supporting the further development of Komatsu’s products and solutions. Now two years into the expanded partnership with Komatsu, Parascos said the two companies have forged a strong bond.
“The reason we agreed to the acquisition with Komatsu was that, throughout the SQS collaboration, we found a real affinity with the cultures in our companies,” she said.
“We really enjoyed working with the Komatsu team, and we appreciated the respect they gave us. They’re a completely customer-focused organisation.
“One of the most important things they talk about is the voice of the customer and hearing what the customer wants and needs. They want to match their products and solutions to the feedback they’re getting from customers, and that is important to us as well. We take a customer-driven approach in our business, and we absolutely saw that in Komatsu as well.”
Australia’s cities, especially Perth and Brisbane, have a reputation for being a “global centre of excellence” in technology for the mining, quarrying, and construction sectors.
Among the
pioneers in these cities is iVolve, which has thrived alongside these industries, now employing around 50 people and has earned consistent recognition as a “Great Place to Work,” which is a testament to its strong culture and long-standing team, with many employees contributing for over a decade.
“Australia is exceptional at developing industrial software and technology. Great products have come out of Australia that we should all be incredibly proud of in the mining, quarrying and industrial space,” Parascos said. “I’d love for Australia to be recognised for what these companies are achieving on a global scale.”
Parascos said she was proud of how far the company and the team behind it have come, with a bright future ahead.
“It takes a strong team to do something on a global scale, and we’re immensely proud of our dedicated team and the effort they put in,” she said. “We strongly value our commitment to customer outcomes, and there is nothing better to us than talking to a customer and hearing we’ve made their job easier.” •
For more information, visit komatsu.com.au
Komatsu Australia acquired iVolve in 2023.
The Power Of a single partner
Our expansive lineup offers unmatched flexibility, with models for every crushing stage that deliver precise, efficient results.
From separating fines to sizing rocks, our screens are engineered for durability and precision across all sorting applications.
No two wash sites are the same, which is why we offer a wide range of wash products, each customizable to ensure exact specs every time.
TeleStacker® Conveyors deliver high volume, in-spec stockpiles with reduced segregation and significantly lower operating costs.
UNLOCK DATA’S POTENTIAL
Supplying a full suite of quarry products from almost a dozen different sites requires a lot of moving parts.
Stevenson, a major New Zealandbased producer, has two quarries (one of which is among the largest quarries in Australia and New Zealand) and a sand plant that supply the Auckland market, two quarries that supply the Hamilton market, a quarry and a sand plant in the Bay of Plenty, as well as five concrete plants.
To manage this requires accountability and transparency, everyone involved in the process needs to know about how much product is currently available, and how much product will soon be available.
Stevenson general manager for aggregates Kurt Hine told Quarry that having the sales team and operations team working hand in hand was vital, which is why the business collaborated with quarry resource consultancy Eltirus.
“We had already been working with Eltirus for planning with some complex mining projects, and we were looking to work with like-minded people with experience in the quarry industry,” he said.
“We wanted to increase our visibility for production performance, improve our planning, and ensure that we could track our stock so the sales team could see what was available.
“Our performance manager, Daniel Topp, worked closely with Eltirus to develop Enable.”
Eltirus Enable brings together vital data from different quarry operational systems, such as weighbridges, mobile and fixed crushing plants to provide a set of secure, easily understood dashboards with a specific focus on being able to standardise the data collection from one of the largest quarries in the region to some of the smaller ones, all with different levels of data and data automation available.
These dashboards can be used to allow a business to better understand how its operations are performing and whether performance is in line with planning.
The system eliminates the need to log in and out of different systems, putting the information in one place, saving time and helping make better decisions.
Stevenson wanted to make the data capturing process as automated as
possible to reduce manual inputs and the potential for errors. However, it needed a system that could scale to different levels of sophistication across its operations.
The development process started on one of the company’s less complicated sites.
“The site had a very competent manager who embraces new technology,” Hine said. “We were able to test Enable’s features, automatically feeding in data.”
“For example, sales data is automatically pulled through from the weighbridge via API. The sales team can sales see stock levels through the Enable platform”.
“This said, not all our sites have the same level of automation and we needed a system whereby say production data can also be entered by operators where the plant does not have PLC functionality. This gets the data into the system earlier and is less data entry for supervisors.
“Daniel Topp then worked with Eltirus to come up with templates to make sure we could see what we needed to see. Once the pilot had completed, we then started rolling it out across other areas of our operation.”
Enable has provided Stevenson with extensive visibility across the entire company.
Eltirus Enable is taking the headaches out of managing multiple quarries for Stevenson.
Stevenson is a major New Zealandbased producer of quarry products.
The operational team can use data to create forecasts and put production plans into the system.
Hine said certain products that are in high demand – 10mm concrete chips, for example – can be monitored closely. If the yield of this product is usually 16 per cent, the company can quickly see if this drops and find out if there is something wrong.
From there, the operations team can make adjustments to get the yield back to where it should be.
