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SEPTEMBER 2026

OFFICIAL JOURNAL OF THE INSTITUTE OF QUARRYING AUSTRALIA

SEPTEMBER 2026

FROM THE QUARRY FACE TO THE FRONT OFFICE Kleemann’s connected digital solutions are giving quarries a more in-depth view of crushing operations.

QUARRY

www.quarrymagazine.com

A HOLISTIC APPROACH Komatsu is capitalising on its range of innovative resources and solutions to assist the wider quarrying industry.

DELIVERING IN TOUGH CONDITIONS CDE has supported Heidelberg Materials Australia in upgrading its Bacchus Marsh plant.

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IN THIS ISSUE

VOLUME 35, ISSUE 9

12 GOING FOR GOLD

40 DELIVERING GREATER CERTAINTY

14 STANDING ON SOLID GROUND

42 DELIVERING IN TOUGH CONDITIONS

20 FROM THE QUARRY FACE TO THE FRONT OFFICE

44 THE ART OF QUARRYING

22 SMART PROTECTION

26 REALTIME ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING 28 BUILT FOR LOCAL CONDITIONS 30 BEYOND THE MORNING QUEUE 32 DRIVEN BY INNOVATION

66 BUILDING A STRONGER FUTURE FOR MINING

52 DELIVERING XMOR FOR LIMA SOUTH QUARRY 54 FULL CIRCLE PROJECT

34 BEYOND THE PUMP

56 A PARTNERSHIP BUILT BEYOND SCREENING

36 BUILT FOR AUSTRALIAN QUARRYING

58 CONTINUOUS PRODUCT INNOVATION BY RAMMER

SEPTEMBER 2026

68 THE EVOLUTION OF CONCRETE SAND 70 BUILT ON RELIABILITY

48 ELIMINATING PAIN POINTS 50 EVERY TONNE COUNTS

OFFICIAL JOURNAL OF THE INSTITUTE OF QUARRYING AUSTRALIA

64 LOCAL HERITAGE SHAPES A NEW ERA

QUARRY

24 AN ACE IN THE PACK

46 A HEAVYWEIGHT FOR HARD ROCK

62 EASING THE OVERBURDEN

www.quarrymagazine.com

18 BUILT TO LEAD

60 PROCESSING WITH PURPOSE

EVERY MONTH 04 From the editor 08 From the CEO 10 From the President 16 IQA news 72 Product focus 74 Geology talk

A HOLISTIC APPROACH Komatsu is capitalising on its range of innovative resources and solutions to assist the wider quarrying industry.

FROM THE QUARRY FACE TO THE FRONT OFFICE Kleemann’s connected digital solutions are giving quarries a more in-depth view of crushing operations.

38 CONNECTED PLANT PERFORMANCE

SEPTEMBER 2026

FEATURES

SEPTEMBER 2026

DELIVERING IN TOUGH CONDITIONS CDE has supported Heidelberg Materials Australia in upgrading its Bacchus Marsh plant.

A HOLISTIC APPROACH Komatsu is capitalising on innovative resources to assist the wider quarrying industry. Image: Komatsu

Quarry September 2026 3

EDITORIAL

A BULK MELTING POT

n September, the Australian bulk handling industry will once again come together for the 2026 Bulk Handling Technical Conference and Expo. The show is the country’s only dedicated exhibition and conference aimed at the bulk solids handling sector. This biennial event connects leading suppliers with senior decision makers, engineers, operators, procurement professionals and contractors from across the country. Whether you are looking to connect with new and existing suppliers, learn about the latest technologies, or discover solutions, the Bulk Expo is a mustattend event for the quarry sector. Key decision-makers from a broad range of sectors, including quarrying, will have the opportunity to get an up close look at the latest in technology and innovate on, whether they specialise in agricultural silos, shiploaders, or mining conveyors. It is an opportunity to catch up with colleagues, meet new faces, and build a network. It is also a place to learn, thanks to a world-class forum of advanced technical content, curated by the

Australian Society for Bulk Solids Handling. Additionally, it will feature a revamped Australian Bulk Handling Awards night. The event is an opportunity to acknowledge and celebrate the outstanding achievements and successes of companies and individuals that have demonstrated innovative practices and superior performances across the year. This year, the awards program has evolved, with a record number of nominations and several new categories have been added, including the Women in Bulk Handling Award, Bulk Handling Training and Development Award, and Mentor of the Year award. Quarry is proud to be one of the official media partners for the expo and will have a team of reporters at the show this year to report on the latest bulk handling breakthroughs. We look forward to seeing you there at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre from 16–17 September. William Arnott Editor

Published by:

WHETHER YOU ARE LOOKING TO CONNECT WITH NEW AND EXISTING SUPPLIERS, LEARN ABOUT THE LATEST TECHNOLOGIES, OR DISCOVER SOLUTIONS, THE BULK EXPO IS A MUST ATTEND EVENT FOR THE QUARRY SECTOR.

379 Docklands Drive Melbourne VIC 3008 T: 03 9690 8766 www.primecreativemedia.com.au

Chief Executive Officer Christine Clancy christine.clancy@primecreative.com.au Group Managing Editor Paul Hayes paul.hayes@primecreative.com.au Editor William Arnott william.arnott@primecreative.com.au Assistant Editor Adam Daunt adam.daunt@primecreative.com.au Journalist Daniel Williamson daniel.williamson@primecreative.com.au Business Development Manager Les Ilyefalvy les.ilyefalvy@primecreative.com.au Client Success Co-ordinator Janine Clements janine.clements@primecreative.com.au Head of Design Clayton Hawley Art Director Michelle Weston Subscriptions T: 03 9690 8766 subscriptions@primecreative.com.au The Publisher reserves the right to alter or omit any article or advertisement submitted and requires indemnity from the advertisers and contributors against damages or liabilities that September arise from material published. © Copyright – No part of this publication September be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in any means electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise without the permission of the publisher.

Quarry September 2026

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FROM THE CEO

IQA ON THE GOLD COAST

n October the sector comes together on the Gold Coast, and this year’s National Conference carries a few moments worth being in the room for. On day one, Michael Close passes the chains of office after two years as President. It has been a period of genuine building and the handover at the Hitachi Welcome Reception will be the sector’s opportunity to acknowledge his contribution. It is also the final National Conference under our current Strategic Plan. What replaces it is being shaped by what members told us in this year’s survey, and a good deal of the program already reflects that. Site tours were the most requested event format, and we open with one at Heidelberg Materials’ Wolffdene Quarry. Members asked for more technical depth, and it runs through both days of sessions, alongside the Sector Leaders and National Regulators panels and up to 12 CPD hours in New South Wales and six in Queensland.

WHAT YOU TOLD US The results of the 2026 IQA Member Survey are in, with 422 members responding – our largest survey to date and up 36 per cent on 2024. The more telling finding sits underneath that. Almost everything members rated highly – the Mentoring Program, That’s Solid, the IQA Connect app, the new website, the free webinar series came out of the 2024 survey. With 2026 the final year of our current Strategic Plan, what members have told us goes directly into the next one. THAT’S SOLID ON THE ROAD Since launching in late February, our That’s Solid public awareness campaign has travelled a long way. The Think Tank series that began with sector leaders and members in Brisbane and Sydney in March reached Perth on 11 August and concluded in Melbourne on 2

Quarry September 2026

September, and along the way the campaign featured at our Safety and Health conferences in Sydney, Brisbane and North Queensland. It has travelled well beyond our own events too. In April, Michael and I shared it with quarrying leaders from five countries at the 55th IQ Southern Africa Conference in Durban, and in July Michael presented it to the Institute of Quarrying New Zealand conference. Just as importantly, the campaign is visible on the ground. Members are taking That’s Solid into careers expos and schools around the country, putting quarrying career pathways in front of students who had never considered them. Truck and ute wraps from member organisations are carrying the message along our roads, and the social media campaign is reaching students, parents and the sector itself. Four states, five international institutes, seven months. What comes through everywhere is that the challenge is shared. Workforce, perception and bringing the next generation in are not questions any one state, or any one country, is facing alone.

RENEWALS A final reminder for members yet to renew for 2026/27. Renewing before 6 October keeps your membership continuous and your member benefits intact, including member rates for the National Conference and every IQA event ahead. After that date, outstanding memberships lapse and rejoining involves the joining fee as well as the annual subscription. If you would like to check your status or need an invoice reissued, the team can help at membership@ quarry.com.au or on 02 9484 0577. I look forward to seeing many of you on the Gold Coast next month. Jane Schmitt Chief Executive Officer Institute of Quarrying Australia

The Institute of Quarrying Australia

Educating and connecting our extractive industry

MEMBERS ARE TAKING THAT’S SOLID INTO CAREERS EXPOS AND SCHOOLS AROUND THE COUNTRY, PUTTING QUARRYING CAREER PATHWAYS IN FRONT OF STUDENTS WHO HAD NEVER CONSIDERED THEM.

www.quarry.com.au The IQA’s Strategic Plan 2023 to 2026 embodies the following vision, values and strategic priorities: Vision: Thriving communities supported by a sustainable industry Operational Priorities: • Deepen industry participation • Sustainable revenue streams • Highly capable team • Technological innovation • Effective engagement • Great governance Strategic Priorities: • Support industry participants with compliance and regulation • Build a diverse and skilled industry workforce • Foster strong industry connectivity

IQA Contacts: For all education, member and branch enquiries: Phone: 02 9484 0577 Email: iqa@quarry.com.au Chief Executive Officer Jane Schmitt President Michael Close Company Secretary David Cowie Follow the IQA on our social media pages: IQAustralia the-australian-institute-of-quarrying/ iqaus

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FROM THE PRESIDENT

TWO YEARS, ONE PRIVILEGE

his is my final update as your President. At the Welcome Reception on the Gold Coast, on the first evening of our National Conference, I will pass the chains of office to my successor. Before I do, I want to look back on what this community has built over the past two years. I say community deliberately. Presidents do not build much on their own. What follows belongs to our members, our branch committees, our board and the team led by Jane Schmitt. When I took the chains in Adelaide in October 2024, our member survey had just told us three things very clearly. Members wanted the public to understand our sector. They wanted structured support for careers. And they wanted better ways to stay connected to the IQA and to each other. Two years on, every one of those member priorities has been translated into tangible outcomes. That’s Solid launched in February this year as the sector’s first national public awareness campaign, with member stories on screens across the country, a careers hub, a national quarry directory, and members taking the message into schools and careers expos around Australia. We have now presented the campaign to quarrying leaders on three continents, and our fellow Institutes around the world are keen to take it to their own countries. An Australian campaign, built from what our members asked for, is becoming a global one. The IQA Mentoring Program ran its first round in 2025 and every participant surveyed said they would recommend it. The IQA Connect app and our monthly IQA Matters newsletter now keep members connected between events. And this year’s member survey tells us the

initiatives built from member feedback are valued by 88 per cent of the members who use them. There have been personal highlights I will carry with me. Representing the IQA at conferences in New Zealand, Malaysia and South Africa provided the opportunity to learn from our international peers while sharing Australia’s experiences. Presenting in South Africa on my career journey and Crushing and Screening 101: Based on 25-years personal experience, shared learnings & today’s operational excellence, showcasing the That’s Solid campaign at QuarryNZ, and seeing our Young Members Network delegates take the stage in Durban were particularly rewarding moments. Sharing these experiences with my wife, building lasting friendships with fellow international Presidents and their partners, and watching the IQA grow over the past two years have made it a privilege to hand over the Institute in such a strong position. That, in the end, is what these two years have been about. A sector deciding to invest in its own future, its reputation, its people and its next generation. To the incoming President: you inherit an Institute in strong shape, with clear direction from members and significant momentum behind its future. I could not be handing over at a better moment, with a new Strategic Plan taking shape and strong momentum behind it. To all of you: thank you. It has been the privilege of my career. I will see you on the Gold Coast, and I will be the one grinning through the handover.

BUILDING LASTING FRIENDSHIPS WITH FELLOW INTERNATIONAL PRESIDENTS AND THEIR PARTNERS, AND WATCHING THE IQA GROW OVER THE PAST TWO YEARS HAVE MADE IT A PRIVILEGE TO HAND OVER THE INSTITUTE IN SUCH A STRONG POSITION.

Michael Close, FIQ President Institute of Quarrying Australia

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COVER STORY

A HOLISTIC APPROACH Komatsu is capitalising in innovative resources to assist the wider quarrying industry.

uarry operators are under growing pressure to move more material while managing rising operating costs, skill shortages, emissions and safety concerns. That’s why partners like Komatsu are investing heavily into solutions that support the broader quarry ecosystem, maximise uptime, and reduce total cost of ownership. Komatsu Australia national business manager for quarries Nick Vrontas said every quarry has its own challenges and production goals, so there is no one-size-fits-all solution. “Our focus isn’t on one machine; it’s on how the entire fleet operates together,” Vrontas said. “We understand each customer’s operation and provide the equipment, technology,

Komatsu’s Smart Quarry Site was developed in Australia and is designed to provide operators with insights and data on machines in a single platform.

10 Quarry September 2026

support and expertise they need throughout the life of their fleet.” One example of this holistic approach is Komatsu’s Smart Quarry Site (SQS), which was developed in Australia and is now rolled out across quarries globally. The system brings operational data, operator insights and machine performance together in a single platform to help operators. “We’ve developed the SQS platform alongside industry, adding features such as CO₂ and fuel burn insights, enhanced electronic pre-start checks, improved safety and machine health visibility and more advanced utilisation and operator scorecards,” Vrontas said.

As a brand-agnostic platform, SQS can operate across mixed fleets, not just Komatsu machines, to support operations that use machines from more than one original equipment manufacturer (OEM). The solution is suitable for a wide range of equipment types and machines such as dozers, dump trucks, excavators, graders, and wheel loaders, making it a more versatile innovation. Vrontas said its versatility makes SQS a powerhouse piece of technology for quarry operators. “We know operators often have more than one type of machine working in their quarry, and we don’t want that to be a limitation to the type of data they can access to keep their quarry productive,” he said.

Images: Komatsu Australia

“Operators receive insights into payload accuracy, target destinations and operating behaviour directly in the cabin, helping them maintain consistent payloads, reduce idle time and avoid overloading machines.” This real-time feedback is displayed on the cabin screen so it’s right there in front of operators when they’re in the cab, helping them self-correct and improve as they operate the machine. “At one of our SQS customer sites, this visualisation helped decrease idle time on the load and haul trucks by eight per cent and the face loader increased utilisation by seven per cent, a significant effective utilisation increase,” Vrontas said.

Quarries across Australia are in need of innovative solutions to address specific requirements.

While technology provides valuable insights, Nick said improving productivity ultimately comes down to the people operating the equipment. “We work closely with customers to help operators understand not just how to use the equipment, but how small changes in operating practices can improve productivity, fuel efficiency and machine life,” he said. “The SQS platform is the key to this, as it is the enabler that provides the visibility to understand if these actions are taking effect.”

TURNING DATA INTO BETTER DECISIONS The visibility provided by SQS gives quarry operators a clearer understanding of how their entire operation is performing. Vrontas said the real-time insights available to loading tool operators help them achieve more accurate truck payloads, improving load-andhaul efficiency and ultimately contributing to a more profitable operation. “In many sites SQS has led to a five to ten per cent increase in productivity and with this level of productivity comes an increase in profit, and the return on investment can be calculated in months rather than years,” he said. Safety is also a key thing supported by SQS “Digital prestarts and speed monitoring all contribute to a dramatic shift in safety. When operators are shown speed limit changes they can immediately adapt.” The platform also features mismatch functionality, which uses geofencing to verify that material is being transported to the correct destination. If a truck is heading to the wrong stockpile, crusher or waste area, the system alerts the operator before the load is dumped, helping prevent material

contamination, rehandling and costly production errors. “Together, these features provide a single platform that gives managers the information they need to make immediate operational decisions, while also supporting safety, machine health and equipment efficiency - all of which are just as important as production performance,” Vrontas said.

KEEPING EQUIPMENT WORKING HARDER FOR LONGER Once equipment is on site, maximising availability becomes the priority. Planned maintenance, genuine parts, component rebuilds and expert technical support all contribute to reducing unplanned downtime and extending machine life. Komatsu’s nationwide branch network, factory-trained technicians and aftermarket capabilities help customers maintain equipment performance throughout its lifecycle, while planned servicing and preventative maintenance strategies help minimise costly interruptions to production. “Every hour a machine is unavailable impacts productivity. Our dedicated aftersales support team and extensive branch network gives customers access to assistance long after a machine is delivered,” Vrontas said. “Because we’re part of the global Komatsu business, our customers benefit from direct access to factory expertise whenever it’s needed. Whether it’s technical support, product knowledge or engineering advice, there’s a direct line back to the people who know the equipment best.” • For more information, visit komatsu.com.au

Quarry September 2026 11

GOING FOR GOLD The 2026 IQA National Conference will bring together Australia’s quarrying professionals to exchange ideas, explore emerging technologies, examine key challenges, and consider how today’s decisions can build a strong future.

our companies have put their names behind the 2026 IQA National Conference as gold sponsors: Mining Wear Parts, Precisionscreen, John Deere and Sodex Innovations, with Sodex Innovations chief executive officer and founder Ralf Pfefferkorn presenting a talk titled The End of Stockpile Guesswork on day three. Ahead of the October showcase, the Institute of Quarrying Australia (IQA) sat down with Pfefferkorn and Precisionscreen chief operations officer Jonny McMurtry to discuss why their companies decided to get involved, what the theme of the national conference means from their perspective, and what they’re looking forward to on the Gold Coast. IQA: What does being part of the 2026 IQA National Conference mean to you? Ralf Pfefferkorn: A great deal. When we founded our company in 2021, we never would have imagined that we would grow so quickly and already have a customer base in Australia before our first event there. By participating, we aim to make inroads into this sector and showcase the possibilities our technology can offer. As a European company, expanding into this market is essential given its considerable size and it’s a major step for us to make our entry right here. Jonny McMurtry: Precisionscreen has been connected to the Australian quarrying and extractive industries for a long time. As an Australian-owned manufacturer marking 40 years in the industry this year, we see the conference as more than an opportunity to display equipment or talk about products. It is a chance to listen to the industry, understand where producers are facing challenges, and contribute to conversations about productivity, safety, local support, and long-term capability. It also means showing that Australian manufacturing still has a strong role to play in the sector.

12 Quarry September 2026

IQA: The conference theme is “Building the Future Today.” What does that look like for the sector right now? RP: The sector seems to be trying to figure out which direction to take right now. At every trade show, you see new autonomous solutions, artificial intelligence tools, software featuring augmented reality, new management capabilities, and marketplaces. It’s very difficult to say exactly which direction things are heading, and companies are making very individual decisions about which advantages to prioritise. But what all these solutions have in common is the need for high-quality, upto-date data as a foundation. Without that foundation, nothing happens. JM: Staying close to the people operating the plant, understanding the real production challenges, and building practical Australian solutions that help quarries perform safely, efficiently and reliably. The future is not just about larger machines or more technology for the sake of it. It is about practical improvements that help operators produce more consistently, reduce rehandling, manage fuel burn, improve product quality and keep machines running. The future is being built through those dayto-day decisions: better circuits, better support, better data, and better conversations between suppliers and operators. IQA: What’s the value of a national gathering like this? RP: The great thing about these events is that we can gather important feedback. The same things are happening virtually everywhere in the world, but the workflows differ, and that’s what we want to hear and understand over the three days. What we’ve seen globally is that crossregional dashboards and automated data collection are essential for large companies, but also for operations in very remote locations - and that perspective feels especially relevant to Australia.

