Quarry September 2025

SEPTEMBER 2025

OFFICIAL JOURNAL OF THE INSTITUTE OF QUARRYING AUSTRALIA

SEPTEMBER 2025

SUSTAINABILITY FROM THE GROUND UP Concrete made from manufactured sand makes major milestone.

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QUARRY

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www.quarrymagazine.com

THE ECOSYSTEM GIANT Komatsu has invested heavily in supporting the entire ecosystem of the quarry beyond its machinery offering.

HOW TO HALT AN OUTBREAK New guidelines have been introduced to help prevent an outbreak of fire ants.

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IN THIS ISSUE

SEPTEMBER 2025

VOLUME 34, ISSUE 9

FEATURES 20 THE ECOSYSTEM GIANT Komatsu showcases its comprehensive offering to the Australian quarrying sector beyond machinery .

30 BUILT FOR THE TASK

Liebherr has the earthmoving machines to tackle any obstacle operators will face in harsh quarry environments.

36 TRUSTED SOLUTIONS

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SUSTAINABILITY FROM THE GROUND UP

A milestone project has used a new sustainable concrete.

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QUARRY EXTRACTION SCHEDULING

What is needed for a reliable quarry extraction schedule.

Crusher Screen Sales & Hire and IMS are designing solutions that make quarry operators’ lives easier.

38 BUILT FOR THE EXTREME

Kobelco’s new XD Series excavators have been purpose-built to meet the challenges of the harshest work environments.

40 THE MODULAR SENSATION

Multotec Australia is offering the MBV System as a screen media solution that enhances safety and reduces maintenance time.

42 TRUSTED TO DELIVER

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HOW TO HALT AN OUTBREAK

New guidelines to help prevent an outbreak of fire ants.

SEPTEMBER 2025

OFFICIAL JOURNAL OF THE INSTITUTE OF QUARRYING AUSTRALIA

44

PROVEN TRACK RECORD

Dublin-based CRH has expanded its presence in the US.

SUSTAINABILITY FROM THE GROUND UP Concrete made from manufactured sand makes major milestone.

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QUARRY

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www.quarrymagazine.com

THE ECOSYSTEM GIANT

HOW TO HALT AN OUTBREAK New guidelines have been introduced to help prevent an outbreak of fire ants.

46 A CLASS OF ITS OWN

Decades after first unveiling the world’s first 50-tonne articulated dump truck, Bell Equipment’s proven B50E remains the company’s flagship 6x6 model and trusted in the industry.

48 DYNAMIC DELIVERY

SEPTEMBER 2025

EVERY MONTH

Komatsu has invested heavily in supporting the entire ecosystem of the quarry beyond its machinery offering.

Striker Crushing and Screening’s equipment has been a game changer for an independent limestone operation in Western Australia.

THE ECOSYSTEM GIANT Komatsu has invested heavily in supporting the entire ecosystem of the quarry beyond its machinery offering.

Crushing Dynamics has become a trusted quarry operator with the help of Caterpillar and Queensland dealer Hastings Deering.

04 FROM THE EDITOR 06 FROM THE CEO 08 FROM THE PRESIDENT 10 IQA NEWS 50 GEOLOGY TALK

Quarry September 2025 3

EDITORIAL

SAFETY IN THE SPOTLIGHT

A

t the most recent NSW IQA Safety and Health Conference, the state’s Resources Regulator provided an important moment of reflection.

Principal inspector Dan Howard asked more than 185 quarry professionals to reflect on why the sector in NSW had managed to avoid any fatalities over the past year.

The reflection provided a stark reminder about just how important safety is for the sector, and how every possible thing needs to be done to ensure everyone can walk off the job site at the end of the day.

A change of mindset is critical to this, especially when it comes to the hierarchy of controls.

Humans are susceptible to making errors. This needs to be factored in when it comes to implementing safety measures.

“Whilst difficult to engineer or see the ways to make improvements, work activities and rules need to be set up to make compliance the fastest and easiest way to get the job done and minimise the likelihood of unintentional errors,” Howard said.

In other words, the more a site can move control measures from personal protective equipment to administration to engineering, the safer the industry will be.

The regulator’s insights were invaluable for the conference. They allowed the industry professionals in attendance to reflect on what can be done to improve their sites and sparked discussion for the rest of the day.

These discussions can be powerful, and they can spread.

Conversations encourage ideas which can be brought back to quarries around the country and inspire people to focus on ways of improving safety.

It is why the Institute of Quarrying Australia (IQA) has been working hard to set up events like these around the country.

Following the successful event, the IQA plans to host another conference in Victoria in March 2026. To learn more about the benefits, you can read our coverage of the NSW Safety and Health Conference on pages 16-17.

William Arnott Editor

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CONTINUED PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT IS VITAL IN THE QUARRYING INDUSTRY AS IT MAKES WORKPLACES SAFER, MORE SUSTAINABLE, AND IMPROVES COMMUNITY AND BUSINESS OUTCOMES.

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William Arnott

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CEO’S REPORT

The Institute of Quarrying Australia

BUILDING MOMENTUM THROUGH SAFETY, DIVERSITY, AND WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT

W

hat an incredible month for our sector. The NSW Safety and Health Conference on 31 July brought together 185 quarry professionals in the Hunter Valley for important conversations about protecting our people.

The engagement and energy throughout the event reinforced why these gatherings are so important. When people take just one safety initiative back to their sites, it can prevent incidents and save lives.

Our digital evolution continues to gain momentum. The new IQA website, launched in July, offers a mobile-optimised experience designed for busy quarrying professionals. Our upcoming member app will further enhance this experience, putting essential networking opportunities and resources directly at your fingertips. We’re committed to ensuring technology serves your professional needs.

This October, we’re hosting our Building Inclusive Futures day, a national initiative focused on practical actions for next-generation workforce development. The day will feature a midday national virtual panel with inspirational diversity and inclusion leaders.

We’re aiming to create meaningful

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opportunities to strengthen both our workforce diversity and safety culture.

Because diverse teams see around more corners, challenge assumptions, and create stronger workplace cultures where people feel valued.

Our School to Workforce Project continues gaining traction as we address a fundamental challenge: public awareness of what we do and who we are. One of the things that struck me when I started at the IQA was how little the broader community understands about quarrying’s essential role. The reality is, no one’s telling our story consistently.

Thank you to all members who completed our School to Workforce survey. Our expert consultant Evan Boone’s interviews with executives from ten quarrying companies revealed the urgent need to attract young talent. Still, most lack formal frameworks for school engagement.

The research highlighted strong appetite for professional digital content, school engagement toolkits, and career lifecycle maps.

Together, we’re building momentum, nurturing a sector that is more visible, inclusive, and future-ready. I’m excited for what’s ahead, and deeply proud of what we’ve achieved so far.

Jane Schmmitt Chief Executive Officer Institute of Quarrying Australia

Educating and connecting our extractive industry

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

THE NEW IQA WEBSITE, LAUNCHED IN JULY, OFFERS A MOBILE-OPTIMISED EXPERIENCE DESIGNED FOR BUSY QUARRYING PROFESSIONALS.

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

Company Secretary David Cowie

Follow the IQA on our social media pages: IQAustralia

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PRESIDENT’S REPORT

The Institute of Quarrying Australia

CONVERSATIONS WITH MICHAEL CLOSE, PRESIDENT

T

ricon Equipment is one of our IQA FY2025-26 Gold National Sponsors supporting IQA’s mission to connect, educate, and elevate the sector through major events, campaigns, and initiatives.

Michael Close (IQA President): Michael, Tricon has been proudly Australian-owned for over 21 years, working with quarry operators across the country.

What drew you to support the IQA and the broader quarrying sector?

Tricon Equipment director Michael Tripolone: The quarrying sector is the backbone of Australia’s infrastructure development, and we’ve seen firsthand how critical professional networks and knowledge-sharing are to success.

Supporting IQA aligns perfectly with our commitment to helping the sector grow stronger through education, connection, and best practice sharing. We believe that when the sector thrives through collaboration and learning, everyone benefits.

Close: With your partnerships with brands like Superior Industries, Terex MDS, and Lippmann, you’re at the forefront of equipment innovation. What excites you most about the future of quarrying technology and the sector’s direction?

Tripolone: The integration of smart technologies is revolutionising how quarries operate, improving

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Quarry September 2025

safety, efficiency, and environmental outcomes. We’re seeing everything from automated systems to advanced monitoring that’s making operations safer and more efficient.

It’s exciting to see how these developments are helping the sector attract young talent and build a more sustainable future.

What’s particularly encouraging is how these innovations are making quarrying more appealing to the next generation of professionals.

Close: As one of Australasia’s most experienced equipment dealers, what role do you see professional development and sector connection playing in the sector’s success?

Tripolone: Technology is only as good as the people operating it.

The IQA’s focus on professional development and creating connections across the sector ensures our sector continues to attract and retain skilled professionals who can maximise the potential of modern quarrying equipment and techniques. We’ve learnt that the most successful operations combine cutting-edge technology with well-trained, connected teams.

The relationships and knowledgesharing that IQA facilitates are absolutely essential for the sector’s continued growth and innovation.

Michael Close, FIQ President Institute of Quarrying Australia

Educating and connecting our extractive industry

www.quarry.com.au

The IQA’s Strategic Plan 2023 to 2026 embodies the following vision, values and strategic priorities:

THE QUARRYING SECTOR IS THE BACKBONE OF AUSTRALIA’S INFRASTRUCTURE DEVELOPMENT, AND WE’VE SEEN FIRSTHAND HOW CRITICAL PROFESSIONAL NETWORKS AND KNOWLEDGESHARING ARE TO SUCCESS.

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

Company Secretary David Cowie

Follow the IQA on our social media pages: IQAustralia

the-australian-institute-ofquarrying/ iqaus

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IQA NEWS

The Institute of Quarrying Australia

OUT AND ABOUT WITH THE IQA The 2025 AGM season commenced in Townsville on 16 July, with the north Queensland branch and far north Queensland sub-branch leading the charge at the annual general meeting (AGM) and dinner.

From July to September, IQA branches nationwide hold their AGMs. In Townsville, new committee members were officially welcomed for the upcoming term, ensuring continued strong regional leadership.

Event sponsor Onetrak, represented by Paul Kerr, opened proceedings before keynote speaker Ajith Dissanayake from TMR delivered a compelling presentation on north Queensland’s unique quarrying and road construction challenges.

His address covered critical material risks, mitigation strategies for infrastructure projects, and important updates to the QRS TMR Quarry registration system, including new processes for recycled materials.

John O’Reilly from Metso further enriched the evening’s technical content, contributing to robust industry discussions. The event balanced formal governance with practical industry insights, exemplifying the value these regional gatherings bring to members.