On the sales side of things, Stevenson can ensure the company has enough material to supply upcoming projects.
READY FOR THE WET SEASON?
“One of the great things we soon noticed was that sales information would come in quickly from the weigh bridge, which allowed us to get a metric on the average turnaround time (yard time) it took for a truck to enter and leave a quarry,” Hine said.
“It was unexpected to be able to see that, and by getting that measured, it gave us the chance to influence ways we could get quicker turnaround, which benefitted our customers.”
Because Stevenson had access to live information, instead of reviewing monthly snap shots, the company could find out what “good” looked like. Getting an understanding
of the theoretical performance meant the company had a good starting point for benchmarks and further analysis.
Enable provided valuable data that shone a light on production achievements, stimulating questions on why and how Stevenson operates.
Hine said seeing how different parts of the business compared to each other, especially if they were making the same products, allowed the company to start finding new ways to improve its processes.
“For example, if one of our plants that produces 10mm sized aggregate had a higher yield, we could look at the screen settings, the crusher settings, and more, then apply that to another plant to replicate its success,” he said.
Embracing technological innovation is important to Stevenson. The company believes in quarrying for the future, which has given it a strong focus on embracing the latest technology.
Hine said embracing Enable was vital for not only making Stevenson’s operations more efficient but also making people more efficient in their roles.
“If you are considering using Enable – just do it,” he said. “Gaining a deeper understanding of your site can help unlock better sales planning and production yields and ultimately create real value for the business.” •
For more information, visit eltirus.com
Eltirus Enable brings together vital data from different quarry operational systems.
REBUILD AND REVITALISE
Cat® dealers are offering their customers the ability to pick and choose which parts undergo a rebuild to help save cash.
Staying competitive in the quarrying industry often requires the latest equipment. Unfortunately, purchasing new equipment can be a capital expense that many quarries cannot regularly afford.
To help quarries get the most out of their machines, Cat® dealers are offering their customers Cat Flexible Component Rebuilds. Equipment owners can pick and choose which parts to rebuild or replace, meaning there is no need for a full rebuild if it’s not necessary.
Every Cat Flexible Component Rebuild begins with an engine rebuild, but other major components can be added. Depending on the machine, equipment owners may want to include transmission and torque converter, hydraulic pumps, axles, differential or final drives. When a machine undergoes a rebuild, the owner gets support from their local Cat dealer as they would with a new machine. That means options like Cat Equipment Protection Plans, and Cat Customer Value Agreements. Machines can also undergo upgrades during the rebuild, allowing quarries to boost performance, fuel efficiency, safety and comfort at a much lower price than buying new equipment. This process takes no additional downtime and allows a quarry to add the latest technology to their machinery, bringing it up to the current standards with engineering updates.
Cat dealers are primed to help businesses decide what needs to be rebuilt. Every Cat dealer has a team of technical experts who can run a full hydraulic inspection and performance tests to determine what rebuild best fits the business.
Cat Flexible Component Rebuilds are available for all Cat models, including Motor Graders, Dozers, Excavators, Wheel Loaders, and Articulated Trucks.
In addition, Cat dealers can offer a range of certified and non-certified dealer machine rebuilds, performed by qualified technicians, with tailored financial solutions.
These include Certified Power Train Rebuilds, which restores the radiator, engine, transmission, torque converter, final drive, differential and axle to like-new performance.
A Certified Machine Component Rebuild restores the engine, transmission, torque converter, hydraulic pump, differential, axle
or final drive – incorporating all the latest engineering updates to deliver the improved performance for these components.
A Certified Machine Rebuild brings the whole machine back to like-new performance for a fraction of the price of buying new.
Rebuilding just what is needed means the asset can continue working hard while freeing up cash for other investments. Cat offers a solution for almost every budget, with 0 per cent interest for 24 months, with secured or unsecured financing, subject to terms and conditions. •
For more information, visit cat.com/rebuildoptions-au
Cat’s dealers are primed to help businesses decide what needs to be rebuilt.
Tesmec’s 1475XL EVO Rockhawg is ideal for operations looking for a continuous, high-performance surface mining solution.
The Tesmec 1475XL EVO Rockhawg is a high-performance 115-tonneclass surface miner, equipped with a 470 kilowatt engine and a four-spiral cutting drum.
It excels in several surfacing mining applications including bauxite, thanks to its ability to provide the operator with the flexibility to shift configurations to suit the task at hand.
“You can really maximise your productivity with the 1475XL EVO Rockhawg, as it can be set up in both up-cutting and down-cutting configurations,” Tesmec Australia general manager Adrien Merceron said.
“The four-spiral cutting drum has been specifically designed for surface mining and can achieve a fragment size of less than 10mm, without the need for crushing.”
The 1475XL EVO Rockhawg can be fitted with several attachments, including a chainsaw, to adapt to different applications.
The swap kit means the machine’s backend can be changed from project to project. The rear-mounted drum is centrally supported and wide than the machine, which provides an optimal cutting performance. The power system, which is entirely hydraulically powered, releases accumulated energy through the digging shaft to deliver extra torque, which results in higher productivity levels in hard rock excavation applications.