JM: Connection and perspective. In dayto-day work, it is easy to focus on a specific quote, machine, site issue, or delivery deadline. A national gathering allows us to step back and hear what is happening across the whole sector - from large producers through to family quarry businesses, contractors, suppliers, engineers and service teams. The best outcomes usually come when we understand the real operating problem - downtime, product shape, feed consistency, cost per tonne - rather than just talking about machine price. What are you most looking forward to in October? RP: October is a month we’re eagerly looking forward to - we’ll be integrating important new features into our software, and the opportunity to showcase them at the conference is something truly special. I’m eager to learn how the sector works here and how we can play a role in it - and I’m extremely excited about it. JM: The open and honest conversations. The machinery side is always important, but the real value of events like this lies in hearing directly from people who are running quarries, managing sites, maintaining equipment, and making investment decisions under real conditions. Most of all, I am looking forward to reconnecting with customers, suppliers and industry peers. The IQA National Conference is one of the best opportunities to strengthen those relationships. Alongside Sodex Innovations and Precisionscreen, the conference is also supported by fellow gold sponsors Mining Wear Parts and John Deere - with John Deere and Kleemann also backing the That’s Solid Careers Day on 7 October. The 2026 IQA National Conference will be held from 6–8 October at the Gold Coast Convention and Exhibition Centre. Registrations close Friday 18 September. • For more information, visit quarry.com.au

Image: Darren/stock.adobe.com

The IQA National Conference 2026 will be held on the Gold Coast.

IQA

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The IQA National Conference 2026 will be held on the Gold Coast.

STANDING ON SOLID GROUND The Institute of Quarrying Australia is bringing a jam-packed itinerary to its national conference on the Gold Coast.

he 2026 IQA National Conference runs from 6 to 8 October at the Gold Coast Convention and Exhibition Centre. Readers who have followed the keynote speaker interviews in these pages throughout the year have already met much of the program. Here is the whole picture, including the parts that never make the session list. The conference opens on 6 October with a technical and operations tour of Wolffdene Quarry, Heidelberg Materials’ operation at Luscombe, south of Brisbane. Two coach sessions run through the day, guided by Heidelberg’s South East Queensland quarry managers and taking in the new transport workshop, the new plant and current quarry development. Wolffdene is also home to something that the whole sector is interested in. The site hosts the BluVein Proving Grounds, where an Australian-first charging system for battery electric haul trucks is being tested with $9 million in backing from the Australian Renewable Energy Agency - a system that charges heavy vehicles while they are in motion, so trucks never leave the working area to refuel. If one session sets the tone for day two, it is Theo Venter’s. His keynote - the story of surviving a 22,000-volt electrocution, and how it changed his thinking about safety - is the one delegates will still be talking about at dinner. Around it sits a day built on outlook and accountability: a ministerial address from the Honourable Dale Last MP, economist Besa Deda on the local and global economic landscape, Institute of Quarrying Australia

14 Quarry September 2026

(IQA) chief executive officer Jane Schmitt facilitating a sector leaders panel drawn from Heidelberg Materials, Adbri, Boral and the Hallett Group, and a national regulators panel that puts chief inspectors in front of the floor, taking questions in what is historically one of the best attended sessions on any national program. Day three belongs to the thinkers and the storytellers. Dr Sean Brady discusses what engineering failures teach us about risk. Futurist Michael McQueen on preparing now for what comes next. Dominique Lamb looks at what the Brisbane 2032 Games will demand of quarrying. Sessions on artificial intelligence and smart processing will be held by Astec and Metso. And to close, the storytime panel with sector legends John Mawson, Karen Normanton, Mike Cooper and Shane Braddy on how this sector has evolved in the last thirty years. The Hitachi Welcome Reception opens the social program on Tuesday evening, and partway through, the chains of office are passed to the incoming IQA president. Wednesday brings the Komatsu Conference Dinner at The Star with a Formula 1 theme. Thursday ends it all at Movie World with the Caterpillar Finale Dinner, featuring a Hollywood dress code, awards, and open rides. The IQA Excellence Awards run across both dinners, so the sector’s best get their moment in front of the biggest rooms of the year. For delegate partners, Wednesday offers a day of their own: the partners’

day excursion to The Farm at Byron Bay, sponsored by Orica. While delegates are in sessions on Wednesday morning, a different group arrives at the convention centre - Year 10 to 12 students, there for That’s Solid Careers Day: Dig Into Your Future, sponsored by John Deere and Kleemann. This is That’s Solid in the room. After a year of the campaign reaching young Australians through social media, careers exhibitions and branded trucks on our roads, the careers day event puts the sector in front of students face to face - the people, the technology, the pathways. “A campaign can open minds, but there is nothing like meeting people in the sector, climbing into a simulator and asking questions face to face,” John Deere marketing manager for the construction and forestry division for Australia and New Zealand, Karen Poulton, said. “For us, backing the day is backing the campaign.” The IQA members and sponsors attending the conference are what make this all possible. • For more information, visit quarry.com.au

LAST CHANCE TO REGISTER 2026 IQA National Conference 6–8 October Gold Coast Convention and Exhibition Centre Registrations close Friday 18 September Register at quarry.com.au

rushin , screenin , processin You don’t stop, and neither can your plant

M c

Mackay

IQA NEWS

OUT AND ABOUT WITH THE IQA Environmental management led the agenda when 25 central west New South Wales members gathered at Metromix’s Marrangaroo Quarry on 16 July, in one of the sub-branch’s strongest turnouts this year. Scott Hollamby opened the day with a presentation on the environmental dimensions of quarrying, drawing directly on his work at the site – a subject that has moved from a compliance footnote to a central operational concern for quarries across the state. The guided tour that followed put that thinking in context, taking members through extraction, crushing and screening, aggregate and road base production, mobile and fixed plant, stockpiling and rehabilitation

Images: IQA

Environmental practice front and centre at Marrangaroo tour

A guided tour took members through Metromix’s Marrangaroo Quarry.

works. Rehabilitation drew particular interest, with members comparing approaches across their own operations. Quarry manager Rebecca Finlay led the discussion and drew strong feedback from attendees, who singled out her willingness to open up the detail of the operation rather than offer a walk-through. The sub-branch thanked Finlay, Hollamby and the Metromix team.

Hunter region puts mental health on the table Chris Houston, In-Minds Training, presenting at Club Macquarie.

Old friends and fresh faces filled Club Macquarie, Argenton, on 9 July as the Hunter region came together for an evening.

Chris Houston of In-Minds Training led an interactive session on mental health in the workplace: How to check in, how to spot the early signs someone is struggling, and why none of us can afford to look away. With up to nine Australians lost to suicide each day, the room listened hard. What made the night remarkable was the response. Attendees opened up, shared their own stories, and proved these conversations belong in our industry. The annual general meeting followed, with warm thanks to the outgoing 2025–26 committee and a welcome to the 2026–27 team, returning hands and energetic new faces ready for the year ahead.

Upcoming courses and events Event

Date

Time

Location

Managing conflict and difficult conversations webinar

Tue 1st Sep

9:00am – 11:00am

Online

Queensland branch and Central Queensland sub-branch Heidelberg Materials Wolffdene Site Tour and annual general meeting

Thu 3rd Sep

2:00pm – 9:00pm

Beenleigh Artisan Distillers

South Australia branch young member network site tour – Adbri Klein Point Quarry and Yampu

Thu 8th Sep

10:00am – 1:00pm

Adbri Klein Point Quarry

Reducing psychosocial hazards in your workplace

Thu 10th Sep

10:00am – 12:00pm

Online

Slope stability for operators

Tue 15th Sep

9:00am – 12:30pm

Online

Introduction to quarrying webinar

Thu 17th Sep

9:00am – 1:00pm

Online

Victorian sub-branch networking dinner and AGM

Thu 17th Sep

6:00pm

Parklake, Shepparton

Quarry roads and onsite vehicle safety webinar

Tue 29th Sep

10:00am – 12:00pm

Online

IQA National Conference

Tue 6 – Thu 8th Oct

7:30am – 4:00pm

Gold Coast Convention and Exhibition Centre

That’s Solid careers day

Wed 7th Oct

9:30 – 11:30am

Gold Coast Convention and Exhibition Centre

Tasmanian branch technical and social weekend

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Fri 20 – Sun 22nd Nov

Club Wyndham Seven Mile Beach

The Institute of Quarrying Australia

A check-in tool every site can use Every site manager who left the Victorian sub-branch’s Wangaratta dinner on 23 July took something home: a workplace mental health check-in built on a simple colour scale, ready to use with their crews the next morning. The tool came from guest speaker, Project 365 founder Pete Rourke, who spoke candidly about his own battle with depression and the work his organisation now leads across the Wangaratta region to raise awareness, spark conversations, and support friends, family and colleagues who are struggling. It was the second branch event this month to put mental health at the centre of the program, and the 72-strong turnout at the Old Town ‘n’ Country Tavern suggests members are ready for it. The evening capped an afternoon at LS Precast, where attendees toured the operational and pre-stressing sheds to see how precast segments for the nation’s largest infrastructure projects take shape, from drawings to finished product. Adam Curran of EB Mawson & Sons shared highlights from the

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The Victorian sub-branch attended a tour at LS Precast.

IQA Young Member Network’s South Africa study tour, and Michael Baumann presented for event sponsor BA Equipment.

The sub-branch gathers next for its networking dinner and annual general meeting at Parklake, Shepparton on Thursday 17 September. •

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BUILT TO LEAD The Institute of Quarrying Australia has revealed key insights from its latest and largest-ever members survey.

he Institute of Quarrying Australia’s largest-ever workforce survey provides unique evidence, highlighting specific issues beyond typical skills shortages. Institute of Quarrying Australia (IQA) chief executive officer Jane Schmitt said the results provided useful insights for quarry professionals. “This is the sector describing itself: experienced, loyal, and thinking hard about who comes next. Every operator wrestling with the workforce should read what their own people are saying here,” she said. Around two-thirds of respondents to the IQA’s 2026 member survey named leadership and management as a professional development priority, second only to safety and compliance. Half of the respondents said they would be interested in a formal IQA leadership program. The factors that determined whether they would enrol in this course were time commitment and flexibility, which ranked first at 57.5 per cent, followed by relevance to their current role at 49.4 per cent and formal recognition or qualification at 48 per cent. Cost came fourth, at 43.9 per cent. For employers who have assumed the barrier to developing their supervisors is the price of a course, the survey suggests otherwise. The constraint is time, and the incentive is a credential that counts for something. The survey closed with 422 responses, up 36 per cent on the 310 received in 2024, and an overall response rate of roughly 24 per cent, well above the 15 per cent benchmark typical for associations. It is also a senior sample: more than half of respondents hold management or supervisory roles, led by quarry and site managers including senior site executives at 22 per cent, and every branch was represented. For a sector that produces very little data on its own workforce, it is worth taking seriously.

Image: IQA

IQA

Education and training are a key reason people join the IQA.

The demographics are where the leadership appetite starts to make sense. The largest age bracket among respondents was 55 to 64, at 31 per cent, followed by 45 to 54 at 26.8 per cent. Members under 35 made up 6.9 per cent. Read together with the development findings, the message is clear: the sector’s most experienced managers want to pass on what they know, and they are asking for the formal pathways to do it. Elsewhere in the demographics, female respondents rose from 10.7 per cent in 2024 to 14 per cent, now above the sector’s average. And tenure held steady: just under 40 per cent have been members for more than 10 years, while 18.5 per cent joined within the last two years. The top three reasons for membership were unchanged from 2024: networking and events (79.7 per cent), education and training (62.2 per cent), and continuing professional development (49.2 per cent). The movement was further down the list, where raising public awareness of quarrying was cited by 25.1 per cent. That shift traces directly to That’s Solid, the IQA’s national public awareness campaign, launched in February 2026 - itself a product of the 2024 survey, in which more than 75 per cent of members rated a public education campaign as extremely important.

It is the clearest example of a pattern that runs through the results. The IQA Mentoring Program, the IQA Connect app, IQA’s new website, and its free member webinar series originated in the 2024 survey, and this year, 88.1 per cent of members who used them rated them valuable or very valuable. “Everything members rated highly this year started as feedback two years ago. Members told us what was missing, we built it, and now they are telling us it works. The survey is not a temperature check. It is how the work gets decided,” Schmitt said. According to the survey, 84.2 per cent are satisfied or very satisfied with the range of IQA events, and 85.1 per cent rate the IQA’s communications as effective. Asked what they want more of, members put site tours first at 63.2 per cent, ahead of technical workshops at 60.3 per cent and networking events at 50 per cent - a preference for seeing operations rather than hearing about them that will surprise nobody who works in the sector. On delivery, webinars (60.1 per cent) narrowly led in-person workshops (58.9 per cent), with self-paced learning at 44.4 per cent. No single format dominates, suggesting blended delivery. “What members have said here shapes our next Strategic Plan,” Schmitt said. •

From feedback to delivery What members asked for in 2024, and what exists in 2026 2024 finding

What was built

Where it sits now

Over 75 per cent rated a public education campaign extremely important

That’s Solid national awareness campaign, launched February 2026

One in four members or their organisations involved; 25.1 per cent now cite public awareness as a reason for membership

Interest in mentoring and career progression resources

IQA Mentoring Program, inaugural round 2025

97 per cent want it continued or are open to it

Members wanted easier access to news, events and each other

IQA Connect app, launched October 2025

Used by 26.4 per cent of members

Demand for more webinars and online learning

Free member webinar series

Used by 22.6 per cent; webinars now the most preferred learning format at 60.1 per cent

18 Quarry September 2026

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Fuel-saving champion www.liebherr.com.au

Wheel loaders

Environmental protection can help you earn money! Always in fuel saving mode with the Liebherr fuel-saving calculator 100 % power with up to 30 % less fuel consumption – the Liebherr fuel saving calculator shows how much fuel can be saved compared to similar machines. The online application is available free of charge and provides a quick and simple overview of fuel savings per year in euros. The calculation is based on average fuel consumption, operating hours per year and the current fuel price. The potential savings when operating a Liebherr wheel loader are impressive – see for yourself! Ø Litres / hour * 5.64 6.77 8.30 9.45 10.40 12.61 13.90 14.25 17.03

L 526: 2.2 m3 L 538: 2.6 m3 L 546: 3.0 m3 L 550: 3.7 m3 L 556: 4.1 m3 L 566: 4.7 m3 L 576: 5.2 m3 L 580: 5.7 m3 L 586: 6.5 m3

Less is more in consumption On the product detail page, you can find the average fuel consumption of the machine and calculate your individual savings.

* Wheel loader in operation with a customer-specific machine design. Averages data from Myliebherr Performance, calculated on 03/07/2025.

Liebherr Australia Pty Ltd • Phone: 1800 033 300 • em-sales.las@liebherr.com www.linkedin.com/company/liebherranz • www.facebook.com/LiebherrAustralia • www.instagram.com/LiebherrAustralia

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Image: Kleemann

CRUSHING

Kleemann has a range of digital solutions to support quarrying operations.

FROM THE QUARRY FACE TO THE FRONT OFFICE Kleemann’s connected digital solutions are giving quarries a more in-depth view of crushing operations.

hen it comes to quarrying, Wirtgen Australia application support manager Nico Schiela has a simple belief: the goal is to help operators get one per cent better every day. Digital technology supports that ambition by giving operators access to information that was previously confined to the crushing plant. Kleemann is a brand that has invested significantly in digital solutions to modernise quarry operations, offering tools accessible to operators, supervisors, and managers for realtime decision-making wherever they are. Kleemann’s SPECTIVE CONNECT, Wirtgen Group Performance Tracker (WPT) Crushing and the John Deere operations centre provide different levels of visibility. Together, the technologies are designed to help quarry personnel identify changing conditions and respond before they develop into larger production issues. Schiela said the benefits of SPECTIVE CONNECT could be broadly divided into safety and production. “From my perspective, there are two sides to the story. The first is safety,” he told Quarry. “Giving operators access to information through SPECTIVE CONNECT reduces the amount of time they need to approach the machines unnecessarily.

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“That helps them avoid potential hazards and reduces their exposure to dust.” The second benefit comes from providing machine information directly to the operator. Real-time feedback can reveal changes in operating parameters, equipment wear or production, allowing adjustments to be made sooner. “We want customers to be proactive instead of reactive,” Schiela said. “The system gives operators information when they need it so they can make the correct decision.” While SPECTIVE CONNECT provides information to personnel working near the equipment, WPT Crushing extends that visibility beyond the quarry face. Production data captured by belt scales can be displayed through the John Deere operations centre for managers or supervisors who may be away from the site. The information can show whether an operation is progressing towards its daily targets. It can also help users assess the effect of changes to an individual machine, the wider crushing train or an operating procedure. Maintenance planning can be incorporated into the John Deere operations centre, bringing production and equipment information together within the same digital environment.

Gathering data, however, does not guarantee an improvement. Schiela said training was an important part of helping customers understand the information and apply it to their operations. This support can include setting up jobs, adding or removing machines and creating reports. For contractors, reports generated from belt-scale data can also serve as a production record to support customer invoicing. “My job is not simply to install the system,” he said. “The customer needs to understand the opportunities it provides and how to analyse the data correctly. “The best tool cannot help you if you do not know how to use it. Training is a very important part of the process.” Schiela said this assistance could be valuable as quarries contend with shortages of experienced personnel and work to build operational knowledge. “It is not something designed to control them; it is there to help them,” he said. “These tools can support customers by helping them choose the correct machine settings and actions.” • For more information, visit wirtgen-group.com

AUSTRALIA’S #1 SELLING HEAVY EXCAVATORS. AGAIN. When it matters most, Kobelco delivers. Every day, every job, every year. Specialising in excavators since 1930, our Japanese engineering is continuously proven in Australian conditions—delivering machines that work harder, last longer, and keep you productive. Whether working on confined urban sites or in harsh quarry environments, every Kobelco is built with the precision and legendary reliability that have made us Australia’s #1 selling heavy excavator brand. When downtime isn’t an option and performance is everything, choose Kobelco.

kobelco.com.au | 1300 562 352 *PowerStats Construction Equipment Industry Australia sales statistics, full year 2025.

WATER MANAGEMENT

SMART PROTECTION Aquaflo Hire is ensuring its pumpset fleet stays at the forefront of modern quarry dewatering with the AquaBoss controller.

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Images: Aquaflo Hire

ump control technology has come a long way since the days of a simple dial and a warning light. Across the pump hire and dewatering sector, modern controllers are increasingly doing the job that used to fall entirely to an operator’s ear and experience. Not all controllers are built the same, and on a live site, the difference matters. A dewatering failure can cut off access to a working area, interrupt extraction or create extra work for a team that has better things to do than chase a stalled pump. Aquaflo Hire is progressively fitting its pumpset fleet with AquaBoss controllers, a system developed in-house by its parent company, Truflo Pumps. Used to monitor engine condition, wet-end performance and broader system health, AquaBoss controllers give operators a realtime picture of what’s happening inside both the wet-end and drive unit. Using a traffic light system, the dashboard is designed to provide an easy learning curve regardless of an operator’s experience with the system. Innovation in heavy equipment is rarely a single leap. It’s usually a long series of small, deliberate improvements. The AquaBoss itself is proof of that, replacing Truflo Pumps’ previous controller with smarter technology. Truflo Pumps’ ongoing research and development takes on board user feedback, ensuring the AquaBoss range remains at the cutting edge of control technology. Truflo Pumps launched the AquaBoss Core in August, a new controller that has stripped away the telemetry and provides simple instructions to operators, like when to increase and decrease the revolutions per minute or open and close valves. The result is an easy learning curve for new operators and a controller that gets out of the way rather than adding something new to learn. The AquaBoss Core is ideal for sites where straightforward control matters more than data.

Aquaflo Hire can supply pumpsets across Australia.