Young Member Network tackles production and burnout

The QLD Young Member Network (YMN) gained valuable insights during the 23 July visit to Multotec’s Berrinba facility, exploring both innovative manufacturing and mental health in the workplace.

Members toured the production floor, witnessing the creation of both off-the-shelf and customised products that serve the quarrying industry.

The behind-the-scenes look at Multotec’s operations provided fascinating insights into the company’s modern manufacturing processes.

The visit’s highlight came during the Mastermind Session, where Queensland YMN coordinator Matthew Ferguson led an important discussion on workplace burnout, a timely topic resonating with quarrying workers navigating today’s demanding work environment.

The day’s combination of technical learning and wellbeing focus delivered real value for attendees.

Women in Quarrying Connect Over Coffee

Women from Victoria’s quarrying sector gathered at the Old England Hotel, Heidelberg in July for the latest Women in Quarrying coffee conversations event.

The 90-minute session sparked lively discussions on supporting women’s advancement in the quarrying sector, navigating regulatory relationships, building community support, and effective supplier engagement strategies.

These regular gatherings continue to provide valuable networking opportunities for Victorian women in the sector, promoting the professional connections that strengthen the quarrying sector.

Image credit: IQA

Queensland kicks off AGM season

The Queensland AGMs balanced formal governance with practical industry insights.

IQA Welcomes William Buck as strategic advisory partner

The Institute of Quarrying Australia is pleased to announce William Buck as its strategic advisory partner for FY25-26, delivering enhanced professional advisory services to members.

William Buck is a leading firm of accountants and advisors specialising in business advisory, tax planning, and wealth management.

Through this partnership, IQA members gain exclusive access to educational seminars and webinars tailored for quarrying professionals, expert articles, memberexclusive resources, and special member rates on professional services, including tax preparation.

The first seminar is planned for October 2025, with more details to follow “This partnership connects members with trusted advisors who understand our sector, its challenges and specific needs,” IQA chief executive officer Jane Schmitt said.

Victorian sub-branch takes flight in Wangaratta

The WIQ coffee conversations provide valuable networking opportunities.

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IQA members gathered for the Victorian sub-branch’s Wangaratta event on July 24th, combining wartime history with vital sector insights.

The day kicked off with a tour of Benalla Aviation Museum, where members discovered Australia’s WWII RAAF pilot training legacy through impressive

Quarry September 2025

ONTR

IQA NEWS

The Institute of Quarrying Australia

YMN members got a he behind-thescenes look at Multotec’s operations.

“work as done” - and how organisations drift into failure - struck home with the engaged audience. Terex Jaques’ Stephen McKee rounded out the evening with valuable sector perspectives.

Magical Christmas in July in NSW

IQA members visited the Benalla Aviation Museum.

displays of operational military aircraft and authentic memorabilia.

But the real highlight came at Old Town ‘n’ Country Tavern, where keynote speaker

Jodi Goodall delivered hard-hitting lessons from mining and quarrying fatalities outlined in the Brady Report. Her frank discussion of how “work as imagined” differs from

The NSW southern region sub-branch brought festive cheer to winter at Mittagong RSL on 25 July, combining its AGM with a Christmas in July celebration that drew 48 members.

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IQA NEWS

The Institute of Quarrying Australia

A magician left the crowd amazed at the NSW southern region sub-branch celebration.

Magician Jack Black stole the show, converting sceptics with mind-bending card tricks and an impossible beer glass-smashing performance that left the crowd amazed.

His entertaining stories of famous encounters added extra sparkle to the evening for all of the attendees.

Following successful AGM proceedings facilitated by Jim Hankins, the sub-branch welcomed new committee members for 2025-26. Sponsor Gulf Western Oils then treated attendees to an engaging factory tour video before Kevin Davy fielded questions about their operations.

The night’s finale featured trolleys overflowing with gifts for attendees which were supplied by generous sponsors and members.

Every attendee walked away with Christmas presents, with enough donations to ensure second helpings for all.

UPCOMING COURSES AND EVENTS Event

Date

Time

Location

Tasmania branch site tour and dinner

11 Sep

TBA

TBA

Introduction to quarrying webinar

16 Sep

9:00am – 1:00pm

Online

WA branch site tour

17 Sep

TBD

Perth

Hazard identification webinar

18 Sep

11:00am – 12:15pm

Online

Quarry roads and onsite vehicle safety webinar

30 Sep

9:00am – 10:30am

Online

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Quarry September 2025

IQA NEWS

The Institute of Quarrying Australia

A CELEBRATION OF A CAREER IN HARD ROCK FOR A MAN WITH A HEART OF GOLD We honour the memory of Dennis Marchant, better known to us as Marcho – a colleague who was not just a co-worker but a true professional and an inspiration to all.

Marcho’s career in the resource industry began with humble beginnings, starting out in a sapphire mine in Inverell. It didn’t take long for him to find his passion for mining and learn the basics of open-cut operations.

This foundation propelled Marchant to manage Mackay’s largest hard rock quarry, now known as the Heidelberg Farleigh Quarry, where he dedicated 36 years of his working life.

Though Marchant disliked school as a young boy, he made it a point to improve his education as an adult, ultimately earning his Diploma in Extractive Industries. He took great pride in overseeing the largest hard rock quarry in the Bowen Basin.

In 2021, Marchant received one of the highest honours from The Institute of Quarrying Australia – he was awarded quarry manager of the year. Who would have imagined that the 15-year-old farm boy from Mt Russell would go on to manage the largest hard rock quarry in the Mackay district and positively impact the lives of many young people by mentoring them in heavy machinery operations and extractive industries? Marchant was highly respected and loved by his colleagues and the Mackay community for his integrity within the industry.

Marchant had no biases; he didn’t see colour, race, religion, or gender. When it came to quarrying, if you were willing to learn and show up to work, he was ready to teach you, regardless of who you were.

He generously shared his knowledge and passion for the industry with anyone willing to listen.

During Marchant’s celebration of life, held in Mackay and attended by many colleagues, family, and friends, it was commonly expressed that without Marcho, they would have never gained their footing in the quarry industry.

His unwavering dedication to the Institute of Quarrying Australia forged the foundation for the inaugural Mackay events, inspiring a legacy that will endure for many years to come.

Marchant was exceptional, inspiring, and humble – not only in his career and

Dennis Marchant’s dedication to the Institute of Quarrying Australia forged the foundation for the inaugural Mackay events.

professional achievements but also as a member of his community. Most importantly, he was a loving husband of 35 years to his wife, Kay, and an adored father to his daughter, Jess.

A man well ahead of his time, he was a true gentleman who rarely raised his voice and willingly mentored anyone eager to learn.

Always prepared to lend a helping hand wherever he could, Marchant’s passion for the quarry industry was infectious, and his contributions are remarkable. He leaves behind a legacy that will continue to shape many careers and lives.

Quarry September 2025 13

IQA

NEW LEADERSHIP FOR WOMEN IN QUARRYING

C

arly Monaghan has been named as the national coordinator for the Institute of Quarrying Australia’s (IQA) Women in Quarrying (WIQ) initiative.

Monaghan takes over the role from her colleague Tegan Smith, who founded the WIQ initiative in Queensland.

Monaghan told Quarry that she did not take the honour lightly.

“To be stepping into the role after Tegan Smith, who is just an absolute inspiration to everyone in our sector, is incredibly humbling.

Tegan is so passionate, and I just hope I can continue that passion and drive,” she said.

“I think the role is about inclusion and engagement, and motivating people to be involved with our network and our sector,

and I want to show up for all the women and people of diverse backgrounds in our sector.”

The national role continues a rapid rise for Monaghan. She began her career in the quarrying sector as a graduate environmental consultant with Groundwork Plus (recently acquired by SLR Consulting) in 2021 after studying a degree in chemistry and soil science, as well as an honours degree in soil science and contaminated land.

Being from the Barossa Valley, a chance conversation while teaching swimming lessons created an opportunity to work in the quarrying sector in South Australia, and since then, she has not looked back.

The diverse nature of Monaghan’s responsibilities means no two days are

Images: IQA

IQA national women in quarrying coordinator Carly Monaghan discusses her career so far and why she’s excited for the future of quarrying.

Carly Monaghan is the new national coordinator of the Women in Quarrying initiative.

ever the same. She has been responsible for environmental compliance, monitoring and reporting, as well as quarry approvals and audits.

In s

Carly Monaghan (centre) is an IQA member..

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“This is the furthest thing from what I thought I would be doing,” Monaghan said.

“I had never really considered the sector, and I didn’t know what it was really, but I thought, ‘why not?’ The office was based in Nuriootpa, so it was a five-minute commute for me, and it’s been fantastic. The team at Groundwork was so welcoming and so was the wider sector.”

Recently, Monaghan has expanded her role at SLR Consulting and relocated to Victoria, where she now works as an associate consultant for the company’s construction materials and services team.

“I get to do something different each day, and I enjoy the fact that we deliver real solutions to our clients,” she said.

“You can really see the outcomes. It is cool to go through the approval process with a quarry manager and then come back to the site, and it has been implemented. The clients we work with are so genuine and fast thinking, while I am there to support them with their approvals, I find I learn so much from them.”

From the early days of her career in quarrying, Monaghan has been an active member of the IQA community. During her time in South Australia, she held roles with the South Australian branch, including being the state’s women in quarrying coordinator.

Last year, she was named as one of the IQA Ambassadors for 2025 alongside SLR Consulting colleagues James Rowe, Clayton

Hill, and Smith. Monaghan was also part of the Australian contingent that took part in the IQA’s study tour to the UK, which visited several active quarries as well as the Hillhead 2024 trade show. Monaghan said the WIQ network at both the state and national levels was incredibly important.

“Being a male-dominated sector, the women in quarrying network can help foster connections with other women in our sector,” she said.

“For those working in isolated areas, where they might be the only woman on site or lacking the opportunity to connect with other women, the women in quarrying network is their main way to do so. When you see women more engaged in their roles, they want to stay, and that creates more diverse workplaces.

“Having people of more diverse backgrounds connected to your workplace and passionate about what they do helps you create the best work environment possible.”

One of Monaghan’s first major initiatives as national WIQ coordinator will be to organise the IQA’s Building Inclusive Futures day in late October. The event aims to showcase practical actions for the next-generation workforce and position quarrying as a truly inclusive sector.

“We’re finalising the details, but it’s going to be an exciting opportunity to bring the sector together around diversity and

inclusion,” she said.

Monaghan hopes the WIQ network can play a role in making the quarrying sector more diverse moving forward.

“I’ve always been passionate about women being in our sector. To me, it seems like a no-brainer to shift towards a model where we can further support diversity and encourage all kinds of people to work in our sector,” she said.

