NEW ZEALAND QUARRYING & MINING Volume 12 - No 2 | April - May 2015 | $8.95
Maximising the resource
Scalping lime and serpentine deep in the heart of the Waikato
TIME TO FILL IT UP
One of the country’s oldest city quarries has started its rehabilitation
WHEN CONSENTING GETS TOO HARD A small Taranaki quarry under consenting pressure packs it in
LOOKING FOR THE GOD PARTICLE
The search for the ideal skid resistant roading stone continues
2 www.contrafed.co.nz Q&M
C O N T E N T S
NEW ZEALAND QUARRYING & MINING Volume 12 - No 2 | April - May 2015 | $8.95
INSIDE
12
UPFRONT
2 Editorial 6-9 News, views, comments, and reports from across the quarrying and mining sectors FEATURES
10 Obituary – Kelvin Strong 12 Profile – Andrea Cave 16 Tomorrow’s leaders – Brad Cobham, Jason Glentworth,
16
Michael Earnshaw, Matt Goulding
22 Quarrying – Time to fill it up;
Winstone’s old Three Kings Quarry in Auckland
26 Mining – Gold dream moves closer;
Blackwater mine on the Reefton goldfield
29 Mining – Innovations; technology downunder 30 History – Time to remember them; a new memorial to the tunnellers of WW1
34 Consenting – Harsh lessons for quarry owner 36 Technology – Looking for the G particle 38 Wheels in the workplace – Holden Colorado 41 AQA Newsletter – Waste not want not 47-48 Innovations ON THE COVER
14 Maximising the resource AT THE BACK
22 29
48 Advertisers’ Index ON THE COVER: A lime and a serpentine quarry deep in the heart of the Waikato are putting a Sandvik QE341 mobile scalping screen from Porters to good use for sorting and blending a valuable resource for the agricultural industries. See story page 14
30 Q&M April - May 2015 3
NEW ZEALAND QUARRYING & MINING
Trusting in tomorrow’s leaders
Q&M covers news, views and trends from the extractive industries, along with features on projects and people in the industry. www.contrafed.co.nz PUBLISHER
Contrafed Publishing Co Ltd Suite 2.1, 93 Dominion Road, Mt Eden 1024 PO Box 112357, Penrose, Auckland 1642 Phone: 09 636 5715 Fax: 09 636 5716 EDITOR
Working culture has changed drastically over the past half century. We once talked of careers; loyalty was encouraged by grades and promotions (even journalists had a grading system); pay increases paralleled up-skilling; and some companies even offered pensions at the end of the road. In addition there was a comprehensive apprenticeship programme; collective awards; and a comparatively high level of job security compared to todays talent-wasting, merrygo-round of job seeking and employment contract litigation. What went wrong? What fools decided that the way to national prosperity was an obsession with inflation, a low-wage economy, a workforce reliant on immigration, an export industry reliant on a low-value dollar and, basically, that we could do more with less? The net effect of 30 years of economic reform (perhaps the word should be bastardizing) are modest wages and high living costs, and you can forgive our young talented ones for skipping across the ditch (or even further afield). It’s a sad truth, that the Aussies are paid better and they enjoy lower living costs (GST is only 10 percent and petrol tax is half of ours for a start). As Kiwi publishers we typically can only afford to pay our writers half of what they would earn in Australia. Not surprisingly, keeping our young workers home and attracting skills from overseas has become a huge challenge for this country and a substantial, costly industry. Meanwhile the backbone of the current workforce, the ‘baby boomers’ (yes, terrible cliché), are dropping their shovels and heading to Central Otago or the Gold Coast to watch the sun go down. All of this is even more reason why we have to nurture the young talent we have at hand. And it gives us a lot of satisfaction to present, in this issue, four young Kiwis in this industry who have stayed home (or come home) and have been selected by their peers as future industry leaders. These guys, and many, many more like them, continue to call New Zealand home and invest themselves and families in taking this industry into the future. They deserve recognition. On another subject, with this issue coming out in April 2015, we made sure we commemorate the New Zealand Engineers Tunnelling Company, which served on the Western Front during WW1. By October 1918, 1308 men had served in this company, made up of quarrymen, miners from the Hauraki goldfields, or labourers from the Railways and Public Works Departments. Others were coal miners from the West Coast. Waihi would supply the second largest group of men to enlist, with only Auckland providing more. The officers were drawn chiefly from the engineering staff of the Public Works Department, with a sprinkling of mining engineers. These Kiwis were the first on the Western Front, arriving in France at midnight March 9, 1916 and represented the last unit to return home in April 1919. The Tunnelling Company existed only during World War One and is unique in our country’s military history. They shall be remembered … more on page 32.