As Aquaflo Hire’s pumpsets pass through the workshop for servicing, they are being upgraded to the AquaBoss controller technology that has been tested, proven and refined under real operating conditions, providing peace of mind for quarries, mine sites and operators. That staged rollout matters more for hire equipment than owned equipment. A pumpset may move between sites and be operated by different teams within the same week, so a consistent, easy-to-read interface across the upgraded fleet cuts down the time it takes a new operator to get comfortable with a unit they have never used before. While the AquaBoss controller enhances reliability, reduces downtime and increases pump life, it’s only part of the story. Designing the right water management system for a complex site still depends on people who understand dewatering inside out, including factors such as required flow, pumping distance, elevation changes, and site access that a controller cannot weigh up on its own. Most of the Aquaflo Hire team have been in the dewatering sector for decades, working in quarries and mines, travelling the world to commission pumpsets, or tailoring systems for clients right from the early days of Stratquip. That breadth of experience provides a practical working knowledge of site conditions and the realities of pumping on a live quarry, mine site or infrastructure project. It’s the kind of knowledge that cannot be found in a manual.

It comes from having seen hundreds of variations of the same problems, working out how to solve them and from knowing which of those variations matters to the operator. “Years of hands-on experience means we know what works and what doesn’t,” Aquaflo Hire business development manager Daniel Hungerford said. “We don’t just sit in the office answering phone calls. We’re out on the road visiting sites and helping them solve their water management challenges. “Apart from the AquaBoss making it easier for operators, we offer remote monitoring as an option. Specialised valve stations and satellite-connected metering mean you can start, stop and check the pumps from wherever you’re working.” That combination of hands-on experience and monitoring technology is really the point of the AquaBoss controller. Neither replaces the other. A controller can tell an operator when something’s changed and point them in the right direction but it takes someone who has spent years helping pump water off quarry floors and mine sites to design and supply the appropriate dewatering system. It’s the combination of hands-on experience and smart technology, such as the AquaBoss range of controllers, that sets Aquaflo Hire apart. It’s a partnership that reduces downtime and delivers real cost savings across quarries around Australia. • For more information, visit aquaflohire.com.au

A WIRTGEN GROUP COMPANY

Flexibility meets precision. MOBISCREEN MSC EVO

MSC EVO

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WIRTGEN AUSTRALIA PTY LTD · National Sales 1300 978 858 · Mobile +61 448 030 420 email - sales.australia@wirtgen-group.com · www.wirtgen-group.com/australia

SCREENING

AN ACE IN THE PACK

creen panel maintenance at Metromix Teralba once required a pry bar, a large hammer and considerable physical effort inside a restricted working area. Metromix Teralba operates a hard-rock quarry processing a conglomerate resource, with washing and screening used to recover aggregate and sand products. The company processes around one million tonnes per year, with its screening system handling aggregates and sand. This method of securing the panels made replacement difficult due to the physical nature of the work in a confined space. “On the previous set-up, it was quite manually intensive to remove the panels and get them back in, particularly because it is a restricted area,” Metromix quarry manager Luke Cormick said. When the old panels became due for replacement, Metromix used the opportunity to install Multotec Australia’s ACE screening panels in its screening system. The ACE system uses hand pressure to lock the modular panels into place. A dual-locking arrangement and top locking strip are designed to retain the panels during operation, while an engineered batterypowered tool is used for removal without screwdrivers, pry bars or hammers. Multotec has described ACE as a zerohammer-blow fastening system which differs significantly from conventional screen media solutions. Rather than repeatedly striking components to install or release a panel, maintenance teams can press the panel into position and use the powered tool when it needs to be removed. Multotec Australia field service maintenance manager Brian Biddle said the system had been refined through several design iterations and feedback from people using it in working plants. That development process included refining

Image: Multotec

Metromix has introduced Multotec Australia’s ACE screening system to reduce the physical demand and hazards associated with conventional panel maintenance.

Metromix has been impressed by the performance of Multotec Australia’s ACE solution.

the panel geometry so it could be inserted more easily without weakening its hold on the deck. “We asked the site teams whether it was working and what we needed to improve,” he said. “With the system we have now, the panel goes in easily, but it will not come back out unless you have the removal tool, so it is easier for the maintenance team but also provides a reliable hold and level of performance.” The ease of the ACE System translates beyond safety benefits with customers, including Metromix, noticing how it has streamlined screen media changeovers. Cormick told Quarry how the old panels had taken hours of labour-intensive work for contractors. “It was a tiring and physically difficult set-up,” he said. “They were trying to get the old panels out and were having all sorts of trouble.” Multotec’s site team removed the old media and installed the new system within one day. The changeover during a scheduled replacement window, allowing Metromix to address its need for new screening panels without impacting on its overall production. After the changeover, Multotec’s team demonstrated to Metromix’s team how to safely secure and remove the panels, as well as tips on how to best use the powered removal tool. “We had a demonstration day where the Multotec team came to site and worked through the system with our tradespeople,” Cormick said. “The service and the team that helped install them were fantastic, and it was quite a hot,

humid day and the team was fantastic with the clean-up as well. “They explained how the panels were secured and which tools to use. The team has been impressed with it.” A new screen media system still needs to withstand the realities of daily quarry operations and handle the vibration, material loading and wear conditions that come with that. Further to that, introducing new solutions and new methods to a quarry operation can come with teething issues as teams learn the ropes of the new system. But with Multotec’s training and support, there has been no issues since the changeover. “It is very rare that you introduce something new and there are no adjustments needed. We have been really happy with the after-sales service and follow-up,” Cormick said. “They hold in just as well, and we have had no issues with them. What has been extremely impressive is that there have been no teething issues.” Multotec will showcase its ACE system at the IQA National Conference on the Gold Coast from October 6–8, 2026. Attendees will be able to see how Multotec’s innovation not only removes the risk of striking hazards and serious injuries but also simplifies the process to replace worn-out screening panels. “It’s great from the safety aspect because for those of us who are out in the field, we’re not out there damaging our hands,” Biddle said. “But also, it provides a reliable and practical solution for customers.” • For more information, visit multotec.com

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OPTIMISING THROUGHPUT MINIMISING COST PER TONNE FRONTIER TRACKED MOBILE CRUSHING AND SCREENING

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Quarry operators are becoming more reliant on innovative technologies to help improve productivity and reduce unplanned downtime.

Image: Orica

OPERATIONS

REALTIME ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING Why vibration matters in blasting, and how Orica’s technology assists quarries.

ustainability in quarrying extends well beyond reducing emissions. For today’s quarry operators, it also means balancing productivity with growing environmental, regulatory and community expectations. Blasting sits at the centre of many of these competing priorities. A well-designed blast can maximise resource recovery, improve downstream efficiency and minimise environmental impacts. However, achieving that balance requires more than technical expertise alone, it increasingly depends on accurate data and a proactive approach to blast planning. Across the industry, quarry operators are turning to digital technologies to better understand blast performance and make more informed decisions before, during and after every blast. Rather than relying solely on historical experience or generic prediction methods, data-driven approaches allow operators to evaluate site-specific conditions and continuously refine blast designs based on real operational performance. Predictive blasting is becoming an increasingly valuable tool in helping operators manage environmental impacts such as vibration and blast overpressure. By analysing operational data and applying advanced modelling techniques, quarry teams can better understand how different variables influence blast performance and

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identify potential environmental risks during the planning stage. This enables blast designs to be optimised before a shot is fired, reducing uncertainty and helping operators achieve more consistent outcomes while maintaining productivity and supporting environmental compliance.

REALTIME ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING Solutions such as Orica’s ENVIROTrack provide real-time monitoring of environmental parameters including ground vibration, blast overpressure, dust and noise. Access to timely, site-specific monitoring data gives quarry operators greater visibility into environmental performance. It combines Syscom sensors with Orica Digital Solutions’ BlastIQ platform, providing insight into vibration and environmental performance. ENVIROTrack captures detailed vibration data from every blast, which enables engineers to refine their blast designs, optimising energy distribution, and minimising issues. As a result, quarries can confidently carry out larger blasts with improved fragmentation and reduced interruptions to operations. ENVIROTrack also helps sites maintain adherence to national and international vibration standards. This ensures that blast activities do not negatively impact nearby communities, sensitive infrastructure, or the environment.

At the core of ENVIROTrack’s capabilities are Orica Digital Solutions’ Syscom Instruments vibration measurement devices. These instruments are purpose-built for the challenging conditions of quarry environments and are equipped with high precision velocity or acceleration sensors. They are capable of accurately capturing farfield vibrations, allowing for comprehensive monitoring across various blast scenarios. With robust batteries and solar panels they can remain active in remote locations without the need for constant maintenance. Integrated edge computing capabilities and 4G connectivity ensure that data is captured and transmitted to cloud-based platforms in near real-time, eliminating the need for manual data retrieval or on-site intervention. ENVIROTrack is a key part of Orica’s broader digital vision, which aims to deliver a fully integrated suite of digital workflows. By embedding vibration monitoring into everyday operations, ENVIROTrack empowers quarries to make better decisions, respond quickly to potential issues, and build more resilient and accountable operations. With ENVIROTrack, quarries can proactively avoid structural damage and reduce longterm maintenance costs. They can also foster stronger community relations by minimising disruption and addressing concerns with concrete data. • For more information, visit orica.com/ENVIROTrack

SANY SY500H POWER THAT MOVES MORE

When power matters, the SANY SY500H delivers. Designed for high-production earthmoving, quarrying and mining applications the SY500H delivers outstanding breakout force, reliability and operator comfort. With impressive digging power, exceptional fuel efficiency and a robust design built for the toughest Australian conditions, the SY500H is engineered to keep your operation moving while maximising your uptime.

WHY CHOOSE THE SY500H: OUTSTANDING POWER HEAVY DUTY PERFORMANCE MAXIMUM PRODUCTIVITY EASY TO OPERATE

Take on the toughest jobs with confidence. Discover the SANY SY500H today.

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BRISBANE - MACKAY - ROCKHAMPTON SYDNEY - NEWCASTLE - ADELAIDE - PERTH

PUMPS

Image: Toolkwip Pumps

Toolkwip designed and supplied an integrated dewatering system for a Victorian quarry.

BEYOND THE PUMP How selecting the right pumping solution can dramatically reduce downtime.

hen water stops production, every minute counts. Flooding on a quarry site can disrupt schedules, increase labour costs, delay customer deliveries and place unnecessary pressure on maintenance teams. The difference between a quick recovery and prolonged downtime often comes down to having the right pumping solution in place before problems arise. According to Toolkwip Pumps sales representative Brenton Mauger, successful dewatering depends on far more than selecting the right pump. “An effective pumping system is made up of many components working together,” he said. “The pump is only one part of the solution. Hoses, valves, pontoons, pipework, controls and accessories all play a critical role in ensuring reliable performance and minimising downtime.” Suction hoses, for example, are an essential component in quarry water management. Selecting the correct hose is crucial to achieving optimal performance and extending the life of the pumping system. Toolkwip stocks a broad range of suction hoses in different materials, standard sizes and lengths, with options that can be cut to suit specific site requirements.

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The family-owned and operated company has worked alongside the quarry sector since 1993, building an extensive understanding of the challenges faced by quarry operators and maintenance teams. As the authorised distributor of Selwood Pumps across Victoria, New South Wales, Queensland, South Australia and Tasmania, Toolkwip provides access to one of the industry’s most respected dewatering pump ranges, backed by local stock, parts, service and technical support. Selwood’s Super Silent range combines high performance with industry-leading noise reduction and is regarded as one of the quietest pump ranges on the market, based on EU Directive 2000/14/EC. The units are engineered to a high technical standard, with silencers, protective enclosures and sound attenuation incorporated across both diesel and electric models. Toolkwip’s support extends well beyond equipment supply. They offer the complete solution and have everything covered for efficient water management. The team provides quarry sites with initial consultation and commissioning, quality products and services, technical support, a range of accessories and spare parts, on-site routine service and emergency repairs. “By providing everything under one roof, we’re able to simplify the process for customers,” Mauger said. “It means fewer suppliers to manage, faster response times and less downtime when problems occur.”

Every quarry presents unique pumping challenges, which is why Toolkwip focuses on designing complete systems rather than simply supplying individual pieces of equipment. The company also takes a proactive approach to equipment management, promoting routine pump maintenance to help prevent breakdowns and maintain reliable, efficient operations. By identifying potential issues before they escalate, Toolkwip helps customers reduce downtime and avoid unnecessary costs.

A COMPLETE QUARRY DEWATERING SOLUTION This complete-solution approach was recently demonstrated at a Victorian quarry, where Toolkwip designed and supplied an integrated dewatering system the site. The solution included a Tsurumi KTZ622 heavy-duty submersible pump, two Flo-Kwip pontoons, contractor rubber hoses, layflat hose and pipe floats. The Tsurumi KTZ622 was selected for its high efficiency, robust construction and reliable performance. Built with a cast iron body and high-chromium cast iron impeller the KTZ range is designed to withstand tough environments. Supporting the setup were two Flo-Kwip pontoons, which allow the pumps to float just beneath the water’s surface. This improves positioning and manoeuvrability while reducing the risk of drawing in settled solids from the quarry floor. By supplying a complete solution rather than individual products, Toolkwip delivered a reliable and efficient dewatering system designed to withstand demanding quarry conditions and reduce ongoing maintenance requirements. MEET THE TOOLKWIP TEAM Toolkwip’s team will be exhibiting at the upcoming Institute of Quarrying Australia National Conference on the Gold Coast from 6–8 October. Visitors can meet Toolkwip’s quarry specialists at the exhibition stand to discuss site-specific pumping challenges and explore practical solutions tailored to their operations. “We will have our team of specialists available to help answer questions and discuss the right solution for each site,” Mauger said. • For more information, visit toolkwippumps.com.au

ENGINEERED FOR

HEIDELBERG MATERIALS AUSTRALIA AggMax™ Scrubbing & Classification System is designed to deliver reliable scrubbing and cleaning of aggregates from heavily clay bound feed stock and overburden. It combines feeding, scrubbing, screening and sizing on a single chassis. With local service expertise and spare parts support available through CDE’s Queensland-based operations, Heidelberg Materials Australia can rely on ongoing operational support to maximise plant performance and return on investment.

“We needed a solution for reliable scrubbing and cleaning of aggregates which we knew CDE could deliver. We’re confident in CDE’s in-country support and having the solution delivered so promptly really solidified our decision to work with CDE again”. Johnathan Kapelles, Supply Chain Manager – Aggregates, Heidelberg Materials Australia

Visit cdegroup.com

PRODUCTIVITY

BEYOND THE MORNING QUEUE

Image: Volvo Construction Equipment

CJD Equipment explains why mornings are integral to making operations more productive.

CJD Equipment believes the morning rush can help quarry operators become more efficient and productive.

uring the first few hours of the day, when concrete plants are preparing the first pours, asphalt producers are loading material for paving crews, and contractors are trying to beat the traffic, customer demand peaks. Loader operators, truck drivers and site managers are all under pressure to keep material moving during this busy period. It’s easy to view a queue of trucks as a sign that more production capacity is needed. In reality, the queue is often a symptom of broader operational inefficiencies rather than the problem itself. A truck may be delayed because several vehicles arrive at the loading point simultaneously, the stockpile is positioned too far from the face, or traffic movements are creating unnecessary congestion. Haul road layouts, fleet balance, and loading area utilisation can all influence how efficiently material moves around the site. Rather than focusing solely on increasing production, quarry managers can often achieve better results by understanding what is creating the bottlenecks in the first place.

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The morning rush doesn’t create these inefficiencies; it simply makes them more visible. Traditionally, identifying these issues relied heavily on operator experience and observation. Today, digital tools provide quarry managers with far greater visibility of day-today operations. Volvo Connected Map and Connected Load Out allow managers to monitor how machines, trucks and material move across a site in real time. Instead of relying on radio calls or weighbridge observations, they can identify where queues are forming, how long trucks are waiting, how loading cycles are changing and how traffic is flowing throughout the operation. Performance Indicator complements this by combining production, fuel efficiency, and machine cycle data into easy-to-read dashboards, helping managers identify trends and opportunities to improve productivity. With greater visibility, operational decisions become more informed. Site managers can investigate why trucks are arriving in waves. Instead of measuring only the number of loads completed, they can

assess how much time trucks spend waiting and identify the factors contributing to delays. In many cases, the solution is relatively straightforward. Adjusting truck dispatch schedules, changing loading sequences, improving traffic flow, relocating stockpiles or rebalancing equipment between loading areas can all reduce loading times. While each improvement may only save a few minutes, those gains accumulate quickly over the course of a day or week. This systems-based approach sits at the core of Volvo Site Solutions. Rather than focusing on the performance of individual machines, it aims to optimise the efficiency of the entire operation. Understanding where delays occur, and why, can help uncover practical opportunities to improve productivity, reduce idle time and make better use of existing resources. Volvo Site Solutions combines Connected Map, Connected Load Out and Performance Indicator to provide a clearer understanding of production flow, machine performance and site efficiency. • For more information, visit cjd.com.au

CRUSHER & SCREEN SALES PTY LTD

KREAT DISTRIBUTOR for Australia

Crusher & Screen Sales (CSSH) would like to introduce the Kreat Heavy Industry Mobile & Modula Crushers & Screens to the Australian Market. Kreat manufacturing is based in Kunming China and produce high quality plant and even better pricing, their crusher boxes design are international recognised for producing quality shape and high production. CSSH have been working with Kreat Engineers for the past eighteen months to ensure they are equipped for the Australian market and meet client’s expectations with design features and the option of Cat Hydraulic Drive and dual electric drive on track and modular units.

KJ-1290H powered by a Cat C9.3B hydraulic drive, 1200x870mm jaw box with two deck pre-screen and weighs 75 tonne

KJ-1170H powered by a Cat C9.3B hydraulic drive, 1060x700mm jaw box grizzly – 53 tonne

KC-300HRS – HP300 Size Cone with a 16x6 two deck screen with recycling conveyor, Cat C13 with wet clutch and second deck stacker conveyor

KSH-6203HR – 20x6 three deck triple shaft horizontal screen with recycling conveyor, Cat C7.1 hydraulic drive

BUCKET ATTACHMENTS

DRIVEN BY INNOVATION SBA Earthmoving Attachments has spent more than 45 years designing, manufacturing, and supplying high-quality earthmoving attachments built for Australia’s harshest environments.

BA Earthmoving Attachments (SBA), a proud third-generation Australian family business, has evolved from a small fabrication workshop into one of Australia’s top attachment specialists. SBA is known for providing tailored attachment solutions across various sectors, including quarrying, mining, civil construction, waste management, recycling, demolition, and agriculture. These solutions are all supported by real industry knowledge and nationwide customer service. While the company has expanded significantly over the decades, its core philosophy has remained unchanged: build quality products, support customers long after delivery, and create solutions that improve productivity and withstand real-world demands. SBA’s history is built on practical engineering knowledge, continuous innovation and strong family values. Today, that legacy continues with the third generation of the Salmon family, who remain actively involved in the business and are committed to maintaining the customer-first approach that has defined the company. Instead of providing a generic product range, SBA collaborates with customers to understand their machines, applications, and operating conditions. This approach allows them to design attachments tailored for optimal performance. Each attachment is created with the end user in mind, aiming for high efficiency, longevity, and maximum return on investment. The business now operates from three strategically located facilities across Australia, including its head office in Somersby, New South Wales, as well as facilities in Perth, Western Australia and the Gold Coast, Queensland. SBA’s nationwide reach allows it to provide customers with local manufacturing, repairs, servicing, technical assistance, and spare parts wherever they are located.

32 Quarry September 2026

Whether supplying new attachments, performing repairs, installing wear packages, or offering aftersales support, SBA’s team is equipped to help customers maintain smooth operations across the country. This includes heavy-duty and quarry applications where the company has become particularly well known for its products and customer support. Quarries feature some of the toughest conditions for earthmoving equipment, with persistent abrasion, high-impact loads, and strict production demands exerting significant stress on attachments. SBA’s approach to designing attachments tailored to these specific applications, instead of using a one-size-fits-all product, proves highly beneficial. “I buy SBA’s earthmoving attachments to fit to my machines because they are durable and last. In the end this means I am not spending money on new buckets and repairs all the time. I have never had a drama with them,” Cramps Earthmoving owner Mitchell Cramps said. SBA considers material type, including material density, as well as production and machine requirements, such as breakout force and bucket capacity, to tailor each wear package to the customer’s operation. This engineering approach has made SBA a trusted supplier for many of Australia’s leading quarry operators and contractors. SBA offers one of Australia’s most comprehensive ranges of excavator and wheel loader attachments. SBA works directly with owners, operators and original equipment manufacturer dealers to develop attachments that are purpose-built for the exact application. Whether that involves increasing capacity, reducing weight, improving wear life or designing a completely unique attachment, the company’s engineering and manufacturing teams have the experience to deliver a solution that performs.