Merceron said these features mean operators can achieve increased output while selectively mining.
“Operators can obtain a superior mined material through the simplified surface mining process, which combines excavation and crushing in one step, and eliminates the need for primary crushing,” he said.
“Operators can adjust the gradation of the excavated material to suit their specific requirements and ensure the 1475XL EVO Rockhawg is easy to handle.
“The other benefit of this approach is the reduced processing requirements. By avoiding the mix of materials from different layers, and being able to control the depth of excavation, operators have greater flexibility and precision at their fingertips.”
Quarry operations can further tailor the 1475XL EVO Rockhawg through a series of optional features, including a water spray dust suppression system, a quick-fill system, a fire protection system, rubber track pads, and a trencher radio control system.
Tesmec has included its leading digital technology features, including TrenchIntel, TrenchTronic 5.0 and Re.M, as standard to support greater productivity within daily operations.
Images: Tesmec
The 1475XL EVO Rockhawg is designed for surface mining applications.
TrenchIntel provides operators with access to a high-precision 3D-GPS guidance system, which supports operators in depth and grade control, as well as automatic steering across predefined paths and optimises passes.
Through TrenchTronic 5.0, operators can electronically select digging pressure, fully automate operations and access remote diagnostics systems.
The Re.M remote monitoring system captures a range of machine data which
supports informed decisions across fleet management, operations, troubleshooting and remote management. The smart tracker feature is a built-in data recorder that automatically collects data while the 1475XL EVO Rockhawg is in operation, optimising sites looking for a digitally integrated approach to extraction operations.
“The technology features improve the safety of the operation. Surface mining can avoid using explosives and also substitute for
several traditional machines,” Merceron said. Operators can experience the safety of a pressurised cabin with air conditioning, heating, and sound suppression as standard. The cabin on the 1475XL EVO Rockhawg is equipped with ROPS and FOPS, as well as compartment security locks.
“The Re.M tool can help managers understand what goes into each machine’s bottom-line performance. Through the Re.M platform, it is possible to remotely deploy diesel and hydraulic parameters, understand engine and digging hours, digging distance, and access on-demand performance reporting.
“Our technology tools are designed to be easy to use and increase productivity by making machine operation less dependent on the operator’s skills. These tools can also support businesses as they transition to the complete digitisation of the jobsite.” •
For more information, visit tesmec.com
POWERSCREEN PREMIERTRAK 760
• Output potential of up to 750tph - depending on material type and crusher settings
• Terex Jaques JW55 HD jaw chamber with hydraulic CSS adjustment
• Direct drive chamber via Transfluid KPTO21
• 10m3 hopper capacity with pan feeder and pre-screen (additional capacity available with the optional side extensions)
• An optional bypass conveyor is available, or material can run under the jaw to the product conveyor
The 1475XL EVO Rockhawg can be fitted with several attachments.
SEND FOR SAM
Rammer has released a new and improved remote monitoring platform for its rockbreakers.
The quarrying sector is increasingly turning to data to ensure managers and operators are making informed decisions in their daily operations.
Rammer was the first rockbreaker manufacturer to provide remote monitoring system to its hydraulic rockbreakers in 2019 and has now released a new RD Guard remote monitoring device, the successor to the RD3, and an improved remote monitoring platform, SAM Digital Assistant for its rockbreakers. When designing the new device, Rammer kept team members who were responsible for running daily operations in mind and set about crafting features in the SAM platform that would streamline their workdays.
ALL ABOUT DATA
The RD Guard, when fitted to a Rammer rockbreaker, automatically tracks key data metrics including operating hours, GPS positioning, usage rates, service intervals, and more.
Data is seamlessly transferred to SAM via 5G, allowing operators and site managers to
access fleet information anytime, anywherethrough mobile devices or desktop.
The SAM platform unlocks a new world of data for rockbreaker operators who want to streamline their daily tasks and bolster efficiency.
Owners, managers, and operators can know the precise location of each rockbreaker, how many hours it has worked, how it is being operated, and plan for proactive and preventive maintenance.
Data from the SAM platform can help minimise machinery downtime by sending maintenance managers or operators email alerts about upcoming service intervals.
This allows them to schedule maintenance during periods of least impact on production and ensure spare parts are available.
“Operators can use the data to follow the performance and productivity of your whole fleet,” Total Rockbreaking Solutions sales manager Adam Leece said.
“The system provides real-time feedback to operators about their rockbreaker usage, to support correct rockbreaker operation, which can help reduce premature failure rates.
“For example, an owner may discover that one operator’s method places significantly less stress on the breaker compared to others.
“By analysing and sharing these techniques, teams can adopt more efficient practices that improve longevity and productivity.”
Through the SAM platform, users can view service history records and assess key factors such as total operating hours, which can be used to assess equipment longevity, protect resale value and develop maintenance strategies that protect a company’s investment in their rockbreaker.