Wise words to remember One kilometre of highway requires 4000 tonnes of aggregate during construction. An average family of four creates a demand for 32 tonnes of quarried material every year. Source: Blackhead quarries website. Also check out our new website and digital publishing at www.contrafed.co.nz. Alan Titchall, Editor
4 www.contrafed.co.nz Q&M
Alan Titchall DDI: 09 636 5712 Mobile: 027 405 0338 Email: alan@contrafed.co.nz GENERAL MANAGER
Kevin Lawrence DDI: 09 636 5710 Mobile: 021 512 800 Email: kevin@contrafed.co.nz ADVERTISING
Charles Fairbairn DDI: 09 636 5724 Mobile: 021411 890 Email: charles@contrafed.co.nz REGULAR CONTRIBUTORS
Hugh de Lacy, Lindsay Clark, Cameron Officer, and Gavin Riley ADMINISTRATION/SUBSCRIPTIONS
Email: admin@contrafed.co.nz DDI: 09 636 5715 PRODUCTION
Design: Tracey Asher, TMA Design Printing: PMP MAXUM Contributions welcomed. Please contact the editor before sending them in. Articles in NZ Quarrying & Mining are copyright and may not be reproduced in whole or in part without permission of the publisher. Opinions expressed in this magazine are not necessarily those of the shareholding organisations or the publisher. The views expressed in the Aggregate News section of NZ Quarrying & Mining may not represent the views of Contrafed Publishing or its shareholding organisations. VISIT THESE WEBSITES Aggregate & Quarry Association www.quarrying.org.nz Institute of Quarrying (NZ) Inc www.ioqnz.co.nz New Zealand Minerals Industry Association www.straterra.co.nz Extractive Industries Training Organisation www.mito.org.nz Civil Contractors NZ www.civilcontractors.co.nz NZ Ready Mixed Concrete Association www.nzrmca.org.nz Connexis www.connexis.org.nz ISSN 0110-1382
U P F R O N T
Quarry certificate transition The High Hazards Unit Extractives unit of worksafe has issued a
manager and advise WorkSafe of that appointment.
‘position paper’ explaining how it is managing the new regulatory
The appointed quarry manager must hold the appropriate
transition for quarries currently operating without a Certificate of
certificate of competence (regulation 21). This requirement has
Competence (CoC).
applied since January 1, 2015.
New safety regulations require quarry managers to add certain
If a quarry manager does not have the required certificate
unit standards to existing CoCs. Worksafe says under certain
of competence, an HHU Extractives inspector will consider
conditions it will allow for a period of up to one year for these
issuing an improvement notice under Health and Safety in
standards to be achieved.
Employment Act 1992 for a period of up to one year to enable
Replying to an article in an earlier edition of this magazine
the quarry manager to gain the certificate of competence. If this
that voiced concern that the new unit requirements would tax
improvement notice is issued it will state that the quarry may
the industry, the High Hazards Unit chief inspector, Tony Forster,
continue to operate while the quarry manager gains the relevant
says the unit has been in close consultation with quarry industry
certificate of competence.
representatives over the ‘transition’. “HHU has since met with many small operators and explained
Before an inspector makes a decision to issue an improvement notice the quarry operator will need to advise HHU Extractives
how we will approach regulation at the small transient sites, both
on how health and safety systems are being implemented in the
quarries and alluvial mines, and I believe this has set a few minds at
quarrying operation, and satisfy HHU Extractives that safety is
rest.
being appropriately managed.