This method guarantees that each attachment is designed with the customer in mind, enhancing efficiency while maximising service life and return on investment. SBA, alongside its Australian-made attachments, partners with global manufacturers to provide access to top attachment technology. SBA is Geith’s trusted Australian distributor. Geith is a highly respected manufacturer of quick hitches worldwide. Renowned for their reliability, safety, and innovation, Geith’s hydraulic and tilting quick hitches, along with coupler systems, enhance SBA’s attachment lineup, enabling easier attachment swaps and greater versatility for machines. SBA also supplies Arden Equipment in Australia. The French-based manufacturer’s range of demolition shears, pulverisers, sorting grabs, grapples and specialist attachments is recognised worldwide for its engineering, durability and performance in demanding applications. These partnerships enable SBA to provide a complete attachment solution, from buckets to demolition equipment, supported locally by experienced teams. SBA continuously invests in new technology, engineering expertise and manufacturing methods to adapt to the changing requirements of Australia’s operators. Whether it’s a purpose-built quarry bucket, a custom wheel loader attachment, a premium Geith quick hitch, or an innovative Arden demolition attachment, customers can trust that they are investing in equipment supported by decades of hands-on experience, authentic technical expertise, and nationwide assistance. SBA provides attachment solutions that support Australia’s quarrying sector at every stage. • For more information, visit salmonbuckets.com.au

Image: SBA Earthmoving Attachments

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BUILT FOR LOCAL CONDITIONS

A Kreat KSH-6203HR Triple Shaft Horizontal Screen in stock at Yatala, Queensland.

New machines have started to arrive at Crusher Screen Sales & Hire’s Yatala facility as part of the company’s efforts to provide quarries with tools tailored to the demands of modern aggregate production.

rusher Screen Sales & Hire (CSSH) is expanding its equipment offering in the Australian market with the introduction of Kreat Heavy Industry’s mobile and modular crushing and screening equipment. The move follows around 18 months of collaboration between CSSH and the engineering team at Kreat Heavy Industry to tailor the equipment for Australian operating conditions and customer requirements. Manufactured in Kunming, China, Kreat’s range includes tracked and modular crushers and screens designed for quarrying, contracting and hire applications. For CSSH, the partnership reflects its experience in the Australian market, gained over more than 15 years of hiring and contracting for crushing and screening equipment. “We wanted equipment that reflects the way Australian quarries and contractors actually operate, with a strong focus on reliability and keeping production moving,” CSSH manager John Andersen said. “A lot of the design changes are based on practical experience. We’ve been hiring and operating crushing and screening equipment ourselves for many years, so we know the small improvements that make a difference on site and they all contribute to productivity across a working day.” Andersen said the practical features that simplify maintenance and reduce downtime were prioritised during development. “Downtime is one of the highest costs for any operation, so we placed a lot of emphasis on making these machines easier to service, we prioritised better access for routine maintenance and repairs, so operators can get the work done more efficiently and spend more time producing material,” he said. Within the jaw crusher range, Kreat manufactures three models, with CSSH initially stocking two of them.

34 Quarry September 2026

The KJ-1170H is a 53-tonne machine featuring a 1060x700mm jaw crusher, while the larger KJ-1290H weighs 75 tonnes and incorporates a pre-screen together with a 1200x870mm jaw chamber. Both models are powered by Caterpillar hydraulic drive systems. The hydraulic drive configuration provides an operational advantage when processing damp or difficult materials, as the crusher can be operated in reverse to help clear blockages and minimise interruptions during challenging operating conditions. CSSH is also introducing the KC-300HRS cone crusher to Australia, which is one of two cone crusher models available from Kreat. Both the jaw and cone crushers from Kreat are based on internationally recognised designs. Powered by a Caterpillar C13 hydraulic drive, the machine combines a cone crusher with a 16x6ft two-deck screen, recycling conveyor, and stockpile conveyors, and can produce two finished products. The larger KC400 cone crusher is also available on request. A key feature across the crushing range is the use of Caterpillar hydraulic drive systems alongside dual-power electric options. The dual-power configuration allows tracked equipment to operate using mains electricity where available while retaining the flexibility of diesel-powered mobility when required. For operators working on long-term projects or sites with access to grid power, this approach offers the potential for lower fuel consumption while maintaining the versatility expected from mobile equipment. “The modular electric plants are a real advantage for customers looking for the output of a fixed plant without the same level of infrastructure investment,” Andersen said. “They can be assembled in a matter of days, giving operators a flexible solution that can be relocated or adapted as needed.”

Andersen said several design changes have been incorporated to improve productivity in day-to-day operation. The cone crusher has been positioned higher on its tracked chassis to increase stockpile conveyor discharge height while also improving clearance beneath the conveyor tail drums. These changes are intended to improve stockpiling efficiency and site accessibility without compromising mobility. The accompanying 16x6ft screen has also been selected with production capacity in mind. Andersen said the larger screening area enables the unit to handle the crusher’s throughput across a wide range of sizing applications. “There’s no benefit in having a high-capacity crusher if the screen becomes the bottleneck, so the larger screening area helps maintain material flow and allows the plant to achieve the production rates customers expect,” he said. Screening equipment forms another major component of Kreat’s offering. The screening range includes three sizes of mobile and modular scalping screens, including the highcapacity KSZ-800E 20x6ft scalping screen, as well as a series of incline screens. CSSH is currently stocking the KSH-6203HR 20x6ft three-deck horizontal screen fitted with a recycling conveyor. Powered by a Caterpillar C7 hydraulic drive, the screen uses a tripleshaft design intended for high-production applications. Similar to the cone crusher, the screen has been raised on its tracked undercarriage to increase the stacker conveyor discharge height and improve the effectiveness of the hydraulic jacking legs during site setup. “Bringing our operational experience together with Kreat’s manufacturing capability has allowed us to introduce a range we believe is well suited to Australian quarries and contractors,” Andersen said. • For more information, crusherscreen-srp.com

Image: Crusher Screen Sales & Hire

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EARTHMOVING

BUILT FOR AUSTRALIAN QUARRYING From high-capacity loading to heavy excavation and site preparation, Liebherr’s earthmoving portfolio is designed to support every stage of quarry operations.

Image: Liebherr

uarrying places unique demands on earthmoving equipment. Machines are expected to withstand abrasive materials, challenging ground conditions and long operating hours while delivering reliable performance day after day. Liebherr has decades of experience manufacturing equipment for the quarrying industry. Its portfolio includes wheel loaders, crawler excavators, crawler dozers, articulated dump trucks and duty cycle crawler cranes, which are all designed to deliver productivity, efficiency and durability in demanding environments. With many key components engineered inhouse, Liebherr machines are purpose-built to perform a wide range of quarrying tasks, from extraction and material handling through to loading, stockpiling and site preparation.

Australia remains an important market for Liebherr, with customer feedback continuing to help shape its product development and innovation. Liebherr-Australia’s Earthmoving and Material Handling division has improved its national service capability, investing in technical expertise, workshop infrastructure and regional support for local operators. The company has also expanded its regional service network and invested in specialised support resources, enabling faster response times and tailored maintenance solutions. Among the company’s key solutions for Australian quarries are its XPower wheel loaders. Available across models from the L 550 XPower to the L 586 XPower, the machines are built around Liebherr’s power-split driveline, which combines hydrostatic and mechanical drive technologies.

Liebherr machines are purpose-built to perform a wide range of quarrying tasks.

36 Quarry September 2026

This concept delivers optimum efficiency in both short loading cycles and long-distance travel, while supporting high breakout force, strong acceleration and excellent fuel economy. With fuel savings of up to 30 per cent, robust construction, higher tipping loads and low-wear components, XPower wheel loaders are designed to maximise productivity and deliver dependable performance in demanding applications. Liebherr’s crawler excavator range spans from compact to extra-large models. For extraction and bulk excavation applications, larger machines such as the Liebherr R 938, R 945, R 956, R 972, R 978, and R 992 are engineered to deliver powerful digging performance, high breakout forces and precise machine control in demanding quarry and mining environments. Suited to tasks including overburden removal, face excavation and loading duties, these excavators combine efficient hydraulics and optimised fuel consumption with robust undercarriages, reinforced attachment options and durable bucket configurations designed to withstand abrasive materials and continuous heavy-duty operation. Liebherr’s crawler dozer range is designed to deliver powerful, efficient and reliable performance across a wide range of earthmoving, and quarrying applications. Combining robust construction with Liebherr’s proven hydrostatic drive technology, the machines provide smooth power transfer, high productivity and reduced wear. For demanding quarry and bulk material handling applications, larger models such as the PR 756, PR 766 and PR 776 offer exceptional penetration and pushing forces, enabling efficient rock breakout, ripping and material movement. Their durable design, fuelefficient diesel engines, ergonomic operator environment and simplified maintenance access help maximise uptime, operator comfort and overall site efficiency and productivity. Liebherr’s range of quarry equipment is engineered to deliver. Together, these capabilities help quarry businesses maximise productivity, equipment availability and long-term value. • For more information, visit liebherr.com.au

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PLANT OPTIMISATION

CONNECTED PLANT PERFORMANCE Metso is bringing together equipment, expertise, parts and technical support to help Australian quarry operators improve whole-of-plant performance.

quarry processing plant depends on more than the sum of its parts. A crusher may deliver greater throughput, but its contribution will be limited if the feed is inconsistent or the downstream screen cannot handle the resulting load. Similarly, installing high-performance equipment will not produce its full potential if maintenance practices, wear-part selection or plant settings are not aligned with the application. For Australian quarries, these interactions ultimately affect production volumes, product quality, energy use, maintenance costs and plant availability. Together, they contribute to the cost of every tonne produced. Metso’s aggregates offering is structured around a ‘whole-of-plant’ perspective. It extends from the design and supply of new crushing and screening equipment to process optimisation, upgrades, maintenance, training, digital services and the provision of spare and wear parts.

Metso has a range of plant optimisation services and solutions.

“The most visible piece of equipment is not always the source of a production constraint,” Metso business development manager John O’Reilly said. “Feed conditions, recirculating loads and downstream capacity all need to be understood before an effective solution can be developed.” Metso’s plant optimisation services draw on the company’s Australian personnel and global aggregates specialists to assess the interactions between the equipment, materials and operating practices occuring on site. The objective is to identify bottlenecks and determine whether adjustments or upgrades can deliver improved performance for the quarry. “Australian quarries operate across very different materials, climates and production requirements,” O’Reilly said. “Having experienced people in country means we can combine local site knowledge with Metso’s global processing expertise.

“Our long history in the Australian quarrying sector gives us an understanding of the equipment already operating across the industry and the practical support operators require over its working life.” The most visible machine is not always the underlying cause of a production constraint. Feed conditions, chamber selection, screen loading, recirculating material and the balance between crushing stages can all affect the result. Digital technology adds another source of information to this support this process. Metso’s aggregates services include artificial intelligence (AI)-powered predictive maintenance, production-performance tools and the MyMetso platform. Its predictive maintenance approach is designed to identify developing equipment risks before they become failures. Earlier information can allow parts to be ordered and maintenance to be planned around production requirements rather than carried out after an unexpected stoppage. Metso’s production-performance services include adaptive feed control, which adjusts plant operation to make better use of available capacity and reduce periods when conveyors are running without material. The company is developing its AI capability around equipment condition, early identification of component risks, continuous process adjustment and data-informed shutdown planning. “Digital tools give operators greater visibility over equipment condition and whole-of-plant performance,” O’Reilly said. “The value comes from turning that information into planned maintenance and informed operating decisions. “We see artificial intelligence as a way to strengthen the knowledge of plant teams, not replace it. “It can identify developing risks and patterns, but experienced people are still essential to interpret the information and act on it.”

38 Quarry September 2026

ONTRAC

Images: Metso Digital technology is becoming increasingly prominent in quarrying operations.

This is where Metso’s service and parts capabilities form another part of the end-toend model. Trained service personnel can support inspections, maintenance, repairs, upgrades and equipment commissioning, while parts availability helps operators act on identified requirements. Wear-part selection can also influence the wider processing circuit. The appropriate crusher wear profile or screening media depends on the feed material, target product and operating conditions. A part that lasts longer does not automatically offer the lowest cost if it restricts capacity or affects product quality. “Wear parts should not be judged on service life alone,” O’Reilly said.

“The right selection needs to support throughput, product quality and the wider performance of the plant.” Conversely, pursuing maximum throughput without considering wear rates, energy consumption or downstream capacity can increase the overall cost of production. Metso’s approach is to evaluate these factors together rather than judging performance through a single measure. MyMetso is intended to give operators access to equipment information, digital tools, fleet management, parts identification and technical support through one platform. The company said this can simplify the process of locating parts for specific equipment and provide faster access to troubleshooting information.

Metso has supported the Australian quarrying industry for decades, providing an established base of local equipment knowledge and service experience. This in-country capability is supported by the company’s wider international network. This means the same organisation can support quarry customers with process assessments, equipment selection, commissioning, optimisation, digital monitoring, maintenance and parts supply. “Our focus is not simply on how an individual machine performs for the customer today, but on how the complete plant can continue delivering value for them throughout its entire operating life,” O’Reilly said. • For more information, visit metso.com

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MODULAR PLANT

Modular plants offer versatility to quarry operations.

Images: Pilot Crushtec

DELIVERING GREATER CERTAINTY Vastum Engineering and Pilot Crushtec are using modular plant design and local expertise to help Australian quarry operators reduce construction risk and add processing capacity in their quarries.

uilding a traditional processing plant at a regional or remote Australian quarry can involve far more than selecting the right crusher or screen. Structural work, welding and mechanical installation must often be completed on site, with several contractors working across connected parts of the project. Labour availability, weather, access and mobilisation can add further uncertainty. Each additional activity creates another interface for management and another point at which delays, construction variations, or rework can affect the commissioning program. Vastum Engineering director Amir Tadros said these challenges were accentuated by high labour costs, skills shortages and the logistical demands of working in remote locations. But this problem could have a simple, modular solution for quarries looking to invest in their processing plants. Unlike a traditional plant, a modular plant divides the processing circuit into preengineered assemblies. Crushers, screens, feeders, conveyors and supporting structures can be manufactured and assembled in a controlled workshop before being transported to site. The processing modules can be manufactured and assembled off-site.

40 Quarry September 2026

Once delivered, the modules are positioned and connected rather than constructed piece by piece in the operating environment. “Modularisation reduces the amount of work that must be completed under those conditions,” Tadros said. “Moving fabrication and assembly into a controlled workshop allows us to reduce those interfaces and give the operator greater certainty over delivery.” As Pilot Crushtec’s distributor for modular and static plants in Australia, Vastum can supply complete modular crushing and screening plants tailored around feed material, required products, and throughput. Pilot Crushtec’s modular plants have been used globally.

“We can supply the complete modular crushing and screening circuit, from feeding and conveying through to crushing, screening and stockpiling,” Tadros said. “Each plant is configured around the customer’s material, product specifications and production target.” Pilot Crushtec’s modular plants are manufactured in an ISO-accredited facility. This means that dimensions, fabrication quality, component fit and maintenance access can be checked before the equipment reaches the quarry. Potential problems can also be addressed while the people, tools and quality systems needed to make corrections remain available in the workshop. Pilot Crushtec International sales and marketing director Francois Marais said that identifying these issues earlier could reduce the need for modifications during installation. “In practice, many commissioning challenges originate from fit-up issues, site modifications, access constraints and variations in construction quality,” Marais said. “Factory assembly and pre-delivery testing significantly reduce these risks by allowing potential issues to be identified and resolved before equipment is mobilised to site.” For Australian quarry operators, the additional benefits of investing in a modular

S I Q

solution include reduced site labour, fewer contractor interfaces and less exposure to weather-related interruptions. These considerations are particularly relevant at regional and remote Australian quarry operations, where accommodation, travel, mobilisation and site amenities can add substantially to project costs. The delivery model has already been applied to large aggregate-processing projects outside Australia. Pilot Crushtec supplied a 350-tonne-perhour plant for an aggregate project in the Democratic Republic of Congo. According to the Pilot Crushtec, the plant was delivered approximately fourand-a-half months after the order was placed, with structural work, assembly and commissioning completed over a further three months. This ability to progress site construction and equipment production concurrently highlights the versatility of modular plants in quarry operations.

It provides operators greater flexibility in planning future capacity, especially when they may need a larger plant but cannot commit to higher capital costs immediately. Building capacity immediately to meet forecasted demand can leave capital tied up in capacity that remains underused until production increases. Tadros said the ability to expand a modular plant in stages could help Australian operators align with market demand. “An operator may know it will need more capacity in the future, but that does not mean it should pay for all of that capacity on day one. A modular design allows the quarry to install the plant it needs now and add to it when production demand justifies the investment,” he said. Tadros said the combination of Pilot Crushtec’s international experience in modular plants, supported by Vastum’s understanding of local quarry conditions and project requirements, could help Australian operators unlock new levels of production.

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“Pilot Crushtec has designed modular plants across a range of international markets and operating environments,” he said. “Vastum’s role is to bring that experience into the Australian context, working with each operator to account for its material, site conditions, production requirements and plans for future growth.” Vastum Engineering will attend the IQA National Conference on the Gold Coast from 6–8 October. Attendees can learn about the company’s modular plant offering and how circuits can be configured around the requirements of Australian quarry operations. “The conference gives us an opportunity to sit down with operators and understand their feed material, required products, production targets and site constraints,” Tadros said. “From there, we can discuss whether a modular approach could provide the capacity they need now while giving them a practical pathway to expand in the future.” • For more information, visit vastum.com.au

CASE STUDY

DELIVERING IN TOUGH CONDITIONS CDE has successfully supported Heidelberg Materials Australia in upgrading its Bacchus Marsh plant to handle abrasive materials.

eidelberg Materials Australia supply chain manager Johnathan Kapelles does not sugarcoat the conditions equipment faces when processing sand and aggregates at the company’s Bacchus Marsh site. Situated in what is known geologically as the Darley Gravels, the site is strategically important for the greater Melbourne market. However, the material it processes tends to cause high wear rates on plant components. “The raw feed, especially when crushed, is extremely high wearing. This stuff basically chews through anything,” he told Quarry. “A very big factor for us in any purchasing decision is making sure that we have the appropriate equipment that is going to be resistant to that level of abrasion.”

Heidelberg Materials Australia’s previous washing system was built for raw feed from a bygone era. The more than 40-year-old plant needed an upgrade. The upgrade was important for the company’s operations in Victoria as the Bacchus Marsh site has been a primary source of construction sand on Melbourne’s western side for decades. “Melbourne, for many years, was blessed with sand availability,” Kapelles said. “Throughout the 20th century, sand and aggregate were very accessible and close to market, and they were very high quality. “We’re now at a point where, as an industry, we have exhausted those easily winnable reserves, and we’re starting to go further out. Heidelberg Materials Australia has been impressed with CDE’s AggMax™ solution at its Bacchus Marsh site.