KEY BENEFITS INCLUDE:
•Anytime, anywhere access: Available on iOS, Android and desktop, SAM ensures data is always within reach.
•Optimised maintenance: Automatic email notifications alert teams when service intervals are approaching, allowing maintenance to be scheduled with minimal disruption to production.
•Improved operation: With more data on hand, operators can refine their methods, increase productivity and extend the life of each tool.
•Long-term value: SAM stores historical service records and total operating hours, helping owners assess equipment longevity and protect resale value by providing verifiable service histories.
RD Guard is available through Rammer’s Australian dealer network. The SAM platform is integrated with the RD Guard.
AUSTRALIAN SUPPORT
The SAM platform is available to Australian Rammer customers, along with the new RD Guard, through Rammer’s international network.
Existing RD3 users will automatically receive an invitation email from SAM to access the system and new customers will be invited by their local Rammer dealer. Rammer has authorised Australian dealers in each state, who are endorsed to carry and support its full line of rockbreaker products.
The dealers are expecting new stock of the RD Guard before the end of 2025, and can
assist customers with unlocking new insights on their operations on the SAM platform.
RAMMER’S AUTHORISED DEALER NETWORK IN AUSTRALIA:
• Walker Hammers: Victoria, South Australia and Tasmania
• Groundtec: New South Wales
• QLD Rockbreakers: Queensland, Northern Territory and Papua New Guinea
• Total Rockbreaking Solutions: Western Australia
• For more information, visit attachmentspecialists.com. au/rammer or rammer.com
CRUSHED TO PERFECTION
A leading US contract crusher engaged Superior Industries to deliver a custom processing solution for their application.
When it comes to crushing in the quarrying sector, there is not much that 25-year industry veteran Steve Valle has not seen.
As the general superintendent of Fred Weber Inc, Valle leads the Missouri-based crushing contractor across the US.
With the varying nature of the US, and the transient nature of contract crushing, the producer must tailor the plants in its portable fleet to suit the specific applications of each job.
“I’m never in one place for too long. Whether it’s moving from quarry to quarry or setting up for multi-year contracts, having a complete spread customised to our needs keeps the operation safe, productive and efficient,” he said.
Superior Industries worked with Fred Weber Inc to design a new solution.
Fred Weber Inc is a Missouri-based crushing contractor.
Fred Weber Inc recently invested in a new portable configuration to crush granite on a major project in the Rocky Mountains region.
Due to the geography of the area, portability and ability to crush the material consistently was important to the contract crusher. Valle went to Superior Industries when looking for a partner to build this configuration. Headquartered in Morris, Minnesota, Superior Industries has been a long-standing original equipment manufacturer for mobile and static crushing, screening, and conveying equipment.
In Valle’s opinion, Superior’s commitment to high-quality manufacturing made it stand out in the market.
“Superior designs and manufactures every component in the plant – from feeding and screening to crushing, conveying, electrics and automation,” he said.
“With many plants, components come from different suppliers, so when problems arise there’s a lot of finger-pointing.
“With Superior, there’s only one source to call, and they always have the solution.”
CUSTOM SOLUTION
Superior Industries set about designing the spread which Valle and his team required. The manufacturer ensured each chassis and crushing and screening component would meet the standard required to deliver feed gradations, product specifications, throughput and stockpiling volume Valle and Fred Weber Inc required.
Superior Industries mounted the control house onto a hydraulic raise-and-lower system. This ensured the operator could oversee the primary jaw crusher and use the integrated rockbreaker to reduce oversize material efficiently. The crusher feed was also automated with belt feeders powered by variable-frequency drives that kept the cone crusher choke-fed and provided the capability to automatically adjust the belt speed to match motor load and crusher cavity level. The screens were equipped with chutes and flip gates. Fred Weber Inc’s crew of operators could use these to switch between blending products or producing multiple sizes in minutes.
Valle said these features were ideal when specifications changed during the project.
“It also ensures a consistent product and protects the equipment,” he said.
Superior Industries’ Vantage Automation provided control across the entire configuration. The easy-to-use platform enables the operator to start or stop all selected equipment in the correct, safe sequence, or, alternatively, the ability to control components manually when required.
“I’m not a computer guy, but the touchscreen is easy to navigate,” Valle said.
“Superior stayed on site through setup and training, making adjustments to suit how we operate. The design gives us flexibility now and when we move on to the next project. That versatility is critical for a contractor whose work spans an entire nation.”
AUSTRALIAN ADVANTAGE
Superior Industries is supported across Australia by Tricon Equipment.
Since it was established more than two decades ago, Tricon Equipment has built a
Fred Weber Inc was impressed by the performance of Superior Industries’ equipment.
reputation for re-selling high-quality mobile crushing, screening, recycling and conveying equipment to its loyal customer base.
“The team at Tricon is widely known for its broad range of in-stock equipment, experience in material processing technologies, and dedication to great customer service,” Superior Industries director of international sales Jeff Gray said.
Superior Industries’ partnershipp with Tricon was established back in 2021, when the distributor was chosen as its supplier of aggregate equipment throughout eastern Australia.