“As our sector changes, there are so many roles beyond just operating roles, and we can help showcase that. It is something I am passionate about, doing the role for South Australia was a good step, but I am excited about taking that on at a national level.” •

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IQA

SAFETY ON SHOW

IN THE HUNTER VALLEY

Quarry professionals from across New South Wales have dedicated their time to improving safety on their sites at the 2025 NSW Quarrying and Mining Safety and Health Conference.

W

The conference was launched with a networking event hosted by comedian Anthony “Lehmo” Lehmann.

TASC Solutions managing director Chris Georgiou said the networking opportunities provided by the dinner was important for the sector.

“You get to meet new people and share stories, ideas, and ways to solve problems,” he said.

“While many people in the room are competitors, they’re also working together as one big quarry sector team to find efficiencies and ways to improve safety.”

Georgiou was among the many expert speakers who offered practical insights for the sector throughout the event.

One of the main issues he sought to address was ensuring that mine and quarry operators were aware of their legal responsibilities.

“Legislation is difficult to navigate,” he said.

IQA chief executive officer Jane Schmitt.

“Mine and quarry operators also have time constraints and the pressures of running a business, which means they have little time to dissect and interpret legislation to implement it on site.”

Images: IQA

hen was the last time you asked your team where they think they might get hurt? How often do you watch how work is done on site?

These are some of the key questions that were posed to more than 185 quarry professionals at the 2025 Quarrying and Mining Safety and Health Conference.

The event, located in the Hunter Valley, offered an opportunity for safety experts to discuss the critical safety challenges facing quarries and how sites can improve. IQA president Michael Close said the conference helped start important safety conversations.

“If someone takes one initiative or one idea back with them to their site and shares it with their team, whether they implement it immediately or six months down the line, it can help avoid an incident or injury,” he said.

“Not only is the conference helping get the right message across, but the engagement and networking are vital.”

The event offered an opportunity for safety experts to discuss the critical safety challenges facing quarries.

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Rachel Drew spoke about how quarries can address hidden psychosocial strains.

The NSW Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development principal inspector Daniel Howard provided a clear and realistic look at the last 18 months of safety incident data.

Howard said strong leadership within the sector is needed to drive safety further, as part of a cultural shift that will take years.

However, the good news is that there are many in the sector that are already on the way to making these changes.

Physical safety was not the only subject of discussion, either. Rachel Drew from the law firm Thomson Geer spoke about how quarries can address hidden psychosocial strains.

“In addition to addressing things like workforce shifts, demographic changes, an ageing workforce, and skills shortages, we have also seen the first safety prosecution against an employer for a death by suicide,” she said.

“A common psychosocial stress in quarrying is isolation. There’s often remote work involved in quarrying, and when mixed with the pressure of deadlines and a high level of workload, this can lead to significant stress.

“This is in addition to other strains that exist across many sectors, such as conflict between staff members, bullying, a lack of role clarity, inadequate support and supervision. There’s a whole range of issues that can contribute.”

In many cases, these psychosocial risks are not recognised in the same way that

The IQA highlighted the importance of safety.

physical risks are. In a sector that prides itself on being tough, there can still be a lot of stigma around speaking up about stress and loneliness.

Drew said the most important thing for quarries to start doing is to include psychosocial risks as part of a risk assessment framework, like how physical risks are assessed.

“Visible commitment from leaders to psychological safety can also make a huge difference,” she said. “And it can show the team that psychological safety is valued equally with physical safety.”

The conference also featured discussions about the future of the quarrying sector, with a strong focus on education and supporting the career journeys from entry to certification.

It also provided a platform for quarry managers from Heidelberg Materials Australia, Boral, Evolution Mining, and Metromix to provide their insights.

IQA chief executive officer Jane Schmitt said she was pleased by the level of engagement at the conference and the priority that attendees had placed on workplace health and safety.

“Quarry teams see the people they are working with as family members,” she said.

“They really care about them and want to

make sure that nothing goes wrong or puts them in danger.

“It’s no surprise that they are making safety a priority, because they want to make sure their people, their sites, and their communities are safe.

“Events like this one let the quarry sector know they have the support of others in the sector and from the IQA.”•

Comedian Anthony “Lehmo” Lehmann hosted the welcome dinner.

Quarry September 2025 17

PRODUCT FOCUS

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

MTG GROUND ENGAGING TOOLS FROM ONTRAC GROUP Why should businesses consider the MTG EX Tip profile for their next heavy-duty quarry bucket?

The high level of abrasion resistance and unmatched operational time are two very good reasons.

MTG Systems ground engaging tools (GET) are of the highest quality and manufactured in Spain.

Beneficial to all MTG teeth are the hammerless locking features and self-sharpening design, which result in reduced downtime as well as increased productivity.

This is why ONTRAC Group manufactures excavator buckets most commonly with MTG EX tips (other tip profiles may be necessary depending on specific application).

Buckets with the EX tip include all of ONTRAC’s quarry and mining bucket ranges including – heavy duty buckets, extreme premium buckets and XMOR® BHB and BHC high production buckets.

ONTRAC Group offers complete MTG Systems solutions, including replacements, refitments and repairs. The company’s team provides expert guidance to ensure customers have the right tip profile and GET configuration

Image: ONTRAC

for the application, helping achieve maximum efficiency and extend the working life of the bucket. With local knowledge, fast turnaround on parts, and a commitment to quality, ONTRAC delivers support that can be counted on.

visit ontracgroup.com.au or call 1300 910 950.

ONTRAC Group offers complete MTG Systems solutions, including replacements, refitments and repairs.

COMPACT POWER FOR DEMANDING QUARRY APPLICATIONS Quarrying operations demand pumping solutions that can handle abrasive slurries, variable flows, and challenging site conditions, often in locations where space is at a premium. The Orbit VIGA, now available in Australia through Southern Pumping Specialists, delivers all of this without compromise.

Southern Pumping has more than 50 years of experience supplying and supporting

Image: Southern Pumping

For more information,

high-performance pumps for demanding industries, including mining and quarrying.

Its expertise ensures the Orbit VIGA isn’t just a piece of equipment, it’s part of a complete, well-supported pumping solution tailored to site requirements.

Designed for durability and efficiency, the VIGA uses progressive cavity (helical rotor) technology to produce a consistent, non-pulsating flow. This makes it ideal for transferring viscous, abrasive, or solids-laden fluids commonly encountered in quarry dewatering, fines recovery, or process water recycling. Its high suction efficiency ensures reliable performance even in variable water levels or challenging suction conditions.

One of the VIGA’s standout features is its footprint. Many quarry pump installations are constrained by mobile plant layouts, tight access areas, or the need to retrofit into existing systems. The VIGA’s compact form factor allows it to slot into these spaces easily, while still offering the robust construction required for long service life in abrasive environments.

Built with high-quality materials and engineered for simple maintenance, the Orbit VIGA reduces downtime, a critical advantage when every minute of production counts. Southern Pumping’s nationwide network and proactive service approach mean quarry operators have fast access to spare parts, technical advice, and installation support.

For quarries seeking rugged reliability with space-saving versatility, the Orbit VIGA from Southern Pumping is a smart, future-ready choice; purpose-built to keep material moving, even in the toughest conditions.

For more information, email sales@southernpumping.com.au or call 1800 810 670

18

Quarry September 2025

Engineered to match.

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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. multotec.com.au

COVER STORY

THE ECOSYSTEM GIANT Komatsu has invested heavily in supporting the entire ecosystem of the quarry beyond its machinery offering.

Smart Quarry Site was developed in Australia.

20

Quarry September 2025

“We’re a relationship-oriented business. We want to understand what drives each quarry because every quarry is different. We want to help that quarry achieve its goals,” Vrontas said.

SMART QUARRY SITE Komatsu’s Smart Quarry Site (SQS) platform is a digitally based fleet management tool that was designed in Australia.

The success of SQS has led to its adoption worldwide by Komatsu, although initially, the fleet management system was designed with the local quarrying and aggregates sector in mind. SQS can provide real-time data on various metrics, including payload, fuel consumption, machine uptime, material type, and destination. Operators can also record their pre-start checks through the SQS platform, which streamlines maintenance procedures and ensures accurate records are safely stored. The pre-start checks can be customised to the site’s requirements.

Images: Komatsu Australia

I

n many ways, a quarry is a sprawling ecosystem of many moving parts that come together to produce vital construction materials. Whether it’s crushing and screening, office operations, or load and haul, these moving parts are becoming increasingly integrated with one another thanks to digital solutions. Komatsu Australia national business manager for quarries Nick Vrontas told Quarry this shift to a digital ecosystem is changing how data is viewed.

“It’s not about one machine, it’s about all machines and how they operate together.

It is about what’s happening right now as a collective, and you can see it all live,” he said.

While Komatsu is mostly known for its load and haul solutions, the original equipment manufacturer is moving beyond being just a machinery manufacturer. Instead, the company wants to partner with its customers to improve longevity and ensure they are getting the best value for money.

Komatsu Australia national business manager for quarries Nick Vrontas.

The SQS platform means managers can track the key performance indicators of the quarry fleet in real-time and use them to inform their decision-making process.

This data has been used by quarries to

Komatsu Australia supports quarry operators at every stage.

improve production rates, carry out proactive maintenance strategies, monitor machine health and improve workplace safety.

“SQS allows us to show customers a lot of data points depending on what they are looking for. We’re the only ones with a pure agnostic platform that works on more than just Komatsu machines,” Vrontas said.

“Quarries don’t just run a Komatsu fleet, and we don’t expect that, so we’ve created a tool that you can plug into any OEM machine, and we can mesh the network of machines together. It can provide an accurate picture of what’s happening in the quarry.”

Safety is a key aspect of SQS. Quarry managers can set up speed and safety alerts within the system, which will be flagged in real-time.

From there, operators and managers can review safety incidents through the dashboard. The user-friendly dashboard displays animated visualisations of all the data and any alerts which make it easy to identify what is happening in the quarry.

“The industry is beginning to move towards digitalisation to assist with managing the quarry. The thing about SQS is it is not just about production; it is about safety as well,” Vrontas said.

“Because SQS was developed locally here, our customers get to have input into the new releases. We work closely with our customers to fine-tune it.”

MAINTENANCE Komatsu has a dedicated aftersales support team as well as a branch network that can assist customers after a sale is completed.

This offers customers peace of mind, as they have a dedicated contact for any support or technical advice they require.

A leading long-haul warranty program supports Komatsu’s machinery. The program covers certain Komatsu assets, where Komatsu will warrant the asset for 20,000 hours provided Komatsu sells and services the product throughout its lifecycle.

“We know that a machine down is money not going out the gate at the end of the day. Quarries run on a pretty tight budget, and it is critical to get the most out of your machine with minimal downtime,” Vrontas said.