42 Quarry September 2026

“And what we’re finding at those longer distances isn’t what it used to be, so what used to typically do the job back in 1980 isn’t going to do the job now, for example. We’re starting to extract from those harder-to-process materials, so we’ve got to put the right solutions in place because the Melbourne market, sand wise, is only increasing in demand.” The Victorian operation turned to washing specialists CDE for advice on how to modernise its aging plant while processing its abrasive material. CDE and Heidelberg Materials (HM), the parent company of Heidelberg Materials Australia, have worked together on various installations across the wider HM network, but the Bacchus Marsh project was Heidelberg Materials Australia’s first CDE plant in Victoria. CDE paid close attention to the material’s characteristics, with virgin aggregate and an abrasive, sharp rock material both processed on site, including the material’s abrasion index rating and particle size distribution, before suggesting its bespoke solution. CDE recommended its AggMax™ scrubbing and classification system for the site, given its ability to produce a variety of materials at high processing rates. The AggMax features a heavy-duty RotoMax Logwasher, which can handle heavily clay-bound feedstock and abrasive, sharp, crushed rock. The machine combines feeding, scrubbing, screening, and sizing capabilities into a single chassis, with a unique paddle arrangement that ensures consistent material transfer while maximising rock-on-rock attrition. CDE deployed its specific high-chrome cast material, xtryl, to minimise the wear rates on the AggMax’s paddles. “The big difference on the AggMax, relevant to the Bacchus Marsh feed material, is the highchrome cast paddles so that you get a higher wear resistance compared to the industry standard Hardox paddles,” CDE business development manager Marcas McBride said. “You don’t want the paddles doing all the work; you want the material to clean itself through rock-on-rock attrition, and the design of our paddles makes the rocks do the work.

W a s Q

Images: CDE CDE managed to have AggMax™ operational within a condensed timeframe.

“We also inject water from above and below the Rotomax hull, which is a completely unique feature to CDE plants, and helps remove any of your sub-75-micron clays and lightweight contamination from the product. “We also use polyurethane (PU) extensively, not just on the screen media, and spray nozzles, but also offer PU Protection on the screen cross members and protection for the spray bars on the lower decks. Anything that has a chance to come in contact with the abrasive material is lined and easily replaceable.” Through the use of a variable frequency drive, the rotational speed of the shafts

in the RotoMax can be controlled to accommodate variations in feed material and control material residence time, while its integrated trash screen removes organic and lightweight contaminants, producing high-quality aggregates. Using the AggMax, Heidelberg Materials has been able to produce a +18mm rinsed oversize, a 5–18mm, a 0–5mm slurry, as well as lightweights/trash. “The wear rates that we’ve noticed have been really low,” Kapelles said. “It gives us a level of scrubbing and attrition that scrubs the surface of the pebble to the point where the sticky clay residue is removed, which leads us to have a very high-

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quality aggregate that we can even use in decorative applications. “I think the equipment quality speaks for itself, and it is capable of doing the job, and what we wanted to get out of it is what we’re getting out of it.” The critical aspect, from Heidelberg Materials Australia’s perspective, was that the solution needed to be installed and operational in an expedited timeframe. CDE had the solution on its way to Australia from its manufacturing base in Northern Ireland just two weeks after it was ordered, despite it being a bespoke machine. This has been further supported since arriving in Australia by CDE’s experienced team and custom-built warehouse in Queensland, which has a large stockholding of spare and wear parts. “We’ve worked with Heidelberg all over the world, and we have done quite a few projects with them in the UK, America, Europe and Australia … and they continue to come back to us because of our approach to each customer, collaborating to meet their specific requirements,” McBride said. “A dedicated CDE project manager oversees the transition from initial cocreation design to manufacturing, modular delivery, and on-site commissioning. “We could guarantee this was going to do the intended job, and we knew it was going to perform for them.” • For more information, visit cde.com

TRAINING

THE ART OF QUARRYING Registered training organisation Trainsafe RTO is helping Mawsons Group quarry managers develop new skills and perspectives to support the wider business.

44 Quarry September 2026

Images: Trainsafe RTO

onstructing an airport requires highly specific skills, especially when it is located in Antarctica. Around 10 years ago, Mawsons Group quarry manager Shane Mansergh was tasked with putting together a pilot project to determine the crushability and quality of Antarctic rock. It’s just one of the many projects he has been involved in throughout his time in the quarrying sector. Originally an electrician from Zimbabwe, Mansergh said his experience and skills have taken him around Australia, from mining in the Pilbara to designing an upgrade for key infrastructure in the Australian Capital Territory. “I’ve also done design and installation work in China and Dubai and have spent some time quarrying in the United Kingdom,” he told Quarry. Today, he looks after Mawsons’ quarry operations in the eastern region, helping to supply materials for the Inland Rail project. Mansergh said the company values upskilling and training its quarry managers, which is how he first learned about Trainsafe RTO. The registered training organisation provides training and assessment specifically for the quarrying sector, delivered by trainers who have lived and breathed the industry. Its team includes former quarry managers, trainers, rescue operators and business owners, with experience across Australia and overseas. That depth of practical knowledge allows trainers to relate directly to participants, building trust, respect and stronger learning outcomes. Mansergh said Trainsafe RTO’s unique approach provides more useful feedback than traditional training methods. “Other training programs can be very sterile,” he said. “What I liked about the training with Trainsafe RTO is it’s a great day out with like-minded individuals, in a cohesive, engaging environment. “For the people that are new to the industry, the trainers allow them to explore the quarrying game with an open forum

Trainsafe RTO provides training and assessment specifically for the quarrying sector.

discussion. They can be more inquisitive and learn more than just sitting behind a computer. It’s a dynamic environment, using examples similar to ones found in your workplace. “They bring a lot of analogies to the table and create a very positive learning environment.” Rather than delivering theory in isolation, Trainsafe RTO’s team visits the company’s site, acting as a link between the training industry and the realities of quarry operations. Each client works primarily with one main trainer, supported by specialists when required. This allows trainers to build genuine relationships and gain a thorough understanding of site-specific systems, procedures and people. Trainsafe RTO managing director Malcolm McDonald provided the training program for Mawsons. Mansergh said McDonald’s experience allowed for deeper discussions that have led to positive outcomes.

“It also gives somebody like me, who has been in the game for a long time, to have a different level of conversations. We can talk about the technical aspects and operational aspects to find radical ways of improving the business,” Mansergh said. “As a result of this direct engagement and the opportunity to explore outcomes and use progressive thinking in dynamic environments, we have been able to ramp up production from about 25,000 tonnes per month to around 55,000 tonnes per month. “It’s because Mal McDonald challenges you and says ‘why don’t we try something like this?’ We can do things differently because we took the time to stand back, look at it, and find new ways to improve things.” This hands-on approach allows Trainsafe RTO’s team to customise its approach, based on the individual. For example, one of the managers being trained has experience in the rail industry but

was relatively new to the quarrying sector. Trainsafe RTO was able to find parallels of pre-existing skills and find the gaps to better upskill him. As part of its offering, Trainsafe RTO uses the experience of a company’s long serving employees, sharing the things they have learned but are often never written down. By doing so, it helps prevent mistakes and ensures the next generation of workers are ready when the veterans retire or move on. Mansergh said more quarries should take advantage of Trainsafe RTO’s potential benefits. “The challenges I have faced in my career, like the Antarctica project, have allowed me to spread my wings and develop. The more time I spent with Trainsafe RTO, the more I realised we had a similar approach,” he said. “So, I challenge quarries to ask ‘why not?’ because that’s how Mal McDonald would encourage me to improve.” • For more information, visit trainsafe.com.au

Trainsafe RTO’s team includes former quarry managers, trainers, rescue operators and business owners, with experience across Australia and overseas.

EXCAVATORS CEA has taken on distribution of SANY excavators in Queensland, New South Wales, South Australia and Western Australia.

Images: CEA

A HEAVYWEIGHT FOR HARD ROCK The SANY SY500H is a 50-tonne excavator designed for the demanding quarry environment.

hot rock can be abrasive and inconsistent, which places significant strain on operating equipment. Excavators often bear the brunt of this work, as their booms, arms, and cylinders are subjected to heavy loads during long operating shifts. The SANY SY500H was designed for these conditions. The 50-tonne excavator can handle face excavation, shot rock handling, overburden removal, stockpile management, and crusher feed loading. CEA product manager Deon Cope said the SY500H sits between the 36-tonne SY365 and SANY’s larger mining-class excavators. “Australian quarry operators face increasing pressure to reduce operating costs while maintaining production targets,” he told Quarry. “Quarry applications place constant stress on an excavator’s structure, hydraulics and undercarriage. “The SY500H has been engineered with these conditions in mind.” The SY500H’s boom, arm and upper frame incorporate reinforced components, and high-strength wear-resistant steel in critical structural areas. The machine, which also features an Isuzu engine, is matched with Kawasaki hydraulic components and uses

46 Quarry September 2026

a heavy-duty undercarriage and protected hydraulic cylinders intended to withstand abrasive ground conditions and rockhandling duties. Cope said these components are intended to provide predictable performance across the excavator’s operating life. “The result is a machine capable of maintaining productivity in harsh quarry conditions while delivering predictable ownership costs over the life of the asset,” he said. “Many operators are surprised by the level of performance achieved relative to the machine’s capital cost, making the SY500H a compelling alternative.” Maintaining production relies on completing routine servicing efficiently without unnecessarily extending downtime. Service points are strategically arranged to facilitate easy access for daily inspections and scheduled maintenance. An excavator that operates at the face or loads trucks may run for long durations, so visibility, vibration, noise, and operator comfort are important factors in quarry operations. The SY500H features an air-suspension heated seat, automatic climate control, and ergonomically placed controls.

Its high-definition touchscreen displays machine data and camera feeds, with multiple cameras enhancing visibility around the excavator and loading zone. “Operator performance has a direct impact on quarry productivity,” Cope said. “The SY500H cab has been designed to reduce fatigue and improve operator efficiency throughout long shifts.” While results will vary with material, bucket selection, haul-unit matching and operating technique, operator feedback has been positive, especially regarding its breakout force and cycle times. But CEA goes beyond just selling an excavator; it wants to ensure its customers receive a solution that genuinely improves their operations, by providing a tailored recommendation not only on the best machine for the customer’s goals but also on the suggested bucket configuration, quick hitch, attachments, and guarding package suited to the application. “Every quarry operates differently, so CEA works closely with customers prior to delivery to ensure the machine configuration matches the intended application,” Cope said. “The focus is on maximising machine availability, reducing downtime and helping customers achieve the lowest practical cost per tonne moved.

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“This ensures the machine arrives siteready and optimised for the customer’s operating environment from day one.” Once the machine is operating on site, CEA supports the SANY equipment with its factory-trained technicians and mobile field service capability from its branches across Australia. This includes an extensive parts inventory at its branches, as well as support for customers to carry out preventive maintenance, service agreements, and technical support. SANY EVI telematics also provides remote machine monitoring, giving service teams and customers access to operational data to support maintenance planning and fault diagnosis. CEA is the official distributor for SANY excavators in Queensland, New South Wales, South Australia and Western Australia. The company has plans to expand its field service in key quarry regions, increase its Australian parts inventory for SANY machines, grow its demonstration program,

SANY’s excavators have been used in tough applications around the world.

and introduce more models for use in local quarrying applications. “For most quarry operators, machine support is just as important as machine performance,” Cope said. “Operators are not simply purchasing an excavator. They are partnering with CEA, a long-established Australian equipment distributor with

a national support infrastructure and experienced personnel in the quarry sector. “The combination of machine performance, value and local support presents a strong business case for quarry operators seeking to maximise return on investment.” • For more information, visit cea.net.au/sany

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DIGITAL TECHNOLOGY

ELIMINATING PAIN POINTS Astec is investing in its computer-aided engineering capabilities to bring new insights to quarry operators.

uarry plant performance is often determined long before the first machine reaches site. Choosing the right equipment is important, but a crusher, screen or conveyor does not operate independently. Each machine forms part of a connected circuit in which material characteristics, equipment geometry and the performance of surrounding processes affect the result. This is where Astec sees a growing role for computer-aided engineering. Its advanced technology group uses computational simulation to examine particle movement, airflow and structural behaviour before a design is manufactured or installed. “It lets us pull back the curtain on these traditional quarry technologies, including crushers and screens and plants,” Astec scientific visualisation manager Chase Walker said. “We’ve talked about machines for decades, and now as these digital and computational technologies become more evolved, it is driving a lot of our customers to want to understand their plant better and make better decisions.” The simulation capability allows Astec’s engineers to examine behaviour that can be difficult, costly or time-consuming to assess through physical changes in the field. Crushing and screening equipment can appear mechanically straightforward from the outside. The process becomes more complex when engineers consider how changes in speed, geometry, and feed conditions influence material behaviour within the machine. Walker said simulation allowed engineers to investigate these interactions without repeatedly modifying physical equipment.

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“With a jaw crusher, there are factors such as the toggle angle, eccentric radius and operating speed that can be modified,” he said. “Doing that in the field is time-consuming. Computationally modifying the crusher or screen geometry lets us pull back the curtain on what is happening inside the equipment.” For the results to be useful, the digital twin must reflect physical behaviour. Walker said Astec had undertaken considerable background work to align its aggregate and crushing models against measured performance from operating equipment. . The resulting simulations can support new product development as well as the investigation of how an existing circuit is performing under real site conditions. Feed gradation, moisture, hardness, and other material characteristics still need to be understood, while production targets and operating conditions must be accurately represented. The digital twin gives engineers another way to test assumptions and compare alternatives before making physical changes. This can be useful when examining chutes, bins and transfer points, but it has also been used by Astec for crushing circuits and screening applications, portable and modular plant configurations, and in cases where optimising throughput and reducing operational risk are critical considerations. Given material characteristics can vary significantly in quarries, and these factors can impact production, using simulation and modelling tools can lead to better plant performance. This allows Astec to work with customers to evaluate various circuit considerations and identify opportunities.

The work is not limited to Astec equipment. In one case the team modelled a customer’s slurry tank, which Astec had not supplied, because it was constraining the wider circuit. Astec regional managing director Evan Boone said the value sits in understanding the whole process, not just Astec’s machines. Walker said Astec’s engineers had used simulation to detect potential flow problems early in the development process. “We have picked up material behaviour in a chute that would not have shown up on a drawing, and resolved it at the concept stage,” he said. “Simulation is involved extremely early in new product development, not only for structural analysis but also for particle flow and crushing behaviour. It means potential downtime is designed out before the machine is built.” Boone said the technology had two principal applications: improving a design before manufacturing and investigating a production constraint in an operating plant . In one instance, a customer was running a material blend outside what the plant had originally been specified for, and was not achieving consistent mixing of fines and roadbase. By modelling the paddle count and angle and the way the materials were introduced, the team configured the pugmill for that specific blend and achieved full mixing. “We made one change, modelled first, rather than a series of trials on site,” Boone said. “It was one fix, done properly and done once, because of the simulation.” The company has empowered its advanced technology team to develop solutions that tackle some of customers’ biggest pain points.

Images: Astec

Astec has invested heavily in research and development in recent years.

An example of this is Astec’s development of DropZone, a smarter solution for loading out trucks. While it was initially designed and developed for the asphalt sector, Boone said there is potential for the technology to enter the quarrying and concrete sectors in the future after the success of its initial release in 2025. The artificial intelligence-powered solution replaces manual loading practices by using computer vision to verify the truck’s position beneath the silo. This innovation streamlines the load-out process and preventing misloading. “Previously, you always had the risk of nonalignment between the truck and the silo bin above it, which could lead to material being dumped on the cabin, which is a significant safety issue,” Boone said. “With DropZone, it will notice that and it will stop loading if it’s not aligned properly. “The system detects misalignment and holds the load until the truck is positioned correctly, which protects the material and the people on the ground.”

Astec’s Hillhead showcase also highlighted its Signal platform. Like an Apple environment, where a MacBook, iPad and iPhone all share connectivity, Signal enables shared connectivity and monitoring across all of a customer’s Astec plant and mobile assets, providing operators with data-driven insights. “Signal takes all of these inputs from the machines and makes them really easy to read and understand, whether you’re in upper management or a site supervisor,” Walker said. “It is a one-stop shop where everything you have from Astec is in one place, and it is a powerful tool that is embedded into our machines, providing you with really rich data.”

BRINGING A DIGITAL FOCUS Walker will discuss Astec’s simulation, artificial intelligence, and computer-aided engineering capabilities at the upcoming IQA National Conference on the Gold Coast from 6–8 October.

Walker said the presentation would focus on how computer-aided engineering could produce practical outcomes for quarry operators. The company also plans to use virtualreality equipment at the event, allowing visitors to inspect virtual machinery that shows the full extent of Astec’s range for the quarrying sector. The virtual reality offering was originally rolled out into the asphalt and concrete sectors, but Astec has adapted the technology for the quarrying sector. Via a headset, customers and attendees can view a full 3D model of the equipment as it would appear on their site. “Operators are looking for as much information as they can get about the machine they own or are looking to buy,” Walker said. “This technology can help customers understand exactly what they’re going to get.” • For more information, visit astecindustries.com

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WHEEL LOADERS

EVERY TONNE COUNTS Cat® Payload for Trade technology is helping deliver results for Log Hut Quarries.

s production customers and regulators demand greater transparency, many quarry operators are turning to technology that helps eliminate guesswork from the loadout process. Victorian family-owned business Log Hut Quarries is one operation embracing that approach. Operating quarries at Moyston and Napoleons near Ballarat, Log Hut supplies a broad range of quarry products including construction aggregates, fill materials, gravel, sand, bluestone, and topsoil for projects across Victoria. The business relies on an extensive fleet of Cat equipment to keep material moving efficiently. For managing director Timothy Porter, wheel loaders sit at the centre of that process. “Log Hut has a large variety of Cat machinery, including excavators, loaders and dozers,” Porter said. “We have 14 pieces of Cat equipment in total, and a fleet of eight truck and trailer set-ups to deliver our products.”

While loaders are often viewed simply as production machines, Log Hut general manager Jessica Porter see them as one of the most influential assets in maintaining efficient quarry operations. Porter said accurate payload information removes uncertainty from the process. Loading trucks too heavily can create safety and compliance risks while increasing fuel use. Underloading creates its own inefficiencies, requiring additional truck movements and reducing overall production. “Precise data eliminates guesswork, ensuring every load is optimised,” she said. “Optimising each load the first time reduces the number of passes required and minimises delays caused by having to adjust an incorrect load.” The result is a smoother load-andhaul process that improves productivity while helping operators consistently hit target payloads.

A SMARTER APPROACH TO LOADOUT To support its operations, Log Hut recently introduced a Cat 972 wheel loader equipped with Cat Payload for Trade (CPFT), making it the first loader in Victoria fitted with the weighing technology. Unlike conventional onboard payload systems designed primarily to improve loading efficiency, CPFT provides regulatory trade-approved weight information that can be used for commercial transactions (Australian NMI Certification). William Adams major account sales manager Guy Rigoni said the technology enables operators to invoice material directly from the bucket without relying on a weighbridge. “The machines already come with the Cat Payload system from the factory, but now they have the option of having CPFT installed,” Rigoni said. “CPFT allows the customer to charge for product directly from the Loader Weigh system without the need for a weighbridge on site, improving the machine’s versatility.

Images: Prime Creative Media

Wheel loaders are integral for handling bulk materials, loading heavy haul trucks, and feeding crushing plants.

50 Quarry September 2026

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Log Hut Quarries proudly owns and operates a number of Cat equipment.

“This will definitely achieve accuracy as the scales are calibrated with precise weights and verified by an independent body.” The independently verified system also integrates with Caterpillar’s VisionLink™ platform, allowing operators to capture payload information electronically while generating reports that support production tracking and customer invoicing. For Log Hut, the advantages extend well beyond operational efficiency. Porter said the technology gives customers confidence that every load is measured accurately while helping the business maintain consistent standards across its operations. “It gives more reliability on site and gives our customers security that our weights are accurate when we’re loading out,” she said. “We’re dealing with tier one clients all the time and we need to have that surety that everything is right.” The onboard system also helps operators achieve target payloads using a simple traffic-light indicator, reducing the likelihood of overloaded trucks leaving site. “You can target your weights, and you can tell the system how much you want to put on the truck, which saves overloading, which in turn improves on-road safety,” Porter said. The Cat 972 also incorporates safety technologies including a reverse management system that alerts operators to obstacles or personnel behind the machine, adding another layer of protection within busy quarry environments.