Since then, the partnership has grown to the extent that Tricon is responsible for representing the US-based manufacturer’s full line of aggregate equipment across the nation, including its modular and stationary crushing, screening, washing and conveying equipment designed for the quarrying and aggregates sector and used around the world in these applications. •
For more information, visit superiorind.com
The new configuration has delivered reliable performance for the contractor.
Superior Industries is a trusted partner for contractors.
QUALITY EQUIPMENT TO BUILD VICTORIA
ASQ operations director Wes Bird explains how the business’ success is based on a blend of family values, regional scale, flexible services, and a reputation for reliability.
The story of ASQ is one of family, innovation, and a relentless commitment to helping Victoria grow.
The family-owned company provides quarry products, mobile crushing and recycling services, along with concrete and a range of garden and landscaping supplies, across most of the state.
“At ASQ, we don’t just supply materials, we build the foundations of communities,” ASQ operations director Wes Bird said.
“From our quarry in Newbridge to our statewide mobile crushing fleet, we’ve always believed in doing the job right, supporting our people, and putting our customers first.”
ASQ has sites in Bendigo, Eaglehawk, and Long Gully, as well as Castlemaine, Maryborough and Newbridge, employing over 100 staff. Bird said ASQ was committed to meeting the growing demand for highquality quarry, concrete, and landscaping products across the state.
And one of the main ways it managed to maintain efficiency and sustainability in the diverse and demanding environments was by choosing the right equipment for its jobs.
THE VOLVO DIFFERENCE
ASQ has opted to use a variety of machines from Volvo Construction Equipment and CJD Equipment for its operations, recognising them for their efficiency, performance, comfort and robustness.
“We’ve always run Volvo gear,” Bird said.
“One of the earliest machines my father bought after starting up the business was a Volvo LM840 loader.
“And then progressively through the years, we’ve had many different pieces of equipment. His first brand new Volvo machine, bought in 1985, was a Volvo 4500 BM, which we still actually run today in our batching plant.
Bird said the company’s EC300DL
excavator was primarily used for contracttype work.
“It’s a versatile machine that is easy to float from site to site, but big enough to handle the harsh environment of mobile crushing,” he said.
The EC480DL is used at the Newbridge site, where a typical week for the machine would be “stripping overburden and hammering oversize for the crusher”.
Apart from the power of the big machines, Bird valued other features such as operator comfort, fuel efficiency and serviceability.
“These are all key reasons why we continue to choose the Volvo brand,” he said.
The Volvo excavator and dump truck work in tandem to deliver material for the quarry.
The same, of course, could be said of the string of Volvo loaders in the line-up.
“Ultimately, the Volvos increase output and efficiency in our quarry and mobile crushing operations with their enhanced fuel efficiency, operator comfort, and reduced downtime, thanks to Volvo’s advanced features,” Bird said.
“There’s no doubt that fuel efficiency is a huge reason why we chose Volvo equipment.
“It’s getting harder to compete in a tightening market, and we have always looked to Volvo because of their fuel burn and uptime.
“Operator comfort and safety also play a big part in going for Volvo. Volvo’s safety features have been really impressive, for example, the use of reverse cameras, the cab ergonomics, and also the visual aspect, with operators able to look out and see all around the machine.
These attributes help to increase ASQ’s ability to service major projects and clients from Mildura to Geelong.
“We have crushed in many different rock types and conditions and would like to think we have the experience to tackle any crushing and screening contract thrown our way,” Bird said.
“We are proud to be one of central Victoria’s largest construction and demolition recyclers.
Jack Trewin (left) catches up with Wes Bird (right) at the Newbridge site.
CJD SUPPORT
CJD Equipment’s Victorian regional sales manager for Volvo Construction Equipment, Jack Trewin, helps ASQ when it comes to purchasing the Volvo machines.
“It has always been an easy relationship with CJD, and now with Jack,” Bird said.
“Everyone that we deal with, whether it’s sales parts, service, backup service, they go out of their way to make sure that the machines are available and backed up.
“They always tend to have stock on hand, whether it’s out of the Melbourne branch or maybe air freighted from all over the world.
“We continue to look to CJD for backup support and providing us with the machines that are going to fit the needs of our evolving company, whether it’s pricing or being able to put machines into the fleet to reduce our overheads, or cab comfort to keep operators happy and at work.
“It’s all huge to our company, and CJD have offered that for the last 30 years, and no doubt will continue going forward.”
Trewin said that ASQ generally dealt with CJD Equipment’s Campbellfield head office and with technicians who operate out of Bendigo if there are any service problems.
“Wes and I have a very straight-to-the-point relationship. He knows he can come to me with whatever he may need, sales-related or not, and the same goes with his whole team,” he said.
“It’s always going to be an easy transaction. I will always approach Wes with any new models that we have coming up and always try to keep him in the loop with stock that he may be interested in as it comes into the country. In addition, Wes will always tell me when he is on the lookout for something or planning on buying something down the track.”