“We want to support our customers and keep the machines operating. We have a big branch network with lots of technicians and residents in remote areas, so we can be on site whenever you need us.

“We can support customers during breakdowns, and we do contract servicing to reduce the cost of running machines. We do condition reports as well, so customers understand the live status of their asset.

“We’re one of the few in Australia that is owned by the company that they’re selling.

When you’re dealing with us, you’re dealing with a direct line to the factory.”

FORWARD THINKING Few industries ever stay the same and the quarrying sector is no different.

As technology changes and equipment evolves, manufacturers and customers have to shift with the goals of the sector.

“Total coast of ownership is a major talking point we’re seeing when we’re quoting a new fleet,” Vrontas said.

“That is really about the customer focusing on the best ways to reduce their production costs but also they are looking for that shoulder to lean on in terms of support.

“And it is important that we can do both. We want to be able to sell you our equipment but from there on, our goal is to make sure you’re happy with that experience and you’re able to achieve those reduced costs and increased efficiencies that you’re chasing to be able to turn a profit in this sector.”

Komatsu Australia, and the broader Komatsu business, is investing heavily in its digital solutions and customer service to help customers achieve their goals in the quarrying sector.

“Komatsu machines are known to be very reliable and a well-produced machine.

Because we’re supplying a premium product to the market, we need to support the customer with a premium service in that respect as well,” Vrontas said.• For more information, visit komatsu.com

Quarry September 2025 21

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FROM THE GROUND UP

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complicated, pouring these concrete slabs PD, a New Zealand manufacturer While searching for a more sustainable is complex. They require precise timing and of stormwater and wastewater alternative, Prime heard about a use of quality materials to meet performance management solutions, believes in company turning quarry by-product into expectations. Traditionally, this has been doing good from the ground up. high quality Engineered Sand that could met by using natural sands processed for So, when the company needed to expand replace 100 per cent of the natural sand use in concrete. its manufacturing capacity to meet rising in concrete. demand, it began looking for ways to minimise the new factory’s environmental impacts.

“Sustainability is central to APD’s ethos,” APD chief executive office Neil Prime told Quarry. “For this factory, we looked for every opportunity to reduce our environmental impact, including the materials used in construction.”

Part of this process was to find sustainable materials, particularly when it came to the concrete that would be used in the factory floor.

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SAND

Kayasand’s Engineered Sand is designed specifically for use in concrete.

“Engineered Sand immediately caught our attention,” he said. “It’s a more sustainable material and that fits with our ethos of doing good from the ground up.”

APD reached out to the company behind this innovation Kayasand, which began working with APD’s concrete supplier to design and optimise the mix.

Unlike other manufactured sands, a term frequently used to describe the sand-like material made from quarry by-product crusher dust, Kayasand’s Engineered Sand is designed specifically for use in concrete.

The company uses a crushing and screening

process that precisely controls the shape, size and consistency of the sand grains.

Kayasand concrete trials using 100 per cent Engineered Sand have found a 24 per cent increase in strength and a reduction in cement of up to 15 per cent.

Conset Construction, a specialist when it comes to large pour flat slabs, was thrilled to lead the pour.

“Not only is it the first commercial pour of its kind, it’s high stakes,” Conset Construction operations manager Holona Iddekinge said.

“Maintaining a consistency in the mix to ensure a good quality floor is essential.”

Kayasand received a Highly Commended at the 2025 NZ Concrete Construction Awards for the APD factory floor project.

The judges lauded the project’s sustainability credentials and technical execution, reinforcing Kayasand’s role in the future of low-impact construction.

Kayasand currently operates two plants in Waikato, New Zealand and Sydney, Australia and is on track to have to have at least 15 more by 2030.

Kayasand chief executive officer Bram Smith said innovation and new approaches are needed to find the low-carbon solutions of the future.

“Sands that are precision engineered for performance are the future,” Smith said.

“They give us much better control of the outcome and are more sustainable than natural sands.” • For more information, visit kayasand.com

Conset Construction, a specialist when it comes to large pour flat slabs, was thrilled to lead the pour.

24

ENGINEERED SAND EXPANSION Kayasand has struck a multi-million-dollar deal with Heidelberg Materials Australia will enable the latter to turn a previously underutilised quarry byproduct into more than 300,000 tonnes of high-quality Engineered Sand.

The move is expected to boost quarry yields, and future-proof sand supplies in a region facing mounting pressure on its natural supply.

Quarry September 2025

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13174-2033_LWT_079_PR766_2024 Australia Quarry magazine September_210x297_v02.indd 1

04.08.2025 15:54

Images: Eltirus

PLANNING

Extraction scheduling is a mining engineering task.

WHAT DOES GOOD QUARRY

EXTRACTION SCHEDULING LOOK LIKE? Eltirus founder Steve Franklin breaks down what is needed to set up a reliable, helpful quarry extraction schedule.

I

f a quarry deposit has a lot of overburden, or has a range of different material types, an extraction schedule may be required to work out the best way to meet production requirements.

But what is an extraction schedule and what should you be looking for in choosing someone to build one for you?

WHY IS EXTRACTION SCHEDULING IMPORTANT? Large-scale plans are a common sight on the wall of a quarry office, showing a notional annual (or longer) sequence of extraction, normally in terms of coloured blocks. Plans like this show the staging of extraction and they are generally of limited use.

These are often created for regulators and give some idea of how the quarry might develop, but in general, if you ask the quarry manager “are you following that plan?” and more importantly, “how are you following the plan?” you will often receive blank looks

26

Quarry September 2025

– in many cases, the plan is up on the wall for show. A good quarry manager who can think it through in their head will have an extraction sequence in mind and can work to it. However, quarry managers can face three common problems: 1. How to communicate the sequence and plan to their boss, the team and the regulators.

2. Handing the ‘mental’ plan over to their successor when they leave the site.

3. Dealing with a site that is really complicated: lots of overburden to move, variable geology, the need to create new access ramps and move fixed plant etc.

This is where extraction scheduling becomes important.

WHAT IS EXTRACTION SCHEDULING? Extraction scheduling helps you to answer questions like: • How much overburden do I need to move each year over the next three years?

• How many haul trucks do I need to meet a specific production requirement?

• Can I meet the production and quality requirements of that major contract I am proposing to commit to?

• How many years of production do I have left and how fast can I extract it?

In essence, what a schedule does (using specialised scheduling software such as Deswik.Planning) is determine what can be extracted, when it can be extracted and in what sequence to meet production and quality targets.

This is not a job for geologists or drafts people. Extraction scheduling is a mining engineer’s task and is generally the most highly skilled and complicated work that they will do.

Extraction scheduling combines several factors: • Survey • Geological knowledge • Pit design stages

Having a good understanding of site geology is the starting point for any effective scheduling.

• Dependencies • Extraction rate • Equipment • Reconciliation

so that areas are identified as backfill and waste are not incorporated into the geological model as quality materials for extraction.

SURVEY Everything starts with knowing where you are. You need to have an accurate topography of the site as a starting point.

These days drones and software like Strayos, DroneDeploy, Propeller can be used to provide the topography. I can’t stress enough the need for this to be an accurate survey. It sounds obvious, but a good quality whole-of-site drone survey is relatively uncommon. Just because you have a great looking 3D model in your drone software does not mean it is necessarily accurate.

PIT DESIGN STAGES With a sense of the topography, and backfilled areas and the material types, pit design stages can be created. In general, a mining engineer will determine what material needs to be extracted in the scheduling period and design a pit staging shell to break

GEOLOGICAL KNOWLEDGE Having a good understanding of site geology is the starting point for any effective scheduling. This helps the scheduler (a qualified mining engineer) understand the depth of overburden across the site as well as the different materials and their qualities. A key part of geological understanding is the identification of backfilled areas, or areas that have had waste type materials placed on them.

This results in the identification of what is known as a ‘prime surface’. It is very important that a prime surface is created

the extraction down into bite sized chunks.

Once these shells are created, they can be used in conjunction with the geological model to determine the amount of each material type in that stage.

At this point, the deposit is cut up into blocks of material (generally a bench high) and approximately the size of an average blast.

In essence, we are creating a ‘Lego brick’ model of the deposit by different rock type that we can use to schedule with.

Once a schedule is built, it is a valuable tool for testing different production scenarios and budgeting.

Quarry September 2025 27

PLANNING

DEPENDENCIES In open cut extraction, you can’t extract a lower bench before you have removed the material on the bench above it. Likewise, you can’t extract a quarry with a vertical wall from top to bottom, you have to step out each bench down to create a catch berm/haul road. Sometimes, you can’t extract a specific area because there is something that is in the way for a specific period of time: e.g. a mobile crushing plant. In scheduling, we call these types of factors, dependencies.

Note that it can also be the case that multiple stages will need to be scheduled simultaneously (stripping overburden off one stage while extracting rock from another) and dependencies control these interactions as well as determine the direction of mining (or starting point) on a bench.

EXTRACTION RATE Once you have the material model and dependencies, you can then work out the

extraction rate needed to meet the production and sales requirements. In most cases, the approach is to schedule for the tonnes of product needed and then determine from that what other materials might need to be moved. Sometimes you can find that a scheduled movement is simply not possible – due to development requirements and other constraints, the mining engineer will need to go back to the staging shells and adjust them to bring in or exclude waste materials to balance the material movement.

EQUIPMENT With a clear idea of material movement, equipment can be selected. In general, a site will have the loading tool it has but may need more (or less trucks) to satisfy production requirements. Most scheduling packages will have some form of haulage simulation that can be used to determine trucking requirements. While these simulations can be quite accurate, it

is always good practice to calibrate them against actual site performance.

RECONCILIATION Scheduling can produce excellent predictions of material movement and the resources needed to move it, however in practice, to get the most out of it, you need to ensure that it is applied in the field. If we identify a specific block of material that needs to be extracted during a certain month, there needs to be a method to communicate this to the drill and blast contractor (for a hard rock site) so that they can blast the area the schedule indicated.

Without a way to implement a schedule in the field, it becomes a once-off exercise and loses much of its value. To get the most out of your investment in a schedule, make sure that the scheduling blocks are translated into the field. Each month or quarter after your latest drone flight, conduct a reconciliation to determine if what was planned was what was moved and if not why? If you take this approach, you can identify what went well and what didn’t, e.g. rain, breakdowns and changing market conditions, and adjust the schedule.

BRINGING IT TOGETHER Once a schedule is built, it is a valuable tool for testing different production scenarios and budgeting. To build one, you need an accurate whole of site topography (survey) and a good understanding of the geology and any backfilled areas. From there, extraction stages are created (and refined) and the scheduling model built up to consider the different dependencies, production requirement, haulroads and equipment to give a clear idea of what material needs to be moved from where and when to meet your production requirements. Once built the model should be updated regularly and used to test different production/sales scenarios to be of the most benefit.