SUPPORTING LONGTERM PERFORMANCE Alongside machine capability, Porter credits the ongoing support from Cat dealer William Adams as an important part of maintaining productivity. From operator training through to remote diagnostics and rapid parts availability, the dealer’s aftersales support helps minimise downtime and maximise equipment availability. “We couldn’t be happier with the service we get from William Adams,” Porter said. “If something goes wrong, they’re first on the phone to help us out. “They also can do a lot online, so if we have a fault, they’re usually able to fix it within an hour. “They can log into the machine electronically and help us with anything we need.” Tim said the availability of parts was exceptional. “All parts are on hand, and they’re an hour away from us. So, we have no downtime,” he said. •

For more information visit cat.com

EXCAVATORS

DELIVERING XMOR FOR LIMA SOUTH QUARRY The XMOR bucket from ONTRAC Group has slashed downtime and improved productivity at a Victorian quarry thanks to a unique excavator bucket design.

ima South Quarry Group’s hornsfel blue metal aggregates are highly sought after, particularly for rail ballast, concrete aggregates, asphalt, and sealing applications. In particular, the state and local governments depend on the material for road construction and maintenance, as well as private construction companies that build roads on their behalf. To ensure it can supply these key customers, the quarry produces a wide range of high-quality products year-round. Lima South quarry manager Jeremy Vegter said production rate is one of the key concerns at the site. He told Quarry that in late 2024, the Victorian quarry wanted a replacement for their excavator bucket because it was not

keeping up with the necessary productivity. “Our old 3.5m³ bucket was very standard,” he said. “We were seeing a lot of wear, especially with the ground engagement tools that were not meeting our expectations.” Lima South Quarry began searching for an alternative that would maximise productivity at the site and that was wear-resistant enough to avoid downtime. That’s when the team learned about the ONTRAC Group’s XMOR BHC80 high production bucket. Manufactured with SSAB’s Hardox 500 Tuf wear plates and Strenx structural steel in its durable design, the bucket was tough enough for the job. What set it apart from the other options was its unique shape. The XMOR bucket features a keel (tub) design that reduces weight and

enables more structural stability. The inverted shape of the keel helps minimise ground contact and wear on the bottom of the bucket, which reduces wear. The bucket was the perfect solution for the Victorian quarry because it effectively exchanged weight for payload without sacrificing durability or structural integrity. Vegter said ONTRAC Group did a study to help determine how much value the XMOR could bring. “They worked out that there would roughly be an extra three tonnes moved with each swing of the bucket,” he said. “When compared with the current bucket, it would fill a truck in around eight to nine passes. With the XMOR, it could do it in four, sometimes five.

The XMOR bucket features a keel (tub) design that reduces weight and enables more structural stability.

Images: ONTRAC Group

52 Quarry September 2026

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The XMOR bucket is manufactured with SSAB’s Hardox 500 Tuf wear plates and Strenx structural steel.

“If we were running the same number of trucks for a ten-hour shift, the tonnes per hour (tph) of the current bucket was 700tph while the XMOR was able to do just over 1000tph.” The Lima South Quarry took delivery of the new bucket in November 2024 and immediately began to see results. The enhanced payload capacity from the XMOR was 45 per cent greater than the previous bucket. This had a flow-on effect throughout the quarry, as certain jobs could be run with one less haul truck. It also cut down on the amount of overtime, as the load and haul team could move the same amount of material in eight hours instead of 12. Vegter said the team has time for other jobs around the quarry that previously were not possible.

“The number of trucks per hour has gone from 18 to 25, and the time each truck takes to fill has gone down from three minutes and twenty seconds to one minute and forty-five seconds,” he said. “The operators took some time to get used to the new bucket. The curved edge takes a bit to get used to if you’ve been using a standard bucket your whole life, but once you’re used to it, there’s no difference.”

ONTRAC SUPPORT One of the other key considerations for Lima South Quarry was aftersales support. It was vital that the quarry team could pick up the phone and speak to the original equipment manufacturer, especially for spare parts. Vegter said it meant the quarry’s

workshop isn’t tied up trying to fix a bucket, especially because they have other breakdowns and tasks to attend to. “The cost of bucket repairs is made worse by needing to find a replacement while the bucket is being repaired,” he said. While it’s still early days, the XMOR bucket is showing minimal signs of wear. “ONTRAC has visited the site twice and is always calling, bringing in anything we need. It’s been great,” Vegter said. “We’ve had no dramas with it, and ONTRAC has been on site making sure it’s doing everything it should be. “We know that ONTRAC will be straight onto any issues and will help out as much as they can.” • For more information, visit ontracgroup.com.au

LEADERS IN MODULAR CRUSHING, SCREENING AND MATERIAL HANDLING SOLUTIONS

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TURNKEY PROJECT

FULL CIRCLE PROJECT Ridge has earned rave reviews for delivering a four-stage crushing plant at Heidelberg Materials Australia’s Wolffdene Quarry.

54 Quarry September 2026

The completed plant represents two years of work by Ridge and Heidelberg Materials Australia.

and beyond the client’s expectations and it all started in the consultation phase, before construction commenced. The brief was centred on several key requirements: throughput, safety, dust, plant footprint, availability, and product specifications. “We then developed a much more detailed reverse brief, that allowed us to demonstrate that we understood what Heidelberg Materials required, detailing how we intended to address these requirements and identify other areas to resolve that had not yet been considered,” Eldridge said.

Several industry professionals recently took part in a walkthrough of the crushing plant at Wolffdene Quarry.

“It was about finding ways to solve all of the challenges and add value to the overall project.” Ridge delivered the entire project under a single engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) contract, covering design, manufacturing, electrical systems, instrumentation, civil and structural works, mechanical installations, piping, buildings, dust extraction and commissioning. The integrated plant combines the crushing circuit with surge bins, stockpiling systems

Images: Ridge

hen Ryan Eldridge discusses the Wolffdene Quarry project, it feels akin to a full-circle moment for the Victorian-based company. Around 11 years ago, Heidelberg Materials Australia (HMA), formerly Hanson, awarded Ridge its first-ever major project, beginning a relationship that has since led to numerous other projects, and Eldridge’s company has never looked back. In July 2026, Eldridge led an enthusiastic group of quarrying experts through Ridge’s newest project for HMA: a four-stage crushing plant capable of producing 500 tonnes per hour (tph). Among the group were two seasoned quarry professionals who had played a role in Ridge’s initial collaboration with HMA and visited the new plant in Luscombe, Queensland. Their feedback was overwhelmingly positive. “The feedback was nothing short of amazing,” Eldridge told Quarry. “Some attendees had worked in the industry for more than 40 years and had seen plants around the world. “Several visitors described it as the best plant they had ever seen. “It is probably one of the best accolades you could receive. To have our team’s capabilities recognised on that scale, I could not be prouder of the hard work the team put into building such an impressive project.” Something that struck the group as they walked through the project and got an upclose-and-personal view was how Ridge had considered its finer details. From delivering HMA flexibility within its fixed plant, comparable to that of a mobile plant, to the quality of the finishes and the implementation of safety considerations, Ridge’s team went above

and a compact layout designed to shorten material movements. Built-in dust and noise controls support cleaner operation, while the automated control system manages sequencing and monitors plant performance. According to Ridge, the design is intended to produce consistent material across multiple product streams with less operator intervention. Safety and serviceability were key considerations throughout this project. Ridge’s design ensures that all major equipment, such

as gearboxes, drives, and exciters, can be serviced efficiently. These components are easily accessible and can be maintained with the necessary service tools when needed. This consideration includes details such as the weight of the return rollers on larger conveyors, which help personnel manage and service them more safely. With Ridge’s execution, HMA’s team can safely undertake maintenance work using the appropriate equipment and tools with a reduced need for personnel to work within confined spaces. Due to the large, sweeping scale of Wolffdene Quarry, Ridge was able to have its own cordoned-off construction area, which limited the challenges of delivering a full-scale works package for the four-stage crushing plant at an active quarry, allowing Ridge to approach the work in a manner similar to a greenfield project. With full oversight of all aspects of the project, Ridge’s team not only met HMA’s requirements but also delivered well ahead of the construction deadline. “It does not happen often in this industry, but the team lived and breathed this project,” Eldridge said. “They reached every milestone, managed the project closely and ultimately brought it in ahead of schedule. “It demonstrates our understanding of the industry.

“This was a complex design, so turning it around within the available timeframe required a comprehensive understanding of the project. “That knowledge helped us deliver it on time. The commitment of our team members to making the project a success is something I am so proud of.” Ridge’s flagship project will be featured at the Institute of Quarrying Australia’s national conference on the Gold Coast from October 6–8. The event will include a site tour of HMA’s Wolffdene Quarry, highlighting the new crushing plant, with two coach sessions scheduled for October 6. These sessions, guided by Heidelberg’s South-East Queensland quarry managers, will cover the new transport workshop and the recent plant installation delivered by Ridge, along with the ongoing developments at the quarry. Eldridge said he was thrilled the project will be showcased as part of the biggest event in the Australian quarrying sector. “Following project walkthroughs during construction, the client described the plant as its new standard,” he said. “Heidelberg Materials chose us because it believed we could achieve everything it wanted from the project and I am proud to say the team has done that.” • For more information, visit ridgeprojects.com.au

SCREEN MEDIA

Image: AEG

AEG has a strong partnership with Metso.

A PARTNERSHIP BUILT BEYOND SCREENING Advanced Engineering Group will use the IQA National Conference to showcase how its partnership with Metso has expanded.

dvanced Engineering Group’s (AEG) partnership with Metso began with synthetic screening media but has since expanded to meet the needs of Australian quarry operators. AEG will demonstrate that broader offering at the IQA National Conference on the Gold Coast from October 6–8, 2026. Its display will cover screening media, screening accessories, wear liners, its Metso crushing and Metso screens and feeders, as well as AEG’s own stainless-steel range. AEG national business development manager Scott Hastie said the conference offered the opportunity to talk to operators about the real-life conditions and pain points they were facing in the sector.

56 Quarry September 2026

“Events like this remain one of the best opportunities to hear directly from operators about what is working on site, what is causing them headaches and where they need better support. It is as much about listening as it is about showcasing what we do,” he said. “The conference has a strong technical and educational focus, and it draws a genuine cross-section of decision-makers from quarries of every size. “Operators come ready to talk through real production and maintenance challenges, which suits the kind of detailed, technical discussions our team enjoys having. “Visitors to our stand will be able to discuss application-specific requirements

with technical experts and learn how AEG’s products can help improve operational efficiency and reliability.” The relationship between AEG and Metso was established in 2021, when AEG became the Australian distributor for Metso’s synthetic screening media products for aggregates producers. The relationship has grown over time; AEG now supplies Metso’s synthetic screening media, crusher wear, and spare parts, as well as Metso screens and feeders, to Australian quarrying customers. “The partnership has grown well beyond that starting point. Metso’s global engineering and research and development, combined with our local manufacturing,

warehousing and customer support, has let us build a genuine one-stop offering for Australian operators,” Hastie said. “With more than 25 years of industry experience, we can provide expert advice to help customers select the most suitable screening media, crusher wear solutions, and Metso equipment for their specific applications. Our experienced team works closely with quarry operators to optimise plant performance, maximise equipment uptime, and reduce operating costs.” Screening media is rarely a one-sizefits-all decision. Feed characteristics, moisture, abrasiveness, impact, aperture requirements and the required finished product can all affect which media should be used. Wear life must also be considered alongside screening efficiency and the time required to complete maintenance. Safety is also becoming a key consideration in purchasing decisions as quarry operators look to minimise maintenance teams’ exposure to manual handling, confined spaces and striking hazards. “We’d expect demand to keep growing for wear-resistant and synthetic screening solutions that extend service life and reduce downtime, as operators continue to focus on cutting maintenance costs and improving safety by reducing manual handling of heavier steel components,” Hastie said. The Trellex PS hammerless modular system from Metso, available through AEG, shows how safety considerations influence product development and demand among quarry operators. Its fastening pins can be installed and removed using a cordless drill, reducing the need to apply force to release pins during a panel changeout. “The Metso Trellex PS hammerless modular system has specially developed pins that can be screwed into place and removed using a cordless drill. This prevents accidents that occur when pins that are stuck are torn off by force,” Hastie said. “In addition to improved safety, the attachment system cuts the change-out time considerably, resulting in higher uptime and productivity.” To help customers understand all of these aspects, AEG’s team can assess these requirements and advise on the right screen media, wear parts or equipment for the application. AEG manufactures and supplies its own screen media

products under brands including Vibrex, Flomax, Pu-Mesh and woven wire, along with polyurethane and rubber tensioned media, wear liners and a full range of screening accessories, meaning, through its expansive overall range, it can help customers consider different media types and find one best suited to the application rather than taking a one-sizefits-all approach. As a locally owned and operated business that maintains manufacturing and warehousing facilities in Melbourne, Brisbane and Christchurch, AEG has an extensive inventory, enabling it to supply its customers with shorter lead times and reduce downtime. “Operators are under more pressure than ever to reduce downtime, control costs and improve safety on site, and they expect suppliers to respond quickly rather than simply take an order,” Hastie said. “We’ve responded by growing our local stock holdings and technical support, so customers get faster answers and faster parts, rather than long lead times. “We support our customers through the full life of the product - from helping select the right screen media or wear part for the application, through to fast supply of spares from our facilities, technical troubleshooting when something isn’t performing as expected, and guidance for operators on getting the most out of their equipment.” With its experienced team, AEG supports customers with product selection, supply, installation, access to spare parts, and troubleshooting. The team will then follow up with customers as needed to examine wear patterns and ensure the equipment is operating as intended. AEG can also support customers in changing to a different screen media type or configuration that may be better suited to the application. “We’ve been part of the New Zealand and Australian quarrying industry for over 30 years, we manufacture locally, and we back every product we sell or distribute with real technical support,” Hastie said. “When an operator picks up the phone, they’re talking to people who know their business and are invested in keeping their operation running.” • For more information, visit aeg-group.au

NEW RAMMER E06 Small in size. Big on innovation. Rammer has expanded its next-generation Compact Range with the introduction of the new E06 hydraulic rockbreaker. Engineered to deliver exceptional powerto-weight performance, the E06 combines Constant Blow Energy (CBE), Idle Blow Protection (IBP) and a robust unified body structure to maximise productivity while reducing carrier stress, fuel consumption and operating costs.

One Brand. Every Size. Proven Performance. From the new E06 Compact Range to Rammer heavy-duty rockbreakers and boom systems, every model is engineered to maximise productivity, reliability and uptime. Want to know more? Contact your Rammer dealer today!

ROCKBREAKERS

CONTINUOUS PRODUCT INNOVATION BY RAMMER Rammer has introduced the new Compact Range E06 rockbreaker, engineered to deliver easier maintenance, lower fuel consumption and the reliability modern operations demand.

58 Quarry September 2026

Image: Rammer

ompact rockbreakers are not typically destined for the heavy-duty demands of Australia’s quarrying industry, but sometimes the biggest statement comes from the smallest of packages. The same technologies and design philosophy that underpins Rammer’s larger hydraulic rockbreakers and boom systems are also evident in the new E06 hydraulic rockbreaker. Designed for carriers between three and eight tonnes, the E06 delivers an impressive powerto-weight ratio while maintaining the durability and reliability that have become synonymous with the Rammer brand. Its compact footprint makes it suitable for various applications such as demolition or trenching. The E06 also introduces a suite of proven Rammer technologies aimed at maximising productivity while minimising operating costs. Constant blow energy (CBE) technology delivers consistent impact energy regardless of operating conditions, while idle blow protection prevents blank firing, reducing unnecessary wear and protecting both the rockbreaker and carrier. A unified body structure without tie rods, together with simplified maintenance features and an optional hoseless auto-greasing system, helps reduce downtime and extend service life. Adam Leece, Sales Manager at Total Rockbreaking Solutions said that the introduction of the new Rammer Compact Range E06 reflects Rammer’s commitment to continuous innovation, with engineering advancements designed to reduce machine stress and lower fuel consumption. For Australian quarries, Rammer’s larger hydraulic rockbreakers continue to play a critical role in primary and secondary rockbreaking applications. Installed on excavators or integrated with pedestal boom systems, these attachments help manage oversize rock,

The E06 rockbreaker from Rammer is designed to have more impact with less effort.

maintain crusher productivity and reduce costly interruptions to plant operations. In an industry where downtime can have significant production consequences, reliability is every bit as important as outright breaking performance. Rammer’s excellence line has earned its reputation through robust engineering, with features such as CBE and remote monitoring capabilities, giving operators greater visibility of equipment utilisation and maintenance requirements while helping maximise machine availability. However, premium equipment is only one part of the equation. Ongoing support throughout the life of the attachment is equally important, particularly in Australia’s geographically dispersed quarry and mining industries. This is where Rammer’s Australian dealer network deliver added value. And Rammer works alongside experienced dealers to provide customers with technical expertise, genuine parts, servicing and product support wherever they operate. The dealer network includes Walkers Hammers in Victoria, Tasmania and South Australia, GroundTec Equipment servicing New

South Wales, QLD Rock Breakers supporting customers throughout Queensland, Northern Territory and PNG, and Total Rockbreaking Solutions in Western Australia. Together, these businesses provide local knowledge backed by factory-trained expertise, ensuring operators have timely access to maintenance and repairs that help keep equipment working efficiently. Preventive maintenance, rapid technical assistance and ready access to genuine parts all contribute to reducing downtime, and extending equipment life, helping customers maximise the return on their investment. From the introduction of the compact E06 to the heavy-duty rockbreakers and boom systems trusted across Australian quarries, Rammer continues to demonstrate that innovation is about more than launching new products. Backed by Rammer and its nationwide dealer network, Australian quarry operators have access not only to rockbreaking technology, but also to the local expertise and aftersales support needed to keep production moving. • For more information, visit rammer.com

CRUSHING AND SCREENING

Highly energy intensive, mining accounts for six to seven per cent of the world’s total energy consumption.

PROCESSING WITH PURPOSE Sandvik is helping minimise energy consumption with a process that is up to 10 times more efficient than conventional grinding.

60 Quarry September 2026

the downstream grinding process. Leading gold producer Gold Fields was able to take advantage of this in its new crushing and screening plant at the Agnew gold mine in Western Australia. According to Gold Fields senior management, the finer feed from their new crushing and screening circuit has improved downstream mill performance, increasing the maximum throughput rate from 155 to 170 tph. The company conducted a comminution crushing and grinding survey which indicates that the new circuit is around 18 per cent more energy efficient than the previous one.

MAXIMISING EFFICIENCY Like crushing, screening and feeding also play a critical role in mineral processing. Vibrating screens and feeders operate in extremely harsh environments accelerating massive loads of highly abrasive materials with forces of up to 5G. Perfectly adapted to the world’s toughest mineral processing applications, Sandvik’s extensive line-up of heavy-duty vibrating screens, feeders and screening media includes machines capable of throughputs of up to 8000 tonnes per hour. Optimal screening efficiency requires the right machine and the right screening media. Choosing the best time to replace screening media is also critical to process efficiency. Replacing too early can be a waste of money but waiting too long can lead to process inefficiencies. The worst-case scenario

is unexpected panel failure which can catastrophically impact operational efficiency. Screening media maintenance and replacing screening media at just the right time has always come down to the experience and judgement of plant maintenance personnel – something of a ‘dark art’. DeckMapp is Sandvik’s new digital platform for screen deck maintenance. The company said this cloud-based software solution is set to transform screen deck maintenance and drive substantial improvements in the efficiency and operational performance of mineral processing plants. Accessible via laptop, tablet or mobile phone, DeckMapp captures, stores and shares real-time data to present a reliable, Grinding consumes a significant amount of the industry’s total energy.