“In light of this, we believe the additional unit standards are reasonable, and the fact that some sites might have been operating
This approach only applies as follows: • The improvement notice is issued in order to allow a quarry
otherwise safely but in the absence of a qualified manager holding
manager time to gain the required certificate of competence. If
any CoC, the position paper on the WorkSafe Extractives website
a visiting HHU Extractives inspector identifies other unsafe
might allay some of the concerns voiced in the December–January
features at the quarrying operation, appropriate enforcement
2015 [Q&M] issue.” Forster adds that the overall feedback from the quarry sector has been supportive of the unit working more closely with operators over regulations. “And we certainly reciprocate. In my opinion, quarry operators provide a strong dynamic voice to the whole extractives sector and that is exactly what we need, and we will all benefit. Good communication is addictive and only good can come of it.” Meantime, the Quarry Manager’s Certificate of Competence -
action will be taken; • From July 1, 2015 HHU Extractives will expect operators either to have a manager with the necessary certificate of competence or to be operating under an improvement notice as outlined above. If neither is in place appropriate enforcement action will be taken; • If a quarry is operating under an improvement notice, HHU Extractives expects the quarry to be committed to a robust
Position paper sets out a transitional enforcement and compliance
process actively supporting the manager to achieve the
approach that the High Hazards Unit will apply in regard to the
necessary certificate of competence within the period set out in
certificate of competence requirements for quarry managers under
the notice.
the Health and Safety in Employment (Mining Operations and Quarrying Operations) Regulations 2013 [the regulations]. Under the regulations the quarry operator must appoint a quarry 6 www.contrafed.co.nz Q&M
More information: http://www.business.govt.nz/worksafe/ information-guidance/all-guidance-items/position-statements/ quarry-manager-certificate-of-competence
We shall remember them Members of the World War I New Zealand Tunnelling Company below the ground at La Fosse Farm, France. In September 1915 the Imperial Government requested that New Zealand raise an Engineer Tunnelling Company of three or four hundred men to form one of 25 British and seven Dominion Tunnelling Companies, totalling 25,000 men that would serve in PHOTO: ALEXANDER TURNBULL LIBRARY, WELLINGTON
France by late 1916. The officers selected for commissions in these Tunnelling Companies were often mining engineers of wide experience, recruited from all parts of the world, largely by the efforts of the Institution of Mining and Metallurgy, and the Institution of Mining Engineers. Feature on page 32.
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U P F R O N T
Resource development needs urgent reform The EEZ Act needs fixing says Straterra, after the Environmental Protection Authority declined Chatham Rock Phosphate’s seabed mining application.
ban on offshore mineral resource development?” In Chatham Rock Phosphate’s case, the Decision-making Committee (DMC) appointed by the EPA board, concluded that
“The decline of Chatham Rock Phosphate’s marine consent
mining would cause significant and permanent adverse effects
application to mine rock phosphate from the ocean floor sends a
on the existing benthic environment on the Chatham Rise. This
strong negative signal to investors seeking to do business in New
included communities dominated by protected stony corals which
Zealand,” says Straterra chief Chris Baker.
were potentially unique to the Chatham Rise and which the DMC
“Our initial reading of the decision supports our review of last year’s negative decision on the Trans-Tasman Resources iron sands mining application. “The legislation has major flaws which must be amended if we are to see responsible mining projects being developed. “The intent of the Exclusive Economic Zone and Continental Shelf (Environmental Effects) Act is to provide for responsible economic development in the EEZ. However, the Act’s requirements for information and consideration of uncertainty mean that any mining proposal would likely be declined. “What mining investor is going to be brave enough to test that in the future?” BusinessNZ points out that Chatham Rock Phosphate invested
concluded were rare and vulnerable ecosystems. The authority says that despite the applicant’s efforts to research and substantiate its case, the DMC was left with a lack of certainty about the receiving environment and the adverse effects of the proposal on the environment and existing interests. In these circumstances the DMC was required by the legislation to favour caution and environmental protection when making its decision. The DMC had also concluded that the economic benefit to the country of the proposal would be modest at best. The application by Chatham Rock Phosphate attracted 294 submissions with the DMC holding public hearings in Wellington, Hamilton and the Chatham Islands. The decision was the third to be made by the EPA on a publicly
$33 million in its bid to meet EPA requirements for the enterprise.
notified application for a marine consent. An application by OMV
It may be impossible to achieve such consents under the current
NZ to continue development drilling at its Maari field on the South
framework, he adds.
Taranaki Bight was granted in December 2014. An application by
BusinessNZ chief Phil O’Reilly says the EPA might have carried out its mandate in good faith, but the framework itself is flawed. “The laws governing resource permits and consents offshore and the law governing consents onshore are seriously standing in the way of economic growth. “There is a critical need for improvement of these laws governing
Trans-Tasman Resources (TTR) to carry out an iron sand mining project in the South Taranaki Bight was refused in June last year. TTR appealed the decision but later abandoned the court proceedings. The Environmental Protection Authority is a government agency that took over functions from various government departments
resource development. The whole issue of permitting and
(Ministry for the Environment, the Ministry of Economic
consenting needs reform.