SUMMARY Scheduling is a powerful tool to help you understand how much overburden you need to move each year, what equipment you need, and what is required to meet the production and quality requirements, providing a sound basis for site budgeting. • For more information, contact

Extraction scheduling combines several factors.

28

Quarry September 2025

steve.franklin@eltirus.com

EXCAVATORS

BUILT FOR THE TASK

Liebherr offers a wide range of robust earthmoving machines.

Liebherr has the earthmoving range to tackle any obstacle operators will face in harsh quarry environments.

I

n quarrying operations, equipment must perform under constant exposure to abrasive materials, uneven terrain, and extended production cycles Liebherr, a family-owned German company with decades of experience in quarrying, understands these requirements firsthand. Liebherr’s comprehensive range of earthmoving machines, including wheel loaders, crawler tractors, excavators, and articulated dump trucks, are purpose-built to meet the specific challenges of quarry environments, combining robust design with advanced technology and proven reliability.

DESIGNED FOR PERFORMANCE Liebherr’s wheel loaders are a combination of powerful performance and high-handling capacity. Liebherr pioneered the XPower concept to deliver efficiency and output so customers could improve productivity in each work cycle. The L 550 XPower – L 586 XPower wheel loaders excel in quarrying operations, supporting fast cycle times and increased productivity. This is supported by the Liebherr-XPower driveline with Liebherr-Power-Efficiency. According to Liebherr, this driveline achieves a reduction in fuel consumption by up to 30 per cent.

The hydrostatic and mechanical driveline ensures fuel burn is greatly reduced, and the customer’s operational costs are significantly reduced. Due to the low-wear nature of the XPower wheel loaders, customer costs are further reduced by the machine’s long

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Quarry September 2025

work life and reliability, which reduces the need for downtime. Liebherr XPower wheel loaders have a simple access area for the important parts of daily maintenance, which saves time on site. The operator is supported with an ergonomic cabin equipped with easy-to-use intuitive controls (Intusi) and superior vision.

CRAWLER EXCAVATORS The company has dedicated decades to developing its range of earthmoving machines that enable operators to achieve greater efficiency and performance. This is best exemplified by Liebherr’s range of large hydraulic excavators, which adhere to the principle of maintaining performance with

Liebherr is a family-owned German company with years of experience working with the quarrying sector.

Images: Liebherr A Liebherr PR 766 in a quarrying site.

minimal downtime in rugged conditions.

The HD bucket, which comes as standard, is designed for enhanced service life. The stick and bucket cylinders have increased diameters with adapted kinematics, providing higher breakout and digging forces. The standard counterweight and chamfered track pads enable easy manoeuvrability and stability in the tough terrain of the quarry.

Liebherr has designed the operator cabin with several key features to make the operator’s daily tasks easy. The large hydraulic excavators feature a cabin with hydraulic mounts to insulate from vibrations, as well as automatic air conditioning and a reinforced glass window as standard. The operator has a full view from the cabin and easy access to the key maintenance areas when required.

The automatic idling system reduces engine speed when the machine is stationary. If less power is needed, an ‘eco mode’ can be chosen on the control panel to lessen the engine load, further improving fuel efficiency.

ARTICULATED DUMP TRUCKS The TA 230 is a powerful and robust articulated dump truck designed to withstand rough conditions, rocks, and heavy loads every day. Equipped with reliable traction control, solid axle suspension and a powerful drivetrain, the TA 230 is adept at navigating tough terrain. It supports short cycle times through its efficient acceleration and deceleration performance, powered by its modern Liebherr D956 construction machine engine. The cabin features a roll-over

protection system as standard and a large allaround glass window that provides excellent visibility for the operator. The touchscreen display includes a rear-view camera, which enhances safety and ease of operation.

CRAWLER DOZERS Liebherr crawler dozers combine power, innovative features, and fuel-efficient performance to meet the demands of a wide range of earthmoving tasks.

Designed for precision and strength, they deliver high penetration and strong pushing force, making them suitable for everything from fine grading to demanding bulk material movement. All models in the range are equipped with a hydrostatic drive system, which ensures smooth and precise operation, optimised traction, and lower fuel consumption, even in tough working conditions.

At the larger end of the line-up, the PR 756, PR 766 and PR 776 stand out with operating weights of approximately 40, 50, and 70 tonnes.

These heavy-duty machines are purposebuilt for quarrying, mining, and large-scale earthworks, where maximum power, durability and efficiency are essential. Liebherr designed its crawler dozers for a long operational life.

The robust build is supported by high-quality components and a user-friendly design utilising a tilt-up cab, large engine bay doors making maintenance easy to perform when required.

As with all Liebherr earthmoving equipment, the crawler dozers are capable of long intervals between servicing, which reduces downtime.

The PR 766 and 776 have high-drive motors

for track component longevity and bogie suspension which enhances operator comfort in an ergonomic workspace which is controlled via a single joystick control for precision.

TECHNOLOGY DRIVEN All of Liebherr’s earthmoving machinery is supported by a range of technology-driven features that promote productivity and efficiency.

LiDAT, Liebherr’s information system for efficient fleet management and evaluation, provides realtime GPS tracking and monitoring. The system provides up-to-date information that allows operators and managers to make informed realtime decisions around fuel use, machine health, and productivity. Customers can further expand on these features by investing in the optional automation and load tracking features.

LOCAL SUPPORT Liebherr provides comprehensive after-sales support to ensure optimal machine performance throughout its lifecycle. Skilled service technicians deliver on-site and remote support, backed by a robust parts supply network that helps minimise downtime. Product specialists offer guidance on machine setup and applicationspecific performance, while close ties with Liebherr factories enable direct access to engineering expertise, software updates, and technical improvements. A national operator trainer is also available to support machine handovers, providing on-site training to help operators get the most from their equipment from day one.

For more information, visit liebherr.com.au

Quarry September 2025 31

NOT A MEMBER? JOIN THE IQA TODAY! 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

1 3

IQA MEMBER BENEFITS

Professional connections

Contribute to the industry

Opportunity to join branch committees

Engagement with quarrying professionals nationally & globally

NETWORKING

Scan to Join:

INDUSTRY RECOGNITION Use of IQA digital member badge Recognition membership status through post-nominals IQA Award Nominations Acknowledgement of industry contributions

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Incentives for Young Members Initiatives and support for Women in Quarrying A range of site tours and workshops, events & conferences

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

Image: NatalieJean/stock.adobe.com

SUSTAINABILITY

Fire ants are a noted pest in many countries and jurisdictions.

HOW TO

HALT AN OUTBREAK New guidelines have been introduced for the quarrying industry to help prevent an outbreak of fire ants.

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uidelines and supportive measures are being provided to several key sectors, including quarrying, to prevent an outbreak of fire ants.

Earlier this year, the National Fire Ant Eradication Program (NFAEP) advised that fire ant detections had continued in Baringa in the Sunshine Coast. A landscaper discovered a potential fire ant nest on May 16, which eradication officers later destroyed after confirming the report to be accurate.

That came after the program expanded biosecurity zones around Palmview and the surrounding Sunshine Coast area following fire ant detections in April. The precautionary measures were taken to avoid a spread of fire ants further into Queensland and into other parts of Australia.

The program directed anyone handling or transporting materials, including quarry materials, to comply with its existing biosecurity requirements. For businesses, this includes following movement controls, using fire-ant-safe practices, and monitoring their biosecurity zones.

NEW GUIDELINES In response, Cement Concrete & Aggregates Australia (CCAA) has launched a new set of guidelines for fire ant management to support Queensland operations.

The new guidelines are designed to help businesses mitigate the potential risks associated with fire ants in quarrying operations.

The guidelines were developed in collaboration with experts and biosecurity agencies from the National Fire Ant Eradication Program.

CCAA chief executive officer Michael Kilgariff said the new guidelines resulted from consultation with key industry stakeholders.

“Fire ants are an increasing biosecurity challenge for the construction materials industry, particularly in South-East Queensland,” he said.

“This new guideline has been developed in collaboration with the National Fire Ant Eradication Program (NFAEP) to provide a clear, industry-focused framework for managing fire ant risks at Queensland quarry sites.

“We have worked closely with the NFAEP and our members to ensure the guideline is practical, science-based, and aligned with regulatory expectations.

“Our aim is to prevent the further spread of fire ants while ensuring quarry operations remain efficient and compliant.”

National Fire Ant Eradication Program compliance manager Robert Wilson said the quarrying sector had an important role.

“CCAA has shown real leadership by creating a practical, science-backed guideline that protects the construction sector from becoming a pathway for fire ant spread, especially beyond existing fire ant biosecurity zones,” he said.

“Our program will continue working with industries to create tailored fire ant management tools. Without strong action, fire ants could cause up to $250 million in infrastructure damage each year.”

WHY IS THIS IMPORTANT? Red imported fire ants have proven to be capable of destroying electrical and

Quarry September 2025 33

SUSTAINABILITY

agricultural equipment, killing native plants and animals and harming people, pets and livestock.

The 2021 National Red Imported Fire Ant Eradication Program strategic review estimated ongoing eradication efforts would need at least $200 million to $300 million to achieve fire ant eradication by 2032.

The fire ant originates from South America but are thought to have arrived in Australia during the late 1990s via freight from the US. The first fire ant detection in Australia was made in 2001 although there has been a string of detections throughout 2025 in Queensland.

“Fire ants are among the world’s worst invasive pests. Their aggressive stings can trigger severe allergic reactions in humans, and they pose a serious threat to pets, livestock, native animals and infrastructure,” Invasive Species Council advocacy director Reece Pianta said.

“The frequency of new Sunshine Coast detections raises the spectre that fire ants

have escaped the northern containment boundary, risking large-scale infestation.”

Central Queensland University released a cost-benefit analysis in 2021 which showed if the spread of fire ants was not controlled over the next 15 years, the agricultural impacts alone could be estimated at $1 billion per year.

Internationally, many other countries have unsuccessfully tried to stop the spread of fire ants once the pest has infested their borders. Most of the southern part of the US is thought to be infested by fire ants, while experts suggest they are spreading in China at a rate of 80 kilometres per year.

Fire ants have been shown to be able to survive flood events as well as stowaway in materials, freight and soil. The climate of most parts of Australia is thought to be suitable to fire ants.

Pianta said a coordinated approach from industry and the local community would be needed to eradicate the pest species.

“The latest detection follows a string

of other outbreaks across Southeast Queensland in recent months, many linked to building and construction sites, in materials like soil, mulch and turf,” he said.

“This is not just a Queensland issue. If fire ants escape the current containment zone, they will spread across the country, devastating agriculture, threatening public health, and damaging our wildlife and way of life.