Images: Sandvik

ccording to Sandvik, the mining industry’s direct consumption represents six to seven per cent of the world’s total energy usage. The company said almost half of this energy is consumed in the comminution process – crushing, screening, feeding and milling. Considering the energy consumed in comminution and the increasing energy per tonne of final product produced, the need for process efficiency has never been more important. Sandvik rock processing business area president Richard Harris said the company’s advanced technologies can significantly enhance the efficiency and sustainability of mineral processing operations. “Not only is our latest equipment easy to operate, manage, maintain and service, but it also contributes to our industry’s need to reduce its environmental impact,” Harris said. “Through our close partnerships with customers and our unwavering focus on innovation, we are shaping a future where rock processing is eco-efficient, safe, productive and sustainable.” According to Sandvik’s experts, crushing is up to 10 times more energy efficient than conventional grinding. By crushing more and providing a finer feed to the milling circuit, significant efficiency gains can be made in the overall comminution process. The Sandvik 800i cone crusher series can be tuned to output a very fine product, which can significantly reduce the load on

Fine crushing can improve overall processing plant efficiency.

single source of truth for all activities within the screen media lifecycle. Sandvik digital solutions product manager Matt Cutbush said DeckMapp empowers teams engaged in screening operations with comprehensive tools to view deck history, share deck plans, visualise panel wear patterns and capture feedback, as well as access maintenance plans and activity reports. “By guiding operators through maintenance updates and wear assessments, DeckMapp ensures consistent data entry across the board, resulting in robust, reliable historical wear data for every screen in your operation,” Cutbush said. “DeckMapp enhances data quality and formalises maintenance processes, thereby eliminating information inconsistencies that can adversely affect production and profitability due to rework and extended task durations. DeckMapp delivers real-time updates to ensure all team members are aligned, further reducing the risk of miscommunication and operational inefficiencies.” A key feature of DeckMapp is the optional add-on WearApp, an innovative wear assessment system powered by artificial intelligence. With WearApp, users capture images of worn screening media panels with a smartphone or a tablet. WearApp then applies AI to automatically assess each aperture calculating amount of wear, panel efficiency and remaining wear life. Cutbush said this revolutionary application not only saves substantial time but also delivers far greater accuracy over traditional manual wear assessment methods. With DeckMapp and WearApp, plant operators can leverage data-driven insights to make smarter, more efficient maintenance decisions, and reduce cost overruns associated with screen deck maintenance.

Cutbush said these enhanced capabilities will allow processing plant operators to make more informed decisions regarding their screening media maintenance strategies, such as determining optimal replacement times based on actual open area rather than individual aperture wear. The Sandvik range of screens and feeders has been enhanced by ACS-s, a condition monitoring system that allows operators to keep an eye on the condition of their machines, 24/7. Errors in maintenance and operations can lead to component damage. Early detection and diagnosis are vital in the prevention of catastrophic machine failures and protracted plant downtime. ACS-s is designed to alert plant personnel to small problems, before they can become big ones which is critical to maximising plant efficiency. The company said both ACS-c 5 and ACS-s are seamlessly integrated through a cloudbased digital assistant designed to support operational excellence in crushing and screening plants. This digital assistant captures data from all connected Sandvik equipment, offering a comprehensive overview of the entire operation. Plant operators can monitor equipment status, communicate across teams, receive alerts and notifications as well as proactively order spare parts, all from a centralised platform. Sandvik said its solutions are engineered to reduce energy consumption, minimise waste and optimise operational efficiency. These advancements can assist companies seeking to improve their environmental footprint while delivering outstanding performance. • For more information, visit home.sandvik

SCREENING

EASING THE OVERBURDEN Onetrak’s range of trommel screens is helping quarry customers unlock greater performance.

Onetrak supplies Australian quarries with Anaconda equipment.

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The drum and feeder feature reverse capability for easier clearing, and the adjustable drum angle provides flexibility. Together, these features make the Anaconda TD620 an ideal choice for sites that need a reliable tracked trommel. Guenzel said that in addition to the Anaconda equipment, Onetrak can also provide trommels for heavy-duty applications. “The Nirox brand of trommels is designed for these heavy-duty quarry applications,” he said. Onetrak is the official supplier of the Nirox range of rock trommels, high-performance mobile machines designed for efficient material separation in quarry and mining operations. The tracked trommels can deliver reliable rock screening and grading for a variety of applications, from gravel and aggregate to mined minerals. Built for mobility and efficiency, the Nirox trommels feature a rotating drum that effectively separates fines from larger material. Its rotary trommel screen action ensures clean, consistent output, making it suitable as a quarry trommel, mining trommel, or gravel screening solution. The unit’s tracked design allows it to move easily across the site, making it a true portable screener and simplifying deployment at different locations. Guenzel said the range is capable of producing a uniform product for downstream processing or direct sale.

“Perfect for contractors, quarry operators, and mining teams, the Nirox trommels excel as a mobile rock trommel. With flexible configuration options and a simple, operatorfriendly design, it handles screening rock and gravel with ease,” he said. Guenzel said feedback on the range of trommels has been positive. “The machines are cost-effective, which is important when they are working in such a competitive market,” he said. In the 20 years since it was founded, Onetrak has expanded significantly, providing equipment for the construction, forestry, recycling and quarry sectors. In addition to the Nirox trommels. The business offers new and used machine sales, hire equipment, service and parts from eight branches around Australia. “Our team has focused on building a portfolio of machines that can support several sectors, including quarries. They help quarries process overburden and maximise saleable product,” Guenzel said. “Whether you are looking for a trommel screen for sale or a trommel screen rental option, Onetrak is happy to help integrate this trommel screen into your existing set-up or help you develop a new crushing and screening train to boost overall efficiency.” • For more information, visit onetrak.com.au

Image: Onetrak

hile sand, aggregates, and concrete are an important part of the construction industry, sometimes a customer requires something with a more natural look. For the landscaping sector, river rocks and other specialty materials are vital. Onetrak business manager of crushing and screening Heiner Guenzel told Quarry that the process of getting river rock ready for market means dealing with soil and clay. “To separate this clay and soil from the rock requires a trommel; otherwise, you could contaminate your whole plant with clay,” he said. The company’s range of Anaconda trommels are ideal for this task. “The Anaconda TD620 mobile trommel is a high-capacity, user-friendly rotary trommel screen engineered for ease of use, efficiency, mobility, and reliability,” Guenzel said. As the largest mobile trommel in the Anaconda range, the TD620 is built to handle fine, lightweight, moisture-containing materials, such as clay. With a processing capacity of up to 200 tonnes per hour, it’s a powerful, portable trommel screen. Designed for convenience, the TD620 offers a quick 20-minute setup time, a hydraulic roll-out drum system, and full ground-level access thanks to its L-shape layout.

Driving the world

Driving the Australian Quarry Industry since 1982

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Services Include: • Consulting • Installation & startup support • Inspection & maintenance • Fast repairs & spare parts • Condition monitoring • Retrofit & upgrades

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Product portfolio includes: • Helical/bevel-helical gear units • Planetary gear units • Crusher & mill drive packages • FleXeDrive - Standard Drive Package • DriveRadar® IOT Suite Predictive maintenance • Custom Drive Solutions

BUSINESS

Terex Jaques has a longstanding history in Australia. Image: Terex Jaques

LOCAL HERITAGE SHAPES A NEW ERA Terex Jaques is bringing an expanded offering to the Australian market by strengthening its crushing, screening, washing, conveying and recycling capabilities.

erex Jaques is offering Australian quarry operators greater assistance across more stages of materials processing after strengthening its local equipment offering and support services. The Australian business offers fixed, modular and wheeled equipment for crushing and screening operations, as well as solutions for washing, conveying and recycling applications. This broader portfolio is supported by the local engineering and application knowledge and aftermarket services from within the Australian-based Terex Jaques team. Founded in 1885, Jaques began manufacturing crushers in Richmond, Victoria. It became part of Terex Corporation in 2001. For more than a century, Terex Jaques has expanded its offering to meet the needs of the local quarrying sector. After starting out as a specialist in stationary crushing plants, it has also developed a range of large-scale screening stations, modular systems and processing solutions for Australian operators. Today, the company’s portfolio incorporates equipment from the established Terex brands including Cedarapids, Simplicity and Canica, and its very own Jaques, while the addition of Terex Recycling Systems has extended its offering into demolition-material processing and resource recovery. Terex Jaques general manager Dylan Gomez said the company had invested heavily to ensure it was set up for a successful future in the local market. “We have an extraordinary history, but more importantly we have a strong, capable team, a diverse product offering and long-standing technical knowledge to support customers through increasingly complex operating environments,” he said.

64 Quarry September 2026

Bringing these products together under the Terex Jaques banner gives operators one point of contact for equipment selection and plant integration, as well as assistance during commissioning and throughout the plant’s operating life. Terex Jaques’ expanded range enables it to support both established quarry applications and operations seeking to recover usable material from construction and demolition streams. Rather than approaching each requirement as an isolated equipment purchase, the company can draw its broad portfolio of equipment to develop a configuration tailored to the customer’s specific application and requirements. The company prides itself on going beyond selling equipment. Its wider service capability includes site appraisals, installation and commissioning, with ongoing maintenance available to support the equipment once it enters operation. Terex Jaques has a national service network with locations in Sydney, Brisbane and Perth, as well as Melbourne with its Dandenong facility serving as its central Australian hub. The company relocated to its current Victorian facility in 2015 and now manufactures apron feeders, pan feeders and screens at the site. The company maintains an extensive stockholding across its national network so it can support customers to plan maintenance periods effectively and limit downtime throughout the equipment’s working life. Since becoming Terex Jaques general manager in 2025, Gomez has focused on expanding the Australian team and strengthening its service and parts support. Under Gomez’s leadership, the company has also continued adapting its equipment

offering to the requirements of Australian operators by combining its local application knowledge with the manufacturing capabilities of the wider Terex network around the globe. “Australian operators are facing tighter margins, changing regulations and increased expectations around uptime and performance,” Gomez said. “Our role is to simplify that complexity through the selection of the right equipment, strong aftermarket support and people who understand local conditions.” Terex Jaques has recently refreshed its brand to better reflect its heritage and the expanded equipment and service capabilities now available across its Australian operations. The new identity honours the company’s long-standing Australian roots while showcasing the breadth of expertise, products, and support it offers as part of the global Terex organisation. It also highlights Terex Jaques’ ongoing commitment to meeting customer needs, particularly amid increasing demand for recycling and recovered materials solutions, as well as quarrying applications. It also points to a continued focus from Terex Jaques on meeting the demands of its customers especially with growing demand for recycling and recovered materials solutions as well as quarrying and aggregates applications. Gomez said the strengthened equipment range, local expertise and ongoing support would work together to help customers maintain productive operations. “Our ambition is straightforward: to earn our customers’ trust and keep their operations moving, today and for the long term,” he said. • For more information, visit terex.com/jaques

M T B

ENVIROTRACK™

MONITOR, MEASURE AND CONTROL THE ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS OF BLASTING

Achieve control requirements

Seamless data integration

Facilitate regulatory compliance

Manage environmental impacts

EVENTS

BUILDING A STRONGER FUTURE FOR MINING Returning to the Perth Convention and Exhibition Centre on 16–17 September, the WA Mining Conference and Exhibition unites the resources sector all under the same roof.

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Image: Prime Creative Media

estern Australia’s mining industry continues to set the pace for innovation, productivity, and operational excellence, and this year’s WA Mining Conference and Exhibition (WA Mining) is set to put that progress on full display. Following consecutive sold-out events in 2024 and 2025, the exhibition returns with a comprehensive conference program, a dedicated Mining Pavilion, networking opportunities, and an industry awards evening celebrating excellence across the sector. Among the exhibitors returning to the show floor is REMA TIP TOP, a company that has built its reputation on helping mining operations maximise conveyor performance. For REMA TIP TOP senior marketing manager Ellaina Mackay, exhibiting at WA Mining is about far more than showcasing products, rather supporting the industry that forms the backbone of the company’s Australian operations. “WA is where our national headquarters are based. It’s where we do a lot of our business,” she said. “We felt it was really important for us to show up in that space, surround ourselves with the people we do business with every day and show our general support for the industry in WA.” REMA TIP TOP provides a complete range of conveyor and surface protection solutions backed by around-the-clock field support, positioning itself as a single provider for mining customers seeking both products and ongoing service. “We’re a full-scale service and solutions provider,” Mackay said. “We have a full range of conveying and surface protection products and we back that up with 24/7 service on site. As mining companies continue to pursue higher production targets while maintaining safe and reliable operations, Mackay said technology is becoming an

WA Mining is set to be another great success.

increasingly important part of conveyor maintenance strategies. One of the company’s key exhibits at WA Mining will be its Automated Roller Monitoring System (ARMS), designed to continuously monitor conveyor rollers across extensive conveyor networks. “Some of these conveyor systems can be kilometres long,” she said. “To do a proper check of both sides of all the rollers is a very time-consuming exercise. Roller failures can quickly escalate into major production interruptions, making continuous monitoring an increasingly valuable capability. Mackay said rollers are an integral component of any system, and if they fail can result in catastrophic fashion. And while digital technologies continue to evolve, success still comes back to delivering dependable products and quality service, according to Mackay. “We have exceptional service teams and safety is our main priority. Being able to back

that up with our own product lines, project teams and contract teams means you really have one source for all of your conveyor and surface protection needs,” she said. Alongside ARMS, REMA TIP TOP will also highlight its range of surface protection solutions, including rubber lining systems designed to extend equipment life and reduce costly downtime. With many of Australia’s largest mining companies headquartered in Western Australia, maintaining a strong local presence remains a key advantage for the business. As WA Mining 2026 prepares to welcome mining companies, contractors and suppliers from across the state, Mackay hopes visitors leave the REMA TIP TOP stand with a clear understanding of the company’s capabilities. “All of our engineers and product experts will be at the show, so having a conversation with the team and understanding the breadth of what we can do is really important,” she said. • For more information, visit waminingexpo.com.au

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Even more choice to meet your needs! Changing locations and new applications often prove challenging for screening plants. KLEEMANN’s mobile coarse screening plants make light work of even the toughest tasks. Thanks to a wide range of screening media and easy adjustment of screening parameters, they can easily adapt to new operating conditions. These coarse screening plants are all about flexibility, ease of operation and ergonomics. Compact, big or even bigger: the MOBISCREEN MSS 502 EVO | MSS 802 EVO | MSS 1102 PRO. The choice is yours.

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SAND

THE EVOLUTION OF CONCRETE SAND Kayasand’s technology is helping quarries navigate changing market demands for sand.

Kemco president Mr Shoji Okuhara (l) and Kayasand founder Andi Lusty (r) in front of an early VSI crusher.

Images: Kayasand

oncrete has been used in construction for thousands of years, using sand sourced from dunes, rivers and seabeds. However, as infrastructure demands and environmental pressure increases, access to high-quality natural sand has become more constrained. Development of the vertical shaft impactors (VSIs) in the 1970s helped transform the commercial production of manufactured sand, unlocking a new source of high-quality material for concrete. By enabling rock-on-rock crushing, it allowed quarries to produce higher-quality manufactured sand from quarried rock, reducing reliance on natural deposits and creating value from crusher fines. However, times have changed and so too has concrete. Producers want greater consistency, improved performance and lower embodied carbon. So, does manufactured sand have to change too, or is it good enough as it is? For Kayasand the argument in favour of change is simple. Two sands may have the same particle size distribution yet behave very differently in concrete. Differences in particle shape, particle size distribution and the critical ultrafines fraction can influence water demand, cement demand and workability. Concrete

producers must design mixes for the worst case, often using additional cement, water and chemical admixtures to ensure the required performance and consistent results. Kayasand chief executive officer Bram Smith said engineered sand focuses on controlling these characteristics.

Feature

Manufactured Sand

Engineered Sand

Focus

Supply

Performance

Particle Shape

Variable

Consistently cuboidal

Fine Particles (0.075–0.3mm)

Insufficient

Optimised

Grading

Variable

Controlled

Natural Sand Blending Required

Yes

Water Demand

Higher

Lower

Admixture Reduction

Yes

Concrete Strength

Cement-dependent

Strength-efficient

Consistency

Variable

High

Cement Use

Higher

Lower

Carbon Impact

Higher

Lower

Engineered sand compared with manufactured sand.

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“Rather than compensating for inconsistent sand with additional cement, natural sand blending and expensive admixtures, the aim is to simply make a good sand in the first place,” he said. “From a quarry perspective, this evolution represents more than a technical improvement. It creates an opportunity to recover greater value from material that has traditionally been stockpiled as a lower value byproduct. “Now, crusher dust becomes a premium construction material. It improves utilisation of the resource already being extracted from the ground and reduces our dependence on diminishing natural sand reserves.” Performance data supports this approach. Kayasand trials using hornfels, basalt, granite and greywacke have demonstrated consistent improvements in concrete strength while replacing 100 per cent natural sand. Depending on the source rock and mix design, strength improvements of between eight per cent and 30 per cent

A timeline of concrete sand.

have been consistently achieved, giving concrete producers greater flexibility over strength and cement requirements while maintaining target performance, and without compromising workability. Smith said quarries in New South Wales are already commercially producing engineered sand. “This demonstrates that it is no longer limited to laboratory conditions or controlled trials. High-quality sand is being engineered consistently at scale to meet the exacting demands of modern concrete production. The technology is available now,” he said. The performance improvements can also support sustainability. Better particle

packing reduces unnecessary voids within the concrete, allowing cement to be used more efficiently. Where less cement is required to achieve the same strength, embodied carbon is reduced and emissions lowered. At the same time, quarries recover greater value from existing resources rather than relying on additional natural sand extraction. Smith said every major advance in quarrying has been driven by changing customer needs. “Natural sand and manufactured sand blends have met the needs of their time. Engineered sand provides the next step in concrete sand evolution,” he said.

FROM VSI TO KAYASAND The evolution from manufactured sand to engineered sand mirrors the career of Kayasand founder Andi Lusty. During almost three decades working with VSI technology, he helped take New Zealand-developed innovation to quarries around the world. That experience revealed the next challenge. While manufactured sand had solved supply, concrete producers increasingly required greater consistency and performance. This insight led Andi Lusty to Kotobuki Engineering and Manufacturing (Kemco) in Japan, where he saw how the original VSI concept had been further developed for high-quality sand production. He founded Kayasand to bring that technology back to New Zealand and the wider Australasian market. “Today, concrete producers are asking more of the materials that go into every mix. As those expectations continue to evolve, so too will the way quarries produce concrete sand. “The opportunity is no longer simply to manufacture sand. It is to engineer the sand that modern concrete demands.” • For more information, visit kayasand.com

EXCAVATORS

BUILT ON RELIABILITY A quarry has become a loyal Kobelco customer after buying a second-hand SK450 excavator almost a decade ago.

Image: Kobelco

hen Stone Dimensions Australia set out to invest in a new excavator, the decision wasn’t based on brand recognition alone. It was built on years of firsthand experience. For more than 25 years, Stone Dimensions Australia has quarried and supplied premium Australian dolomite marble. The material is renowned for its exceptional strength and durability, low porosity and distinctive beauty, and is increasingly specified for architectural projects around the globe. Stone Dimensions Australia managing director Frank Soldo said the exceptional qualities that make dolomite marble so desirable also make it one of the most challenging materials to quarry. “We’re in the dimensional stone industry, specifically we quarry dolomite marble,” he said. “Dolomite is one of the hardest and most unique natural stones in the world. “Australian dolomite marble is increasingly recognised as one of the finest dimensional

stones available and is highly sought after because it combines many of the performance characteristics of granite, like strength and durability.” Compared to Carrara marble from Italy, Australian dolomite is around three times harder and much less porous, making it ideal for more demanding architectural and commercial applications. Working with such dense material places significant demands on equipment. After the stone has been cut and separated from the main rock mass using diamond wire saws, excavators play a critical role in the extraction process, carefully pulling down, overturning and positioning massive stone benches for further processing. After getting close to a decade of dependable service from a second-hand Kobelco SK450, and given the importance of excavators to daily production, when time came to upgrade the team selected a new SK500XDLC excavator.