Development, the Environmental Risk Management Authority and
“In the Chatham Rock case, as with the previous Trans-Tasman
the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade) in July 2011. It was set
Resources case, one part of government has issued a mining
up by the National Government under the Resource Management
consent, while another part of government has declined access to
(Simplifying and Streamlining) Amendment Bill 2009. In May 2011
the resource. This is an absurd situation.
it passed its final reading in Parliament by 63 votes to 59 with
“The framework is effectively operating as a ban on new,
support from National, the Maori Party and United Future. The Act
innovative activities with uncertain impacts – yet all new activity has
Party withdrew its support after Treaty of Waitangi provisions were
some element of uncertainty.
added to garner support from the Maori Party.
“What companies will now risk investing millions of dollars to create jobs and grow the economy given New Zealand’s apparent 8 www.contrafed.co.nz Q&M
The EPA Establishment Board is chaired by former Wellington Mayor Kerry Prendergast.
AIMEX 2015 Asia-Pacific’s International Mining Exhibition (AIMEX) is held every two years in Sydney as a trade event for mining professionals in the region. AIMEX 2015 will take place at Olympic Park in Sydney, September 1-4, and feature dedicated international supplier pavilions from the United States, Canada, China, France and Germany. Over 300 suppliers have confirmed for this year. Attendees to AIMEX 2015 will also have the opportunity of attending various speaker, knowledge sharing and innovation update sessions, as well as networking functions.
Gold price stays low In the past 12 months the spot gold market has taken a hammering internationally. Prices have slumped and look as if
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they will stay down for a long time. Demand for gold in 2014 was weak caused by the Chinese over-purchasing in 2013 and price outlook nervousness. Chinese gold demand dropped by over a third to a four-year low of 866 tonnes. At the beginning of this year India is back to being the number
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one consumer of gold, knocking China off the top of the podium. Meantime, observers predict the gold price will average $1125 an ounce in the second quarter, rising to $1160 later in ther year.
Man’s best friend The Newmont Waihi Gold Mines Rescue team was in action earlier this year, but the action was all above ground. The rescue team, which operates out of the Waihi mines, was called in with specialist abseiling gear to reach a poodle called Zac who had been trapped on a ledge 30 metres above the sea at Waihi beach for almost 10 hours. The cliff-side rescue started about 7am when John Carey headed out with his nine-year-old pooch for a daily walk. The pair took the usual route, heading through the park to the cliff top above the beach when Zac took off and disappeared. A frantic search through the bush and along the cliff’s edge was started by friends and members of the Waihi Beach surf life saving club, and local Waihi Beach Coastguard. They could hear the dog barking, but couldn’t see him. On a final trip out along the coast lifeguards spotted the black poodle perched precariously on a ledge about 30 metres above the ocean’s high tide. Newmont Waihi Gold Mines Rescue Coordinator Peter Lowe says the team set up a roping system with two anchor points above Zac. Rescuer Troy Hargreaves was strapped in and rappelled down onto the perch, equipped with doggy treats and water. After freeing Zac’s legs from the tree roots, Troy strapped Zac into a rescue triangle and clipped in the carabiners to his own harness. The pair then abseiled down onto a small piece of beach among the rocks and eventually reunited with his owners. Lowe says all five of the rescuers involved on the day have dogs of their own and were thrilled they could help save Zac.
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O B I T U A R Y
“It is only by being responsible directly to those organisations and not through the Contractors’ Federation that I have had the opportunity to share and contribute ideas and help grow the organisations.”
AQA loses long-time friend Life member Kelvin Strong was executive director for 28 years, and also served a host of other industry organisations. BY GAVIN RILEY.