“There is a high risk that undetected nests will start to spread locally through queen flight or budding and once this process starts, fire ant infestations can quickly grow out of control. Repeat detections are a clear sign that a well-resourced winter blitz is essential to uncover unknown nests before they spread in the warmer months, when ants begin to fly, spread and multiply.

“Every nest we find now is a chance to stop this pest in its tracks. The council and local community need support, resources and personnel to make it happen.” • For more information, visit fireants.org.au

Fire ants have been detected in Queensland’s Sunshine Coast region.

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Quarry September 2025

Image: peter/stock.adobe.com

FIRE ANT FACTS: • Dark reddish-brown with a darker black-brown abdomen, and range in size from two to six millimetres long.

• Their ant nests are distinctive mounds of loose, crumbly or fluffy-looking soil with a honeycomb appearance. These can be up to 40 centimetres high and often have no obvious entrance holes.

High Fuel Efficiency SK380XD:

20 L/hr

High Fuel Efficiency SK500XD:

27 L/hr

FUEL MOVES COSTS BEST EFFICIENCY

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Designed to thrive in the most challenging environments, the KOBELCO XD Series excavators deliver exceptional performance and efficiency. With the lowest fuel consumption in the 35T and 50T classes*, these machines combine outstanding fuel efficiency with the power you need to tackle demanding sites. Built with Japanese engineering and reliability, the XD Series ensures you can conquer any quarry while minimising your operational costs.

*Average fuel consumption as reported by telematics data from similar size class Kobelco excavators working in Australia and New Zealand. Data reported includes only machines with over 10 hours per month, including data from all work modes.

@kobelcoaustralia

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PUGMILL

TRUSTED SOLUTIONS Crusher Screen Sales & Hire (CSSH) and IMS are designing solutions that make quarry operators’ lives easier.

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Quarry September 2025

Image: CSSH

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rusher Screen Sales & Hire (CSSH) is developing solutions to solve the common pain points of Australian quarry and aggregate producers.

“It is not unusual when a construction site project has problems for all parties involved to try to distance themself from potential claims, so the more accurate the product is to specification with supporting documentation, the better,” CSSH manager John Andersen said.

“Construction companies will generally gravitate to product supplies with proven records, reducing potential problems for them, and the blender does offer a lot more confidence than watching a quarry bucket mix.”

With this in mind, CSSH has worked with IMS on the IMS-BP1200-48TB blender, which provides these producers with a versatile solution.

The IMS-BP1200-48TB blender features four feed hoppers, each five meters long and capable of holding 12m³. The centre wall can be removed to create two 24-meter-long hoppers. Each feed hopper has separate conveyor belts, all fitted with belt scales, variable speed controls, and adjustable flow gates at the front. The BP1200-48TB can also feed directly into the IMS modular electric pugmill, allowing for the addition of powders and liquids.

“IMS offers a variety of mobile track and modular pugmills and blenders, available in diesel-hydraulic, dual power, and electric options,” Andersen said.

“IMS and Crusher Screen Sales have been working together for some years, designing plants for the Australian conditions and the changing requirements of blending quarry and construction products to meet the tighter specifications in the quarry industry with increased accuracy and reporting systems to support the sale of their products there for reducing prevention claims downstream.”

The blender operates using a Cat C7 generator, which can be connected to mains power and allows for production of up to

CSSH developed the IMS-BP1200-48TB with IMS

1000 tonnes per hour. This fully automated blender includes a PLC control and recording system that can connect to an iPad in a loader and link directly to an office through its own Wi-Fi system. The PLC control and recording system manages the entire plant; if one product does not meet the programmed percentage, the entire plant will stop.

“These machines also offer great serviceability, and the improved PLC control and recording system that can be monitored from an office, and our service department increases both safety and ease of maintenance,” Andersen said.

Andersen stated that the company plans to keep innovating across its products to support key Australian sectors like quarrying.

“Our production process involves significant investment of time and money in automating the IMS pugmills and blenders, continuously

enhancing the product to maintain its position as a market leader field,” he said.

“Producing materials that meet the required specifications is crucial for quarries in terms of quality and compliance.

“That’s where we step in. We guide customers to the appropriate equipment based on their needs, ensuring they get the best tools for their requirements success.”

CSSH and IMS are committed to delivering solutions to the Australian quarrying and aggregates sectors with a range of solutions for producers.

“These are just a few of the options developed and maintained in Australia, providing the flexibility to adapt functions to meet whatever challenges the industry presents customers,” he said. • For more information, visit crusherscreen.com.

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EXCAVATORS

Images: Kobelco

Both the SK380XD and SK500XD feature triple-plated hardened steel on high-wear areas.

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BUILT FOR THE EXTREME Kobelco’s new XD Series excavators have been purposebuilt to meet the challenges of the harshest work environments.

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onditions on Australian quarry sites put equipment through its paces.

Excavators must be prepared to handle heavy, abrasive materials day after day.

Most quarries also don’t have the time to wait around if something breaks. Equipment needs to be heavy duty and highly reliable.

That’s why Kobelco has specifically designed the SK380XDLC-10 and SK500XDLC-10 excavators to handle this challenge.

Part of the XD Series of excavators, these machines feature enhanced structural durability, improved fuel efficiency, and enhanced performance.

Kobelco Construction Machinery Australia general manager Mark Johnson said the series sets a new benchmark for durability and performance in the 35 and 50-tonne classes.

“These machines are built for the extreme – powerful, efficient and ready for the demands of quarrying operations,” he said.

Both the SK380XD and SK500XD feature triple-plated hardened steel on high-wear areas of the boom and arm, full-length rock guards, and double-reinforced idler frames. Heavy-duty 600mm triple-grouser shoes, bolted steel underbody guards, and upgraded track guide frames – quadruple on the SK500XD and triple on the SK380XD

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Quarry September 2025

– further ensure these machines are ready for aggressive terrain, steep stockpiles, and constant heavy loading.

Under the hood, these excavators are as capable as they are tough. The SK380XD is powered by a 209kW 7.68-litre Hino turbo diesel engine, while the SK500XD steps up with a 257kW 10.52-litre power plant. Both use Kobelco’s Intelligent Total Control System to manage hydraulic performance and deliver exceptional digging power and cycle speed.

The SK500XD features 293kN bucket breakout force and 415kN of tractive effort, making it ideal for mass excavation and bulk handling. The SK380XD delivers 244kN breakout force and 331kN of tractive power, excelling in more agile applications.

Kobelco’s XD Series stands out for its fuel efficiency. Telematics data from Australian and New Zealand machines show average fuel consumption of just 27 L/hr for the SK500XD and 20 L/hr for the SK380XD, making them highly efficient in their respective classes. A hydraulic regeneration system reduces pressure loss

and pump load, while three selectable work modes, including eco-mode, optimise output for significant fuel savings without compromising productivity.

Inside the cab, operator comfort is a priority. A spacious, pressurised cabin keeps dust and noise out, while a heated aircushioned suspension seat and pilot-control joysticks reduce fatigue over long shifts.

A large colour LCD screen provides fuel data, attachment settings, and rearview camera visibility, while up to 10 programmable hydraulic profiles make switching between tools easy and fast.

Factory-fitted tilt/rotate and quick hitch piping come standard, along with a convenient in-cab pressure relief function to streamline attachment changes.

With no diesel particulate filter, no AdBlue, and extended service intervals, the XD Series is also designed for minimal downtime and easier maintenance.

Kobelco backs each machine with a fouryear/6000-hour extended major component warranty, five years of free GEOSCAN telematics, and remote diagnostics support through its K-Assist technology platform.

Johnson said the XD Series has proven popular since it arrived in Australia.

“All of our quarry customers have been impressed by its performance. You’re getting a purpose-built extreme duty machine that also delivers with its fuel efficiency.”

“Since we brought the XD range into Australia, it has been a real winner, especially for those in the quarry industry,” Johnson said.•

The XD Series of excavators feature enhanced durability.

For more information, visit kobelco.com.au

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STRIVING TO BE THE BEST Agile Screening aims to make a mark on the Australi an quarrying sector..

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EYES ON AUSTRALIA Heidelberg Materials’ recent acquisition has reaffirm ed Australia as a key market.

SCREEN MEDIA

THE MODULAR SENSATION Multotec Australia is offering the MBV System as a screen media solution that enhances safety and reduces maintenance time.

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hen it came to fine-aperture rubber cross-tension panels, customers were approaching Multotec with a similar story; the available options took too long, the cost was too high, and the replacement rate was untenable.

Based on this, Multotec got to work designing a solution that would be smarter and more sustainable for quarry operations.

The company’s research and development process led to the MBV System.

“We developed a system that converted the screen from a typical cross-tension configuration to a modular configuration without changing anything on the sub-frame,” Multotec Australia business development manager for quarrying and aggregates Matthew Ferguson said.

“Traditionally, quarries have only had limited options for fine aperture screening where wet, sticky or high clay material is present, or where blinding and pegging are constant issues, so they turn to rubber. MBV, in terms of performance, is equal to, if not better than rubber screens, and provides the wear life benefits of the polyurethane.”

The key to the MBV System is the robust chassis, which stays permanently in place.

It may sound like a small tweak, but the development reaps major rewards for operators in terms of safety and maintenance.

The MBV System, unlike traditional fineaperture rubber cross-tension panels, only requires the worn media sections to be replaced, which can be done in seconds rather than hours. This is because the MBV panels are designed to fit a standard fastening system intended for modular panels, and the panels interlock at the edges, making installation and replacement straightforward and able to be conducted by one employee. From a maintenance perspective, customers only need to carry back-ups of the modular components, which Multotec Australia can support through its after-sales service.

Not that panels need to be regularly replaced. Multotec Australia installed the MBV System on a local quarry in May 2021, and it remains in operation to this day in its original configuration.

“The MBV uses a permanently installed chassis frame on the screen that is installed

The MBV System was shaped in response to industry feedback.

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Quarry September 2025

as a typical cross tension panel would, but it accepts modular media into it that is pinned in. It can be changed in situ without removing the chassis,” Ferguson said.

“This provides a massive safety improvement because the modules that insert into the MBV weigh around a kilo, and they can be changed within seconds.

It also helps reduce workers’ exposure to confined spaces. Once you have installed a full deck of chassis on the screen, the only stock you need to hold are the modular components on the screen. This means you no longer need to hold big, bulky and expensive cross-tension panels on the shelf.”

The MBV has been on the market since its debut by Multotec in 2021. Since then, it has been used in a variety of quarrying

Multotec is offering the MBV System in Australia.

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including Southeast Asia and New Zealand.

“We’ve worked hard to get our lead times to a competitive level, and we’re comfortable we can deliver MBV in a shorter timeframe than the traditional rubber alternative,” Ferguson said.