Industry leading solutions
Purpose built fleets tailored to quarry site requirements
OEM backed support, service and technicians
Trewin said Volvo had always been regarded as a reputable and robust brand within the sector.
“They are reliable, fuel-efficient, safe and ergonomic machines, which ASQ recognises,” he said.
“The company cares a lot about its employees and their working conditions, so it has the Volvos work across all its sites in Victoria.
“It’s really special for us to be able to see that Volvo flag being flown so proudly, with such a large business as ASQ.”
Jack said that the Campbellfield branch was also home to CJD’s National Parts Distribution Centre, so any in-stock parts that ASQ or any other Victorian customer required can be acquired quickly.
“Very rarely have I come across a business that prides itself so heavily on its ability to maintain such an efficient, personal and professional service to its customers and suppliers.
“These morals and values match those of CJD’s and Volvo’s. It’s why we have been able to maintain our ongoing relationship, providing them with several loaders and excavators over the years.
“Wes knows his machines, unlike anyone I know, and it’s great to have someone with such knowledge and confidence continue to invest in our product.” •
For more information, visit cjdequipment.com.au
24/7 service Australia wide
Expert advice and analysis
Late model, low hour fleet
GOING FOR GOLD
The MACAR Group, a Western Australian crushing and screening company operated by a husband-andwife team, was looking to expand into the gold processing industry.
After landing a key contract, the company had a tight timeframe to get a crusher up and running.
MACAR Group owner Matt Kelly said it was a challenging application, but Striker distributor Onetrak was able to help find the right solution.
“This is our first purchase, but we’ve got a good relationship with Striker,” Kelly said.
“With my background as a boilermaker and fitter I’m familiar with Striker machinery, and their ease of use and accessibility has always stood out.
“We were looking for a cone crusher and Striker couldn’t supply us a machine in the timeframe we had, so they put us on to Onetrak and they’ve been fantastic.”
At the beginning of September, a Striker CQ400 cone crusher joined MACAR Group’s fleet and is now processing scats at a gold processing plant in Meekatharra.
It was the first Striker machine to join the fleet, and the first to be supplied by Onetrak.
MACAR Group has been operating across WA since 2021. After purchasing a reclaimer screen, the next step was to expand within the Goldfields and Murchison regions of WA.
“We’ve done crushing at the Granny Smith mine for Gold Fields and we’ve just started a project for Westgold,” Kelly said.
“We’re pushing hard in the gold sector at the moment.”
With a long-term plan to build a fleet of Striker machinery, Kelly said the starting point is the CQ400 cone crusher.
Currently it is crushing 25mm milled rock down to -8mm “and getting through it really well”.
“At the gold plant, when they crush and then put the ore through a mill, there’s a certain size that they screen out, which in this case is 25mm,” he said.
“However, it comes out with a lot of mill balls and steel in it. So Onetrak also built us a feeder with a magnetic head drum, which is doing a great job at pulling all the steel out before we crush it.”
When asked why he chose a Striker machine, Kelly said the design of the crushing chambers produces a better end product, and the ease of use means new operators can quickly be trained to run the machine.
“It’s very simple for our guys to pick up if they haven’t used the Striker machine before,” he said.
“They’re user friendly, so, if we were to dry hire this machine out, that’s a benefit.
“Instead of someone taking three or four days to learn the ins and outs of a machine, with this cone crusher, within a day they can have a pretty good handle on how it
“At the moment we’re crushing around 80 to 90 tonne an hour, which is slow, but it’s also very hard work. Every single rock has to be crushed to that specific size.”
Another advantage is the use of a Cat engine, which means parts are easily accessible and most mechanics are already familiar with the brand. Having spent years repairing and operating crushing machinery, Kelly said the design of Striker equipment stands out for its ease of maintenance.
“Striker builds machines that are very easy to work on,” he said.
“When you’re a fitter and you need to fix something, you need to be able to get in there quickly, without having to strip half the machine to pieces.
“On a Striker, I can access 90 per cent of the stuff on there no problem.”
Kelly said that Onetrak has been highly supportive in quickly getting him the machine that he needed.
“Onetrak have just been amazing so far. They’ve gone out of their way to help us build and they want to see us grow. There’s a very good relationship between us, that’s for sure,”he said.
With MACAR Group continuing to grow its presence in the Western Australian market, Kelly said a major focus is safety and quality of service like he had experienced with Onetrak and Striker.
“We’re focusing on the safety side and our strong maintenance background,” he said.
“By the end of this year, we’ll have our ISOs done so we can stand out a bit more. We don’t want to be the biggest, but we want to be the safest and the best.” •
For more information, visit onetrak.com.au
The MACAR Group has turned to a Striker CQ400 cone crusher from Onetrak to handle a challenging mining project
Currently the cone crusher is crushing 25mm milled rock down to -8mm.
Images: Onetrak
September 2026
EXHIBIT IN 2026. BE SEEN. BE HEARD. BE CHOSEN.