N
o one has ever given longer and more comprehensive service to organisations representing the wider contracting industry than Kelvin Strong, who has died at the age of 74, three days after the passing of his wife, Beth. Kelvin spent 28 years at Civil Contractors New Zealand’s national office in Wellington, Margan House. During that entire time he was executive director of the Aggregate & Quarry Association, which awarded him life membership on his retirement in 2006. The industry thought so highly of him that for his last eight years he was chairman of the board of the Extractive Industries Training Organisation. During the latter half of his time in Margan House he was also executive director of Rural Contractors New Zealand. His appetite for administration ranged far and wide. When he arrived at Margan House in 1978, after working for the NZ Wheat Board for six years, he was administration officer under chief executive Ian Blincoe of the Contractors’ Federation, and executive officer of both the Ready Mixed Concrete Association and the federation’s chemical-applicator section. For 16 years to the mid-1990s he was secretary of the federation’s Wellington branch, and from the late 1980s he had a nine-year spell as executive director of the Ground Spreaders’ Association and a 15year term in a similar capacity with the Hire and Rental Association. He was responsible for organising tours to overseas conventions and trade shows for all those organisations. In the early 1990s Kelvin’s working conditions changed dramatically overnight. The federation decided that providing secretarial services for other organisations was not part of its core business and Kelvin found himself continuing to carry out his work in a self-employed 10 www.contrafed.co.nz Q&M
capacity while remaining in Margan House. In partnership with his wife Beth he formed Bekel Management Services, concentrating on servicing the quarrying and ruralcontracting organisations. The employment switch to contractor, though forced on him, was to bring him considerable job satisfaction. “It is only by being responsible directly to those organisations and not through the Contractors’ Federation that I have had the opportunity to share and contribute ideas and help grow the organisations,” he said on his retirement. Commenting on his vast administrative workload over the years, he said: “When you look back on it, you wonder how you did it.” Visitors to his office wondered too. Every available cupboard was filled with files, reports, agenda papers and minutes of meetings, and much of his large desk was similarly occupied with large piles of paperwork. Yet he always knew exactly where everything was and could find what he wanted within seconds. When Kelvin retired, his desire to serve others was undiminished. Having been ordained as an Anglican priest in 1999, the Rev Kelvin Strong became priest in charge of the Wellington south parish from 2006-07, assistant priest from 2008 at St John’s Anglican Church, Trentham, and convenor/manager of the Upper Hutt Food Bank. For much of last year Kelvin and Beth suffered increasing illhealth, Kelvin eventually having a leg amputated below the knee and Beth being diagnosed with cancer. Yet they continued their community work almost until their deaths in late February. Kelvin and Beth Strong are survived by sons Nigel and Rodney, four grandchildren, and one great-grandchild. Q&M
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Q&M February - March 2015 11
P R O F I L E
A chat with….
Andrea Cave In the second of a new interview series we have a casual chat with Andrea Cave, environmental manager, Winstone Aggregates. How long have you been in the industry? Approximately eight years in quarrying industry in New Zealand.
the
Where did you get your qualifications? Undergraduate, Masters and Post Graduate Diploma of Business all at the University of Auckland.
Where did you start? When I graduated from university my first ‘real job’ was working for North Shore City Council. This was a great foot in the door and allowed me to see ‘planning’ and ‘environmental management’ come off the pages of university text books and into the field. The work here was varied and also included out of hours pollution control … I still remember fishing over 40 decaying dead eels out of a creek with a rake after they had been killed by a pollution incident. Unfortunately we were never able to catch the culprit in that case but it certainly brought home the damage people can do to our precious waterways when they break the rules. When someone takes a shortcut by pouring something hazardous down the drain I don’t think they realise the damage they can do to the environment.
How did you end up in your current position? When we returned from the big OE I decided that I didn’t want to do any more council work (I had also worked for three separate councils in the UK while away) and a friend was currently working at Winstone Aggregates. They mentioned that WA had a new national environmental coordinator position and I thought it sounded like a great opportunity so I 12 www.contrafed.co.nz Q&M
applied. I can admit this now, but I didn’t know a single thing about quarrying at the time … prior to the interview I had to give myself ‘Quarry 101/Winstone 101’ via the internet. Lucky for me Mike McSaveney (my first quarrying boss) was a very patient teacher when it came to ‘operational quarry matters’.
What does the job involve? No day is the ever the same in this job. Officially it involves resource consents, policy planning, sustainability reporting, environmental management systems, sponsorship, monitoring and reporting, audits and inspections, environmental best practice, working with Iwi and local communities, operational excellence and environmental training. Unofficially it involves whatever work needs to be done on the day – irrespective of whether it is environmental.
What is the most challenging part of the industry? For me the most frustrating part of the industry is probably the misconceptions that the public have about the quarrying industry.
What is the most challenging part of your job? One of the more frustrating aspects of this role is the cost and delay of the resource consenting process on the business and trying to balance Winstones’ need for certainty against a process partly outside of our control.