Stone Dimensions Australia has returned to Kobelco having been impressed with the company’s line of excavators.

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“We’ve had the Kobelco SK500XDLC for about four or five weeks, and already we’re loving it,” Soldo said. For Stone Dimensions Australia, excavators play a critical role throughout the extraction process. Once benches have been cut and separated from the main rock mass using diamond wire saws, the excavators are used to carefully pull down, overturn, and manoeuvre the stone into position for further processing. “A reliable and highly manoeuvrable excavator with the capacity to safely handle large stone benches is essential to our operations,” Soldo said. “The Kobelco lends itself perfectly to the task. It has the power and stability required to tip and position massive stone benches while still providing the precision needed when working around valuable material. “The quick hitch system is another major advantage, allowing us to change rapidly between attachments such as rock breakers, picks and specialised quarrying tools. “That versatility helps maximise productivity and ensures the machine can perform multiple roles across the quarry.” Stone Dimensions Australia’s previous SK450 had already demonstrated what Kobelco machines were capable of. The company purchased a second hand SK450 roughly eight years ago, and it remained virtually trouble-free. Soldo said it provided the operators a great deal of comfort. “In an operation like ours, where reliability is critical, the machine gave us a lot of confidence in the Kobelco brand,” Soldo said. “We purchased that excavator second hand, but we bought the SK500XDLC brand new, so we’re hoping to get at least five years trouble free.” Designed for demanding quarrying and mining applications, the 52-tonne SK500XDLC combines increased digging performance with improved fuel efficiency and advanced operator technologies. Features such as Kobelco’s GEOSCAN telematics system allow owners to remotely monitor machine performance, operating hours, fuel consumption, and maintenance

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The Kobelco SK500XDLC is being used across Stone Dimensions Australia’s dolomite marble quarrying operations, where excavators play a key role in handling stone benches.

requirements, while the integrated rear-view camera improves visibility around the machine. For Stone Dimensions Australia, those features were among the major attractions. “What attracted us to the SK500XDLC is it was a little bit bigger, a bit stronger, and had some very good features like GEOSCAN,” Soldo said. “The reversing camera is very good and we’re very happy with Kobelco.” While the excavator’s performance specifications are impressive on paper, Soldo said what matters most is how it performs in the field. “So far it’s handled all our operations extremely well,” he said. “It’s handy having one machine that can do all of the operations, it’s perfect.”

In Western Australia, quarrying and mining sites are prone to abrasive hard rock, intense heat, and heavy dust. Therefore, heavy-duty excavators like those from Kobelco are purpose-built with reinforced structural plating, hardened steel booms, and sealed pressurised cabs to withstand these conditions. LiftRite Hire & Sales are the local dealer, and account manager Michael Adamson sold the SK500XDLC excavator to Stone Dimensions Australia. “It’s a great machine, and I expect the team to have great success with it,” Adamson said. Operator comfort and visibility are increasingly important considerations in modern quarrying, particularly as businesses seek to maximise productivity over long operating shifts.

The SK500XDLC’s spacious cab, ergonomic controls, and enhanced visibility help reduce operator fatigue while maintaining precision around valuable stone blocks. For Soldo reliability remains the defining characteristic of every Kobelco machine his business has owned. “All Kobelco excavators we’ve used have been very easy to operate and use and have remained trouble free,” he said. “We’ve had no issues with the motor; they’re extremely reliable.” The purchasing experience also reinforced the company’s confidence in the brand. “We specifically wanted a Kobelco,” Soldo said. “The sales team were very helpful and were prompt. “They answered our questions and were willing to satisfy us in terms of what we wanted.” Although the SK500XDLC is still early in its working life at Stone Dimensions Australia, its first few weeks have already validated the company’s investment. Backed by years of positive experience with its previous Kobelco excavator, Soldo is confident the new machine will continue delivering the reliability and performance needed to keep one of Australia’s premier dimensional stone operations moving for years to come. • For more information, visit kobelco.com.au

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GEARBOXES

WHY QUARRIES ARE CHOOSING SEWEURODRIVE MOTORS SEW-EURODRIVE Victorian sales manager – standard products Andrew Kurzem explains why more quarries are replacing legacy drive systems with direct-coupled geared motors.

Image: SEW-EURODRIVE

ver the past three decades, Andrew Kurzem has worked closely with quarry operators, helping them select the right drive solutions as conveyor technology has evolved. “In the early days, most quarries used gear units in which the input shaft was driven by an electric motor through an intermediate drive system incorporating pulleys or sprockets, belts or chains, and the necessary guarding,” Kurzem said. “That was the standard approach because changing pulley or sprocket sizes made it easy to finely adjust conveyor speeds. “Today, that’s no longer the preferred solution. Most quarries have moved towards direct-coupled geared motors because they offer greater reliability, lower maintenance and improved efficiency.” Traditional belt and pulley systems rely on multiple mechanical components

SEW-EURODRIVE provides equipment for the quarry industry that is robust and reliable.

72 Quarry September 2026

that require ongoing maintenance and represent potential points of failure. Belt wear, slippage, misalignment and routine tension adjustments can contribute to costly downtime, while additional drive components also reduce overall energy efficiency. As variable speed drive (VSD) technology has become more widely adopted, quarry operators have increasingly transitioned to close-coupled geared motors that eliminate these maintenance-intensive components. By combining a geared motor with a VSD, conveyor speeds can be accurately controlled using a frequency inverter, allowing operators to optimise performance without mechanical adjustments. “A VSD-controlled geared motor gives them the flexibility to fine-tune those speeds electronically while delivering a far more reliable drive solution,” Kurzem said.

ENGINEERED FOR DEMANDING QUARRY APPLICATIONS SEW-EURODRIVE’s helical and bevel-helical gear units are designed specifically for harsh quarry environments, delivering high torque, exceptional durability and long service life. The modular design accommodates high external loads while reducing installation and lifecycle costs, providing a complete drive solution for demanding conveyor applications. To further improve reliability, SEWEURODRIVE offers a range of applicationspecific options including: • Filtered gear unit breathers to minimise dust and moisture ingress. • Heavy-duty surface coating systems for protection against corrosion, UV exposure and abrasive quarry dust. • Externally rated IP66 motors fitted with drain plugs for harsh outdoor environments.

Feedback from major quarry operators has been overwhelmingly positive.

• Heavy-duty bearing arrangements for higher radial and axial loads. • Integrated motor-brake systems and antirunback bearings (backstops) for inclined conveyors and safety-critical applications. • Premium proprietary lubricants that can extend gearbox warranty coverage to up to three years when used in accordance with SEW-EURODRIVE’s service recommendations. According to Kurzem, converting an existing conveyor from a legacy arrangement to a direct-coupled geared motor is often much simpler than many operators expect. “Our experience as geared motor specialists allows us to analyse the operating speed of the existing conveyor and match it with the most suitable geared motor from our product range,” he said. “We assess the existing head drum shaft dimensions and mounting arrangement, visit site if required, and accurately measure the installation envelope before selecting the best replacement solution. “This approach enables a fast, straightforward installation with minimal disruption to production.”

LOCKED IN One of the key advantages of SEWEURODRIVE’s geared motor range is the availability of application-specific options, including motor adapters, specialised sealing systems, integrated motor brakes, backstops and the TorqLOC hollow shaft mounting system. TorqLOC creates a secure, friction-based connection between the driven shaft and the gearbox hollow shaft, making installation and

SEW-EURODRIVE’s helical and bevel-helical gear units are designed specifically for harsh quarry environments.

removal significantly easier than traditional keyed connections. “When a traditional keyed shaft has been operating outdoors for many years, corrosion makes gearbox removal almost impossible,” Kurzem said. “In many cases, customers have had no option but to cut the shaft to remove the gearbox, then manufacture a replacement shaft before the conveyor can be returned to service. “With TorqLOC, removal is far simpler, reducing maintenance time and avoiding unnecessary component replacement.” Feedback from major quarry operators has been overwhelmingly positive, with customers reporting reduced downtime, lower maintenance requirements and faster servicing. Complementing its geared motor portfolio, SEW-EURODRIVE offers a comprehensive range of Variable Speed Drives designed

specifically for quarrying and bulk materials handling. The MOVITRAC frequency inverter platform provides flexible speed and torque control for conveyors, crushers, screens and other process equipment while improving energy efficiency and reducing mechanical stress. By supplying the motor, gearbox and inverter as a fully integrated package, SEW-EURODRIVE ensures optimum compatibility between all drive components, simplifying commissioning while providing the confidence of a single supplier for engineering support, spare parts and nationwide service.

LOCAL SUPPORT SEW-EURODRIVE backs its products with a nationwide network of sales, engineering, assembly and service facilities, supported by comprehensive local spare parts holdings. This extensive support capability enables rapid response times and helps minimise costly production interruptions. The company’s technical specialists work closely with customers to assess existing applications, verify operating requirements and recommend the most appropriate drive solution for each installation. “The quarry industry demands equipment that is robust, reliable and capable of performing in extremely harsh conditions,” Kurzem said. “That’s exactly what SEW-EURODRIVE delivers. Whether we’re visiting site or providing remote technical support, our focus is on helping customers keep their operations running with minimal downtime.” • For more information, visit sew-eurodrive.com.au

Quarry September 2026 73

EVENTS

HVME IS THE PLACE TO BE Conveyor components company PROK has signed on as a Gold Sponsor of the Hunter Valley Mining Expo, calling it an opportunity too good to ignore.

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Image: PROK

he upcoming Hunter Valley Mining Expo (HVME) continues to hit milestone after milestone. Having sold over 60 per cent of exhibition space within just five weeks of launching, the event has since sold all sponsorships and is almost completely sold out of stands. The event takes place on 19-20 May 2027, at the Newcastle Entertainment Centre, New South Wales. The sold-out lineup of sponsors consists of many names, including platinum sponsor Hitachi LANDCROS, alongside a gold sponsors SRO Technology, FLEXCO, and Swivelpole. PROK is one of the integral Gold Sponsors of HVME. Business unit manager for Gosford Andrew de Lore said one of the most attractive aspects of the event is its location. “A lot of our customers are based there, so it’s an important opportunity for us to interact with them and showcase our newest products and innovations,” he said. “When we get these opportunities, it’s a very valuable exercise.” The Hunter Valley is a major mining region and is home to Port Waratah Coal Services (PWCS), which moved 96.5 million tonnes of coal in 2025. Therefore, many key players in the resources industry are eager to expand operations to the region. PROK Sydney general manager Ben Curtis said the company’s facilities are strategically aligned to be nearer to its customer base. “We intentionally put facilities close to where our customers are, and we manufacture our products there,” Curtis said. “We can have exceptional customer service as a result and it’s what has really helped driven PROK’s success.” HVME also has a number of Silver sponsors for the event, including UGL Transport, Ultraview, Apollo Engineering, United Safety and Survivability Corporation, and Waterline. Prime Creative Media relationship manager of mining events Rebecca Todesco said to sell all remaining sponsorships so early was an unexpected, but welcome achievement. “The speed of uptake, and the level of early sponsor commitment shows just how

The Hunter Valley Mining Expo provides an opportunity for companies to engage directly with customers and discuss the evolving needs of the mining and quarrying industries.

strongly the industry has responded and how important this platform is becoming,” Todesco said. “We endeavour to keep pushing and make HVME a successful event for everyone involved.” Trends in any industry continue to change and emerge, and one which both de Lore and Curtis agree on in the mining sector is a continued focus on minimising unplanned downtime. “From a reliability perspective, it’s about predicting and planning maintenance rather than it being unplanned,” Curtis said. “That’s the stuff that really costs people a lot of money. “At HVME we can help our customers directly through any kind of conveyor-related reliability challenges.” HVME provides practical, solutions-driven outcomes for the entire mining industry. It connects attendees with leading suppliers, local innovations, and regional supply chain networks face-to-face, and is designed to improve on-site performance and support the region’s evolving industry. “Attending and sponsoring the HVME provides a great opportunity to talk to our customers and gain insight on customer and market trends,” Curtis said. “There’s a lot of pride in locally manufactured product for our customers and being close to the factory allows us to bring customers in and show them the speed of delivery and the highest quality product.

“That’s a critical part of how we do business.” The conference program will also deliver a focused, single-stage agenda. Industry experts will share practical insights, realworld case studies, and forward-looking perspectives tailored to the Hunter Valley. Curtis said Its events like these that are critical to understanding the needs and wants of customers which is integral to moving the industry forward. “What we’re aiming to do is to understand what challenges our customers are facing and apply our knowledge and expertise to providing solutions,” he said. De Lore added that reliability is a core component of PROK’s values as a company. “Uptime is money for our customers,” he said. “Therefore, running reliable and consistent conveyor components is essential whilst they’re in production.” The Hunter Valley Mining Expo is positioned as a highly focused, high-value industry platform that connects the right audience with the right solutions. By combining a curated exhibition, practical conference content and strong networking opportunities, the event will play a key role in supporting the future growth, innovation and transformation of mining in the Hunter Valley. • Don’t miss out on the chance to exhibit. Visit huntervalleyminingexpo.com.au

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PRODUCT FOCUS

Image: Dodge Industrial

SAFETY MOUNT IS READY FOR HEAVYDUTY PERFORMANCE

Installing mounted bearings has traditionally required precision, experience and time. Dodge Industrial’s Safety Mount range of mounted spherical roller bearings is designed to change that, delivering a shaft-ready solution that simplifies installation while improving safety, reliability and uptime. Built around a patented push-pull adapter mounting system, Dodge’s safety mount bearings arrive pre-assembled and pre-lubricated, eliminating the need for specialised tools, brute force or subjective calculations. An integrated mounting and dismounting system uses leverage to achieve a secure shaft fit, while predetermined internal clearance ensures consistent installation every time. The design also focuses on long-term performance. An outer-ring riding steel cage operates at half the speed of many conventional alternatives, reducing wear and extending bearing life. A tapered adapter sleeve minimises shaft damage while providing superior holding power, complemented by a proprietary inner ring that maximises shaft contact for improved axial retention. Available in bore sizes from 30mm to 170mm, the Safety Mount bearings feature highcapacity, double-row spherical rollers that optimise load-to-speed capability while accommodating dynamic misalignment. The bearings are compatible with standard commercial shaft tolerances and can be field converted between expansion and nonexpansion configurations. To maximise service life in harsh operating environments, Safety Mount incorporates a mechanically retained Trident triple-lip seal to resist contamination, with an optional labyrinth seal available for high-speed and high-temperature applications. The range is also compatible with OPTIFY Intelli-Lube automatic lubrication systems and is sensor-ready for remote condition monitoring, giving operators the tools to reduce maintenance, extend bearing life and keep critical equipment operating longer.

For more information, visit dodgeindustrial.com.au

A NEW IDENTITY BEYOND MACHINERY

new technology and collaboration with international partners. The transition will occur in stages. Dual Hitachi Construction Machinery and LANDCROS branding will be phased out starting April 2027. Orders placed after the changeover will be supplied as LANDCROS machines, with the complete product range expected to carry the new identity by April 2028. The new name arrives as quarrying, construction and mining operations face pressure to lift productivity with fewer skilled operators, tighter project schedules and closer control of operating costs. Hitachi said LANDCROS would support its development of connected equipment and services suited to these changing requirements. Further product and branding information will be released ahead of the changeover. In the meantime, customers can expect the established machinery, branch network, parts supply and technical support to continue as the LANDCROS identity is introduced.

For more information, visit hcma.com.au

Image: Hitachi Construction Machinery

Hitachi Construction Machinery will become LANDCROS Corporation in April 2027, with its established products, support network and parts supply continuing through the transition. Hitachi Construction Machinery will adopt the new name as it prepares for the next stage of its development across the construction and mining sectors. Hitachi said the change to LANDCROS Coportation from April 2027 would reflect a broader focus on intelligent, connected and reliable solutions that extend beyond machinery. For Australian quarry operators, the company said its existing people, products and support arrangements would remain in place. Customers will continue to work with their current account contacts, branches and support teams, with product and parts supply operating as usual. LANDCROS will remain a Japanese company, with research, development and manufacturing centred in Japan. The business said it would retain its existing engineering and production capabilities while increasing its focus on

Quarry September 2026

2026 IQA

Australia's quarrying sector comes together on the Gold Coast for three days of expert insights, technology showcases, and unrivalled networking opportunities. a a a you Presentations from sector leaders and international experts 100+ exhibitors featuring the latest quarrying innovations IQA National Awards celebrating excellence across our sector Exclusive site visit to Gold Coast operations Welcome reception and gala dinner in a stunning coastal setting CPD points available

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29/3/2026 1:30 pm

GEOLOGY TALK

Image: stock.adobe.com/Kings Access

Researchers believe an early Earth process known as “dripduction” may have transported water-rich crust into the mantle before modern plate tectonics developed.

ANCIENT PILBARA RESHAPES UNDERSTANDING OF THE EARTH New research challenges long-held assumptions about the planet’s earliest geological processes.

new study examining 3.1-billion-year-old volcanic rocks from Western Australia’s Pilbara Craton has found evidence that water was already being transported deep into Earth’s interior long before modern plate tectonics developed. The findings indicate that processes linking Earth’s surface and mantle were operating far earlier than previously recognised, with implications for understanding volcanic activity, continental formation and the evolution of the planet. An international team of researchers led by Adelaide University geochemist Dr Eric Vandenburg, analysed the chemical composition of ancient volcanic rocks preserved within the Pilbara Craton, one of the world’s oldest and best-preserved geological locations. Their analysis identified geochemical signatures indicating that water had travelled beneath Earth’s surface before contributing to the generation of magma that fed ancient volcanoes. Vandenburg said the rocks offer a rare record of Earth’s distant past. “These rocks formed more than three billion years ago, when Earth was a very different place,” he said. Today, water is recycled through plate tectonics, where oceanic crust descends into the mantle at subduction zones. Water

78 Quarry September 2026

released from the descending plate lowers the melting temperature of surrounding rocks, generating magma that ultimately feeds volcanic arcs and contributes to continental growth. However, scientists have long questioned whether such recycling processes could have occurred during the Archean, when Earth’s interior was significantly hotter and plate tectonics, as it operates today, was unlikely to have been established. “The early Earth was too hot for plates to behave that way, so until now it has been unclear whether surface water could have made that journey more than three billion years ago, and if so, how,” Vandenburg said. “What surprised us was finding evidence that large amounts of water had already made their way deep into the Earth’s interior and influenced the formation of volcanic rocks.” To explain the findings, the researchers propose a term known as “dripduction”. The model suggests dense, water-rich sections of Earth’s early crust periodically became unstable, detached and slowly sank into the hotter mantle below. As these crustal fragments descended, they released water into the mantle, promoting melting and generating magma capable of producing volcanic eruptions.

Those magmas later cooled to form the rocks now preserved within the Pilbara Craton, allowing researchers to reconstruct events that occurred more than three billion years ago using their chemical signatures. “The Earth wasn’t operating exactly as it does now, but it appears some of the key processes were already in place,” Vandenburg said. The research addresses one of geology’s long-standing questions: when did Earth begin exchanging materials between its surface and deep interior? Determining when these processes began provides important context for understanding how the modern planet evolved. The Pilbara Craton is uniquely suited to investigating these questions because rocks of this age are exceptionally rare. While much of Earth’s earliest crust has been recycled back into the mantle over billions of years, the Pilbara preserves an unusually complete geological archive of the Archean Eon. According to the researchers, the study suggests Earth’s surface and interior were interacting much earlier than previously recognised, revealing that even the young Earth had already established mechanisms capable of recycling one of its most important ingredients: water. •

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