CRUSHING WITH ASSURANCE
Elite
Maintenance Solutions deployed an optimised mobile crushing solution from Tutt Bryant Equipment to deliver its latest contract.
Elite Maintenance Solutions faced a conundrum. It was involved in a project that required the production of a seepage filter sand, but the specification envelope was especially tight.
With that in mind, the Western Australian-based contractor turned to Metso’s Australian distributor, Tutt Bryant Equipment, to put together a tailored solution for this project.
The two companies developed a completely mobile circuit that utilised advanced simulation and real-time monitoring to deliver precise operation and increase productivity.
Tutt Bryant Equipment’s crushing and screening area manager Mark Reeves worked with Elite Maintenance Solutions to model and simulate the circuit’s performance using Metso’s process simulation software, known as Bruno. The Bruno platform enabled everyone to test the mobile circuit virtually in multiple situations before operating on the jobsite. This meant the equipment configurations could be optimised, including closed side settings and material flows, to meet the specifications set out within the precise specification envelope. This had flowon benefits, as commissioning time and trialand-error operations were reduced, while the contractor could work with the confidence that the contract requirements would be met consistently.
“I had heard about Metso’s Bruno software before, but I never realised the depth, detail, and accuracy it provided,” Elite Maintenance Solutions director Reece Bacon said.
“What impressed me most was how closely the simulated results matched the actual outcomes we achieved on site after applying the recommended changes.”
TRUSTED EQUIPMENT
Tutt Bryant Equipment has a well-earned reputation as a leading supplier of construction, earthmoving, and crushing and screening equipment across Australia.
The award-winning distributor is the exclusive Metso equipment dealer nationally and supports its offering by employing local service technicians and providing genuine spare and wear parts.
This meant that Elite Maintenance Solutions was able to be supplied with a new fleet of Metso Lokotrack mobile crushers and screens. The delivery included a Lokotrack LT106 mobile jaw crusher, a Lokotrack ST4.10 mobile screen, and two Lokotrack LT300HP Mobile Cone Crushers.
The Lokotrack LT106 mobile jaw crusher can handle high-capacity primary crushing, while the Lokotrack ST4.10 provides efficient screening across multiple products.
The two Lokotrack LT300HP mobile cone crushers are configured for secondary and tertiary crushing and ensure Elite Maintenance Solutions can produce highquality aggregates.
mining and quarrying applications for the WA-based contractor.
“Having the right equipment is only half the solution,” he said.
The ability to simulate the process, monitor real-time performance, and access local service support ensures contractors like Elite can perform at their best.”
Tutt Bryant Equipment fully supported the project from conception to operation.
Elite Maintenance Solutions and Tutt Bryant Equipment have been able to monitor its operational performance in real-time through Metso Metrics. The contractor has been able to use this data to make informed decisions and refine the performance of the two closed circuits, resulting in reduced downtime and increased efficiency. Between the Bruno simulation analysis and real-time performance monitoring, operators can understand both theoretical design and realworld performance.
This package from Tutt Bryant Equipment enabled Elite Maintenance Solutions to meet the project’s requirements and satisfy the most stringent specifications.
FUTURE AMBITIONS
Elite Maintenance Solutions has forged a reputation as a reliable crushing and screening contractor across quarrying and civil construction sectors in Western Australia. Its team, which includes experienced operators and maintenance
crews, works to ensure its projects are delivered safely and with maximum up-time. Bacon said the new Lokotrack package from Tutt Bryant Equipment points to the future of mobile crushing and screening in Australia.
“This project showed us what’s possible when you combine the right machines with the right support and technology,” he said.
“It’s given us confidence to take on even more demanding applications.” •
For more information, visit tuttbryant.com.au
Sand engineering plant and technology for quarries
Elite Maintenance Solutions was impressed by the Metso Lokotrack equipment.
STOCK LOCKED IN
Lincom has invested heavily in making sure machinery is just a handshake away at its Perth branch.
The resources sector is the lifeblood of Western Australia. Whether it’s urban quarries or mines deep in the Pilbara, the state’s economy depends on production that rarely slows down.
These resources are spread across the massive state, often located in isolated regions far from urban centres.
Lincom general manager for Western Australia Mark Crestani said this isolation means having the right equipment on hand is vital for businesses.
“It’s very important to make sure that we have core stock available at all times,” he told Quarry. “The market is very reactive. It has a lot more contractors than the east coast who need to be ready with the right machines when the contract is signed.”
To support the Western Australian market, Lincom has invested significantly in stocking crushing and screening equipment at its Perth branch so that the company can deliver when it counts.
“It’s not just about having shiny gear on display; it’s about giving our customers a safety net,” Crestani said.
“When projects ramp up or unexpected breakdowns happen, our customers can count on us to step in with equipment that’s tough, reliable, and proven in some of the most challenging conditions out there.
“For example, we shook hands with a customer on lunchtime on Tuesday and by Wednesday morning the machine they bought was already on a truck heading to the Pilbara.”