Multotec Australia believe the MBV System will help unlock a new level of safety and efficiency for local quarrying operators.

“It is not limited to fine screening.

Any clients who are looking to rethink their maintenance strategies with modular solutions, especially if they’re hamstrung by machine restraints, can use the MBV,” Ferguson said “Any clients that are considering modular systems to lower their operational costs can use MBV without needing mechanical structure changes on the screen. I think the sky is the limit for MBV.”• For more information, visit multotec.com

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Images: Multotec Australia

applications, including high clay content materials as well as coarser materials. The product has also been popular for customers where space restrictions or egress is restricted, or manual handling during maintenance periods is an issue.

“I think the feedback of the industry is that people are getting frustrated with supply chain issues and the price increases of products in this application. This means people are looking for alternatives. MBV is certainly one of them,” Ferguson said.

Multotec Australia maintains a robust manufacturing presence in Queensland.

The company is currently expanding its Logan facility to add an additional 10,000m² to the existing 10,000m², which will further enhance its production capacity and advanced technology capabilities. These enhanced capabilities mean Multotec Australia can support customers in the local quarrying market as well as regional markets,

Applies to all new Rammer rockbreakers and those registered in 2024. All other warranty terms remain unchanged.

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CRUSHING

TRUSTED TO DELIVER Striker Crushing and Screening’s equipment has been a game changer for an independent limestone operation.

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Striker Crushing and Screening supplies quality crushing and screening equipment.

Image: Striker Crushing and Screening

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araban Limestone has been operating for over two decades just outside of Guilderton as an independent supplier of key construction materials.

A few years ago, the company found itself in the market for a crusher to improve its plant’s output. When Striker Crushing and Screening’s hiring manager walked through the door at Caraban Limestone, it was a case of the right time, right place and right solution.

“I’ve always known Striker was around, and I’ve always known that their gear has had a good reputation in the industry,” Caraban Limestone manager Shane Clifton told Quarry.

“Ever since I’ve been running the quarry, I’ve heard about how good Striker’s product is from other people.”

Striker’s hiring manager discussed a rental hire solution, with an option to buy, for Caraban Limestone that was tailored to the Guilderton-based business’s objectives.

“I was confident that the machine would do what I wanted it to, but it was good to have the rental option available. It was the first time I had ever hired a machine like that,” Clifton said.

“I was that impressed with the performance of the machine that I did take up the option to buy.”

Earlier this year, Caraban Limestone received an HQR1112 Impactor and FS1000 Feeder Stacker from Striker Crushing and Screening.

The HQR1112 Impactor is a robustly designed high-performance impact crusher.

It is suitable for rugged environments, featuring a welded steel chassis and heavyduty tracks, which come as standard. It has two hydraulic oil coolers fitted, which keep the crushers performing even in the warmer climates of Western Australia.

The impactor features heavy-duty open disc-style rotors with four blow bars, which are designed to deliver the highest moment of inertia and powerful crushing performance. The HQR1112 also has a selfcleaning stepped grizzly and a vibrating twin shaft exciter.

The feed hopper features a hydraulically powered locking mechanism and hydraulically folding wings, made from Hardox steel and foldable for transport.

It also includes a single-deck vibrating screen and a hydraulically tilting returns conveyor, which support screening and recirculating materials.

“The machine looks very solid, very purpose-built, and robust. The impact crusher has proven to be more versatile,” Clifton said.

The FS1000 Feeder Stacker was added to feed the Striker HQR1112. The feeder stacker can accept feed directly from other equipment and efficiently feeding the impact crusher, which enhances efficiency and material output.

“It is a very useful bit of gear. It prevents rock jams, and we’ve been able to size the rocks better. It will be very handy as a stacker as well,” Clifton said.

Throughout the buying process, Clifton was impressed by the approach of Striker Crushing and Screening when it came to customer support and aftersales service.

As a family-owned and operated business, with a local manufacturing facility in Henderson, WA, the company has rewritten the rules of being a manufacturer.

The company, which built its business from the factory up, has a dedicated team that supports operators in some of the harshest

and most remote parts of Australia. In an industry that operates on tight margins, Striker’s focus on customer service is making all the difference.

“The thing I liked about Striker was that I was dealing with a family business. They were professional, very obliging and easy to approach,” Clifton said.

“Nothing was too much trouble for them, the after-sales service has been fantastic. You can see they value their customers.

“I’d definitely recommend talking to Striker, especially because of their service. They have been fantastic. They always return your call, even though they’re busy, and it means a lot that they actually care.”

From its quarry on Caraban Road, Caraban Limestone sells a range of materials for local projects, which are now being created

by Striker’s equipment solution. The quarry produces roadbase, sized aggregates and agricultural lime, and its Striker equipment has enhanced its operations.

“The machines we buy have to suit our purpose, we’re not going to over-invest.

We’re trying to do what we can on an efficient budget as possible, and the machines we’ve brought from Striker are certainly going to help us do that,” Clifton said.

“The machines have already been a significant game changer in our approach.” • For more information, visit strikercrushing.com.au

Images: CRH

CONSTRUCTION MATERIALS

Jim Mintern is the current CEO of CRH.

PROVEN TRACK RECORD Quarry learns how Dublin-based CRH has expanded its presence in the US construction materials market.

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RH has continued to forge ahead with an expansion to its US operations with a mega-deal in the construction materials market.

The company is set to acquire Eco Material Technologies for a total consideration of US$2.1 billion. An agreement between the two companies has been signed, which is subject to regulatory approval and customary closing conditions, but is expected to close in 2025.

“This strategic acquisition further positions CRH as a leading cementitious player in North America with both cement and SCM capabilities. This transaction demonstrates CRH’s disciplined approach to capital allocation, building market-leading positions in higher-growth markets with secular tailwinds and superior returns,” CRH chief executive officer Jim Mintern said.

“With more than 1100 Eco Material employees joining the CRH team, our combined operations create a more connected business to better serve our customers.”

Utah-based Eco Material owns and operates a network of more than 125 locations, including production facilities and terminals.

These facilities work with supplementary cementitious materials including fly

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ash, pozzolans, synthetic gypsum and green cement.

Eco Materials produces around seven million tonnes of fly ash and around three million tonnes of synthetic gypsum, with additional capacity under construction.

The acquisition of Eco Materials expands CRH’s presence in North America. It follows CRH’s investment in key markets, including Australia, to grow its global presence.

“Eco Material is excited to enter a new phase of growth, partnering with industry leader CRH to enhance our scale and

suite of offerings to our utility partners and ready-mix customers. CRH’s strong industry presence, coupled with its intense focus on safety, innovation and customer service, pairs perfectly with Eco Material’s key values,” Eco Material chairman and chief executive officer Grant Quasha said.

Leading CRH is chief executive officer Jim Mintern, who took up the top job earlier this year. Mintern succeeded long-time and wellrespected executive Albert Manifold, who had steered CRH for the best part of a decade.

Mintern, who ended his time at CRH at the

Much of CRH’s business comes from the North America market.

BP120

end of 2024, was recently tapped for a key leadership role at BP as the incoming chair of the board.

British energy and gas company BP’s senior independent director Dame Amanda Blanc highlighted Manifold’s track record at CRH as a reason for his hiring. During his tenure, alongside key acquisitions, Manifold shifted CRH’s primary stock listing from London to New York, reflecting how much of CRH’s business is now conducted in North America.

“Albert has a relentless focus on performance, which is well suited to BP’s needs now and into the future. He transformed and refocused CRH into a global leader by building on its rich heritage to deliver superior growth, cash generation and returns,” she said.

“His impressive track record of shareholder value creation at CRH demonstrates he is the ideal candidate to oversee BP’s next chapter.”

Mintern had been with the company for more than two decades prior to the promotion.

Manifold previously welcomed Mintern’s appointment as his successor to the top job.

“I am pleased that Jim, who has a deep understanding of CRH, will succeed me when I retire at the end of this year. This will be his time,” he said at the time.

“Jim’s experience, capabilities and ambition for the business ideally position him to lead the CRH team forward through an era of enormous opportunity.”

CRH has a major presence in North America’s construction materials market.

MAJOR PRESENCE There are few bigger names in the construction materials sector than CRH. The Dublin-headquartered company has a presence in almost every major market in cement and concrete, and, through the Eco Materials acquisition, has a significant presence in cement and supplementary cementitious materials.

In 1970, the merger of Cement Limited and Roadstone Limited led to the creation of Cement Roadstone Holdings, or as it is now globally known, CRH. In 2015, CRH signed off on a deal with Lafarge and Holcim for €6.5 billion worth of assets following the merger of the latter two.

In a monumental deal, CRH gained key assets including cement plants, ready-mix operations and distribution networks across Europe, North

America and emerging markets such as the Philippines and Brazil.

CRH has been active within the US market since 1978, when the company acquired Amcor, a Utah-based company which specialised in concrete products.

Almost five decades on from that initial foray into the North American market, most of CRH’s business comes from the region and it accounts for just over half of its earnings.

Following the Eco Materials acquisition, the North American market is set to remain the jewel in the CRH crown.

“As we continue to modernise North America’s infrastructure, this transaction secures the long-term supply of critical materials for future growth,” Mintern said. “(It) puts CRH at the forefront of the transition to next-generation cement and concrete.”•

CRUSHER & SCREEN SALES PTY LTD

IMS DISTRIBUTOR for Australia, Papua New Guinea and South East Asia

Specialist Manufacturers of Quarry, Mining & Recycling Equipment Irish Manufacturing Services Ltd | www.ims-ltd.ie

IMS Track Blenders in Stock for Sale and Hire

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 all fitted with invertors offering variable 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.

BP1200-9TB twin feed hopper blender with mixer and water adding system

BP1200-48TB four hopper blender, diesel electric can connect to mains power

John Andersen +61(0)424 181 056 | Chris Wong +61(0)424 180 860 info@crusherscreen.com | www.crusherscreen.com | Unit 4, 181 Sandy Creek Road Yatala QLD 4207 Crusher and Screen Sales PTY Ltd | ABN: 55 150 600 418 Gold Coast QLD 4220 | PO Box 144 Southport QLD 4215

HAULING

A CLASS OF ITS OWN Decades after first unveiling the world’s first 50-tonne articulated dump truck (ADT), Bell Equipment’s proven B50E remains the company’s flagship 6x6 model and trusted in the industry.

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“The reasoning behind the concept remains as valid today, and the B50E has really come of age as a high performing product, showing pleasing product maturity and longevity.”

When the B50D was released for worldwide sale at BAUMA 2004, its power and power-toweight ratio impressed many in the industry.