What is the best part of the job? Difficult to identify just one thing and brevity has never been one of my stronger points. The people I work with would have to rank right up there, as
well as the knowledge of contributing to the long-term future of our quarries by securing resource, but then the diversity in the role is also appealing … some of my colleagues at work are trying to encourage me to say more with less but this is still a work in progress type of project.
Does your role conflict with the views of friends and family? No. I have never really had that problem. I think for the most part people can see that quarries are an essential part of everyday life. It is easy to understand where the rock from our quarries goes in terms of roads, drainage, concrete etc and thus why we need quarries in close proximity to towns and cities.
What is the most interesting aspect of the job? I would have to say the diversity aspect in terms of one day I could be working on something like a resource consenting project in Christchurch and the next day it is a rehabilitation exercise in Wellington. No day is ever the same.
Describe a job incident you are memorably proud of? Last year was Winstone Aggregates 150th birthday which I think is an amazing achievement. In order to celebrate this occasion I was extremely proud to be the MC for the official 150th dinner. Part of me was petrified I would fall off the stage and embarrass myself, but luckily all went to plan and I am proud to think that I helped contribute to the legacy of the brand.
Describe an incident that didn’t go so well? Those people who have worked with me will tell you that I have a lot of ideas … mostly good, some marginal and some
pretty leftfield. With the advent of our 150th birthday last year my schemes to celebrate were in overdrive. This started with the grand plan to head to MOTAT to rescue one of Winstones’ original wooden carts. I thought we could restore it and as part of our 150th birthday, attach it to a horse, one of us could drive it and then we could deliver a load of scoria down Mt Eden road as part of some community sponsorship plan. Tony Carpenter and his car racing trailer kindly offered to assist and off we went … rescued the cart from the back blocks of MOTAT … got the wobbles when we unloaded it at Three Kings … those wooden carts can really move when they get up speed. Then we get a call from MOTAT to say: “Really sorry but we think we gave you the wrong cart we actually have your one back here and it has Winstone painted on it” …. this current master plan is currently on hold while I come up with Plan B.
You have been fronting the AQA as chair for some years now. What do you think is the association’s best achievement over that time? Difficult to select just one but I think the ability of the industry to come together over recent health and safety reforms has to be commended. As everyone knows, the quarrying industry in New Zealand is diverse in terms of location and parties involved – no two sites are the same. There is still a lot of work to do on this front but we are heading in the right direction but this relies on all persons involved stepping up to the plate and being proactive on all matters health and safety.
What remains to be done? Like most industry associations there is a long road ahead of us but I am confident we have a great team and a focused approach. Health and safety has been, and will continue to be, a major focus for the industry. From a planning perspective the AQA will continue to advocate for better planning processes and a less restrictive legislative hierarchy so that resources are not sterilised for future demand. Case in point is the Auckland Unitary Plan process of which the quarrying industry has been commended on its ability to work together. From a technical perspective, there is a lot of work being done on the clean-up of the RAMM database, recycling, use of
suboptimal aggregates, NZ Standards and the list goes on. For anyone interested they should have a look at the AQA Business Plan on our website.
What advice would you give other women coming into the industry workforce? Anyone who knows me will think you are very brave to ask me a question like this one, as typically I don’t like to differentiate on the basis of gender. However, I am always supportive of young people coming into the quarrying industry … whether they be male or female. For example, at Winstones we have a fantastic group of graduates in our graduate programme. Of these grads, four are female and they are all very well qualified, confident and making their own path in this industry. If I had to offer advice I would say be confident in your own abilities, if you don’t know the answer or how to do something then ask, learn from every opportunity/ challenge put in front of you, never think you are restricted in this industry because of your gender (because you are not) and don’t ever put up with any form of sexist comments, wolf whistling etc in the workplace because it is not acceptable on any level.
What plans do you have for the future? With recent changes at work I am now the environmental manager for both Winstone Aggregates and Golden Bay Cement. My immediate plans for the future are to work closely with the team at GBC to better understand the needs of their business so that I can assist wherever I can.