Lincom’s line-up includes a range of Powerscreen’s popular products, including the Warrior 2400. Specifically designed for large scale operators in the quarrying and mining sector, the Warrior 2400 is capable of handling larger feed size and throughputs.
It features a heavy-duty incline screen with a high amplitude triple shaft drive mechanism, making it an ideal fit for screening, scalping, splitting, and stockpiling applications that need a throughput of up to 800 tonnes per hour.
Crestani said the Warrior 2400 has proven itself to be a hit, which is why the company keeps it available to purchase whenever possible.
“It’s a standout scalping screen,” he said.
“It’s so versatile, the performance you can get out of the triple shaft drive mechanism is much greater than a single shaft screen.
“It allows it to have more momentum and to handle a greater range of applications. The Warrior 2400 has been used in quarries, mines, and even in organic processing.
“We have tried to always have a range of our ‘core’ machines available. This is a mixture of jaw crushers, cone crushers, scalpers and incline screens.”
Lincom works closely with its supply network to ensure it has ordered enough machines in advance from its suppliers and has them in stock at its Perth facility.
These include the Titan 1800, which is ideal for medium scale operations and applications, the Chieftain 1700X, which can handle around 500 tonnes per hours, and the Chieftain 2100X, which offers higher output and multiple product sizing.
Lincom also offers Powerscreen’s cone range, including the 1000 Maxtrak for compact aggregate production, the 1150 Maxtrak which can shape rock at 300 tonnes per hours, and the 1300 Maxtrak to
Lincom has invested significantly in stocking crushing and screening equipment at its Perth branch.
handle some of the hardest rock and ore. But machines are only part of the offering.
Crestani said that what happens after the sale matters much more than many would expect.
“Don’t underestimate the importance of good aftersales support,” he said. “Good support will end up saving you money over the lifespan of the machine.
“We’ve also invested in our people to help keep our machines going. Lincom aims to provide a solution for the entire service life of our products.
“Because we’re based in WA, we have a fullservice team on the ground that can cover the entire state. Our staff have even gone through some of the highest levels of training from Powerscreen, giving us the expertise to quickly find and solve issues as they arrive.”
Lincom’s WA branch is entirely selfsufficient – it does not need to rely on the east coast or teams in the UK. The Perth branch maintains a vast range of genuine spare parts to ensure customers aren’t left waiting when something needs replacing.
The company also offers training programs for its customers so that operators know how to get the best out of the equipment and keep it running smoothly.
Crestani said WA businesses appreciated working with other locals.
“Being local means we’re just around the corner when you need us.
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For more information, visit.lincom.com.au
Lincom’s line-up includes a range of Powerscreen’s popular products.
Lincom’s WA branch has a wide range.
GEOLOGY TALK
TOOTHFUL THINKING
Welsh origins of Stonehenge according to UK researchers.
Researchers from the British Geological Society, Cardiff University and the University College London have shed new light on the origins of Stonehenge.
The smoking gun? A cow’s tooth.
The researchers examined a cow’s jawbone that had been discovered by Stonehenge’s south entrance in 1924. As part of this, researchers conducted isotope analysis on one of the teeth connected to the jawbone. This dated the tooth between 2995 and 2900 BCE with a likely origin in Wales.
“This is yet more fascinating evidence for Stonehenge’s link with south-west Wales, where its bluestones come from. It raises the tantalising possibility that cattle helped to haul the stones,” UCL Archaeology professor Michael Parker Pearson said.
The new research builds on previous efforts from the 2010s, where researchers, archaeologists and geologists revealed
two Welsh quarries were the source of Stonehenge’s bluestones.
In 2015, researchers confirmed that the bluestones were likely to have been quarried from the Preseli hills in the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park.
Now, a decade on, researchers have consolidated this connection through advanced research techniques.
As part of the research, the cow’s third molar tooth was sliced into nine horizontal sections. The researchers were able to extract key information and measurements, including carbon, oxygen, strontium and lead isotopes. From there, the researchers could gain insights into the cow’s lifestyle and movement.
“This study has revealed unprecedented details of six months in a cow’s life, providing the first evidence of cattle movement from Wales as well as documenting dietary changes and life events that happened around 5000 years
ago,” BGS honorary research associate professor Jane Evans said.
“A slice of one cow tooth has told us an extraordinary tale and, as new scientific tools emerge, we hope there is still more to learn from her long journey.”
Importantly, the lead isotopes displayed spikes in the composition around late winter into spring. Researchers suggest this composition adds weight to the theory that the cow originated from an area with Palaeozoic rocks like bluestones found in Stonehenge.
“This research has provided key new insights into the biography of this enigmatic cow whose remains were deposited in such an important location at a Stonehenge entrance,” Cardiff University archaeological science professor Richard Madgwick said.
“It provides unparalleled new detail on the distant origins of the animal and the arduous journey it was brought on. So often grand narratives dominate research on major archaeological sites, but this detailed biographical approach on a single animal provides a brand-new facet to the story of Stonehenge.” •
The stones of Stonehenge are thought to have Welsh origins.