It also offered the a comprehensive standard feature offering, which included onboard weighing and the Bell proprietary telematics system, Fleetm@tic®. Castle said that the E-Series built on the strong foundations established by Bell Equipment’s D-Series.

“The new E-series generation model, introduced to the market in 2016, has continued to build on these strengths through Bell Equipment’s continuous evolution philosophy,” he said.

“The B50E, like the rest of the range, is loaded with safety and driving assistance features such as hill assist, tip safe, downhill braking control, and automatic traction control. We also have auto grease systems, rearview camera, onboard diagnostics, and Bell Fleetmatic®, which itself as evolved to provide pole-to-pole coverage and real-time tracking, giving customers the ultimate tool for asset, production, and machine health management.”

The engine power and power-to-weight ratio are fundamental to the performance of the B50E from Bell Equipment. weighs around 35.9 tonnes empty with a payload of 45.4 tonnes. The B50E’s in-line six-cylinder engine from Mercedes-Benz produces 430 kW at 1600 rpm. With 5.29 kW/t unladen

Images: Hitachi Construction Machinery Australia

he Bell E-series from Bell Equipment is considered one of the largest and most comprehensive articulated dump truck (ADT) ranges available on the global market.

Bell Equipment product manager Brad Castle said the series had stood the test of the time in many industrial applications.

“Our 50-tonner concept is a great example of our company’s passion for innovation and ability to respond to customer needs. The development of the B50D, in the early 2000s, was driven largely by increased operating costs in the market and, having the largest payload of any ADT on the market at that time gave customers a unique solution: being able to transport a higher payload for marginally more fuel and with less operators required per ton of material moved,” he said.

The rear body of the Bell B50E with automatic tailgate has a 1.5 m³ larger volume.

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and 11.98 kW/t laden, the B50D delivers a premium driving performance.

“The Allison 4800 ORS seven-speed automatic transmission with self-calibrating FuelSense® 2.0 technology uses algorithms to adapt variable shift points to the route and load profile. This supports optimum power delivery and low fuel consumption even under full load,” Castle said.

Bell Equipment has added an expansive technology platform to the Bell E-Series ADTs. All of the ADTs in this series have a corresponding gateway interface (ISO 21815-2) for level 9 proximity detection system (PDS) / collision avoidance systems (CAS).

Castle said that Bell Equipment prioritises direct communication between specialist suppliers and end customers to determine the best fit for their application.

“There is already a wide range of systems available that are best suited to individual regions, company sizes or operational requirements,” he said.

“As a machine supplier, we see it as our responsibility to give our customers the greatest possible freedom. We have been working intensively with a wide range of suppliers for many years, which now enables us to integrate our vehicles very quickly into fully or semi-autonomous or even remote systems via the appropriate interfaces.”• For more information, hitatchicm.com.au

Due to the 875/65 R29 EM tyres, the laden Bell B50E is gentle on the ground.

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Frank Grech | National Sales Manager Mob +61 409 123 364 info@kayasand.com

KAYASAND.COM

EXCAVATORS

DYNAMIC DELIVERY Crushing Dynamics has become a trusted quarry operator with the help of Caterpillar and Queensland dealer Hastings Deering.

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rushing Dynamics understands what it takes to run a successful business that thrives in the Australian quarrying sector.

Crushing Dynamics has made its reputation in Queensland after initially starting out in New South Wales as a mobile crushing contractor.

The Queensland-based business operates Yatala Quarry, located on Flame Trees

Drive, which produces 4000 and 6000 tonnes a day of aggregates, roadbase and fill material. At the heart of the operation is Crushing Dynamics’ dependable fleet of Caterpillar machines.

“We’re a small, family-owned business and we’re growing every year,” Crushing Dynamics quarry manager Bob Campbell said.

Images: Caterpillar

Hastings Deering supported Crushing Dynamics to find the right equipment.

Crushing Dynamics has been impressed with its Caterpillar equipment.

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“We deliver a great product and providing a high level of customer service is key to our success. We recently expanded our crushing plant and are bringing in more Cat machines from Hastings Deering to help with the expanded throughput, so it’s going very well.”

READY TO RUMBLE Campbell has been around the industry for a while. When it comes to purchasing decisions for Yatala Quarry, Campbell knew exactly what machinery would get the most out of the hard rock quarry.

“I’ve managed a number of different quarries, and over time you get to know the difference between the various brands and bits of gear,” he said.

“I’ve always preferred Caterpillar as a brand; they make great machines. So, when I was in the position to decide on what equipment this site should have, I chose Caterpillar because my experience with them has always been great.”

The Queensland quarry extracts metagreywacke rock, a known hard rock, to produce its range of aggregates and construction materials. Using the site specifications of Yatala Quarry, Queensland Caterpillar dealer Hastings Deering tailored its selections for the fleet to the application.

The site’s current Caterpillar fleet includes a Next Generation Cat 349 excavator, multiple Cat 336 excavators, Cat 980 and 982 model wheel loaders as well as a Cat 772G off-highway truck. The company will also welcome a second Cat 772G off-highway truck later this year with the order already placed with Hastings Deering.

“These Cat machines, they dig through it and pull the material out quite easily. They’ve got the power there to move that rock, which is great,” Campbell said. “(The 982 has) a really good capacity bucket so you can move more material with them, and they’re just an all-round great machine that are a little bit quicker than the 980s.”

A key part of the performance of Caterpillar machinery in the quarry is its range of technology. Caterpillar has fitted its new machinery with technological features that

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Crushing Dynamics invested in Caterpillar equipment for its quarry.

make the daily tasks of quarry managers and operators easier.

Operators can monitor loading activities through Cat Payload, achieve more accurate cutting with Cat Grade and Grade Assist, and Lift Assist provides real-time data on the weight of material in the bucket.

E-Fence ensures an excavator is kept within a pre-defined area while Cat Product Link provides accurate information to Caterpillar’s VisionLink interface which assists with making informed decisions.

Campbell said that the real-time data, including fuel burn and idle time, had helped the quarry operate efficiently.

“I can sit in my office and see exactly what the machines are doing at any time,” he said.

“I can see how hard they are working, or if there are any problems on site and unexpected idling.

“The payload system is also great because I can see how much material an excavator or truck has moved in a day. As we do a lot of stockpiling from the crushers and screens, we count our production by the load. So, at the end of each day, I can see the total amounts stockpiled and get all of my figures straight off the platform.”

VALUED PARTNERS The Caterpillar fleet is a real-world example of a long-standing partnership between Crushing Dynamics and Hastings Deering, which has spanned more than 20 years.

QUARRY PUMPING EXPERTS

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BRISBANE MACKAY

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For more information, visit cat.com/ or hastingsdeering.com.au

Victoria MELBOURNE

Campbell said one factor sets Hastings Deering apart from the pack: the Queensland dealer’s focus on after-sales service.

“If I’ve ever had any queries about a machine or the technology, I just jump straight on the phone with Hastings Deering and they’re more than helpful,” he said.

“They’ll either give me advice over the phone, or if it’s something they need to come out and have a look at, they’ll get somebody out pretty quickly and give us guidance.

“Not only are they helpful, but the team I work with has a lot of knowledge, which benefits us as a business. A lot of the Hastings Deering team have been in the industry for a long time, and they know their stuff, so it’s great to ring someone who has that know-how and can get us set on the right track.

“When we get a new delivery, a Hastings Deering trainer will come out to the quarry and give everybody a rundown on the machine, how to use all of the various functions and how we can get the full benefit from the gear.

“Overall, we find that Caterpillar and Hastings Deering give us the reliability and support we need to have fewer breakdowns and higher productivity.

“Those two things are key for our business.”•

South Australia ADELAIDE Northern Territory DARWIN

GEOLOGY TALK

Image: dvoevnore/stock.adobe.com

DATA IN DEMAND

Microsoft has signed a cement supply agreement with Sublime Systems.

A rise in demand for data centres globally could present opportunities for sustainable construction material producers.

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ata centres are increasingly important in a progressively digital working environment for business, but could these present opportunities for sustainable construction materials?

The advancements in artificial intelligence technology, alongside the growing adoption of cloud computing services, are driving a rise in demand for data centres. Knight Frank’s latest report shows that the Asia Pacific leads global data centre investment, with Australia being the second-top investment location, followed by the US. The market is forecast to be worth US$4 trillion by 2030.

It is a question technology giant Microsoft is looking to answer through its recent partnership with US-based Sublime Systems. Their agreement will see 622,500 metric tonnes of Sublime Cement used in Microsoft’s construction projects over a sixto nine-year period.

“To reach net zero, the world needs innovative technology solutions like Sublime Cement. At Microsoft, our focus is growing the market for these solutions,” Microsoft director for carbon reduction strategy and market development Katie Ross said.

Sublime Cement has been approved as a compliant replacement for ordinary Portland

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cement in concrete by the American Society for Testing and Materials. The key to Sublime cement is its “electrochemical” process. During production, this process breaks down the entirety of the rock and industrial waste feedstocks, which reduces pollution associated with conventional cement manufacturing. The kilns run 1450°C to decompose the feedstock limestone, in what Sublime calls an “ambient-temperature process”. The process can use low-value or unsellable rock and industrial waste, which is broken down into cementitious ingredients and cementitious co-products.

The cement will be used, where geographically possible, to build Microsoft’s data centres, office buildings and other required infrastructure.

Microsoft has already started using other sustainable materials. The company recently finalised data centres in Northern Virginia, which were constructed from a mix of cross-laminated timber, steel and concrete.

According to its research, this mix resulted in a 35 per cent reduction in the embodied carbon footprint of its new data centres.

Where it is not geographically possible, Microsoft can purchase environmental attribute certificates to deploy the Sublime cement in other projects.

“While we prioritise deploying physical material whenever possible, this EAC approach helps both buyers and sellers overcome geographic, supply chain, cost, and other barriers that make it challenging to introduce new technologies,” Ross said.

As part of the agreement, Microsoft has become the first signed-up customer to Sublime Cement’s “mega-tonne” scale plant in Holyoke, Massachusetts, which will be its first commercial site. The plant is currently under construction while Sublime operates a smaller 250-tonneper-year pilot plant in Somerville, Massachusetts. The company’s progress has attracted industry stakeholders, including Holcim, Amrize, and CRH, who have invested in it.

In a blog written by Ross to coincide with the partnership announcement, Microsoft reiterated the importance of using low-carbon materials in its construction projects.

“Every data centre and campus around the world uses cement, which serves as the binder in concrete. Cement reacts with water to harden and hold the mixture together, giving concrete its strength and durability,” she wrote.

“It’s also the most carbon-intensive component of concrete. Reducing the amount of cement in concrete and reducing the carbon intensity of cement are both key pathways to decarbonisation.” •

SEPTEMBER 2025

www.quarrymagazine.com

QUARRY