If you weren’t in quarrying what other industry could you see yourself in? This is something that I haven’t thought about for a very long time. I used to think I wanted to be a foreign diplomat, head of a tourism board or maybe a hotel manager. However, these days I would say that I would probably see myself transferring my environmental management skills to another large NZ company like The Warehouse or Air New Zealand … wouldn’t matter so much what they did … just that they had vision and scope to effect change. However, if money was no object then I would answer slightly differently. In this case you could find me working at the hospice shop in Orewa
and volunteering at Wenderholm Shakespeare Regional Park.
or
What future do you think extraction has here? A sustained supply of minerals and aggregate is essential for the continued development of the district and region to enable people and communities to provide for their social, economic and cultural wellbeing. A sustained supply of minerals and aggregate will not only be required to provide for building, construction and roading projects associated with growth, but also to maintain and redevelop existing infrastructure so I think the future of extraction in New Zealand is positive. However, one has to acknowledge that larger cities like Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch will encounter and are already encountering issues of aggregate sterilisation. Urban expansion not only places demand on aggregates for construction, it also reduces access to key aggregate sources by either building over the top of them, or by protecting the land as key conservation/water catchment reserves. New Zealand, unlike Australia, does not adequately plan for aggregate supply. This leads to situations where key aggregates resources are sterilised.
What needs to be done to address that? From a planning perspective the government needs to take a really hard look at the national planning framework and then how it is implemented by Regional and District Councils. It is not necessarily the act (RMA 1991) that is broken. Rather, it is the way it has been implemented around the country over the past 20 years or so. The basic premise of the RMA is to promote the sustainable management of our natural and physical resources. This is about managing things wisely so that there is enough left for the kids and grandkids. It is not about standing still and imposing environmental protection at all costs. However, nor does it provide the mandate to run roughshod over environmental values in the blind pursuit of development. I think it is true however that the RMA has become overly focused on environmental protection at the cost of essential development. The balancing exercise needs to be re-visited with input from all stakeholders. Q&M Q&M April - May 2015 13
O N
T H E
C O V E R
MAXIMISING THE RESOURCE A lime and a serpentine quarry deep in the heart of the Waikato are putting a Sandvik QE341 mobile scalping screen from Porters to good use for sorting and blending a valuable resource for the agricultural industries.
R
orisons RMD operates two lime quarries along Aria Road just south of the little Waikato settlement of Piopio. The older of the two quarries, called Wairere Serpentine, has been extracting a rich deposit of serpentine, a source of magnesium, for the agriculture and farming industries across the North Island, since the 1940s. Within the serpentine is also a resource of lime that has been mined as a by-product, and also made into products for agriculture. The lime is almost depleted so, while the Wairere ‘Serp’ quarry focuses on the serpentine (the only one in the North Island), Rorisons RMD has opened up a new lime quarry next door. The lime in this area is old and very hard, almost marble like (it is drilled and blasted) and the jaw crusher at the Serp and impact crusher at the lime quarry have their work cut out milling the rock into product for the North 14 www.contrafed.co.nz Q&M
Island’s farm pastures. Over the years a lot of lime waste has been built up and when the magazine visited the Wairere Serp Quarry at Aria the brand new Sandvik QE341 mobile scalping screen from Porters Equipment was hard at work scalping out lime product that had slipped through the old screens at the primary crushing plant. The larger lime rock (overs) was then put through the crushing plant again, while the fines and waste went into the huge bunding infrastructure around this very large quarry, which includes a very large bund strategically placed to shield the quarry from any view from the road. “We have a screen on our old grizzly 40mm, so we can put through the screened out lime scalping,” says quarry foreman Jason Phillips. “There is enough of this resource to keep the scalper busy for a quite a while.”
A wide hopper opening, screenbox and oversize conveyor ensures free flow of material from front to back.
The scalper, the first to be used at the site, will be used primarily as a blender after completing this task. It will also be used at the second Aria Wairere Lime quarry scalping lime, but Jason says it will be mostly based at Wairere Serp. Over 40 percent of agriculture lime is blended these days; the QE341 will also be screening Dicalcic but only in blends of fertilser. The QE341 represents the latest generation heavy duty, tracked mobile scalping screen on the market and is designed to handle the most difficult in-feed material. A wide hopper opening, screenbox and oversize conveyor ensures free flow of material from front to back. As with the QE440, the 341 has a double-plated apron feeder as standard to ensure that the unit is equipped to handle heavy duty scalping applications. Suffice to add, the stockpiling capacity on this machine is second to none and the middles and overs conveyors can be hydraulically lowered to feed material into a cone or primary.
Other features include radio tracking and feeder control as standard, which enhances operator safety; a uniquely aggressive screenbox with 9mm of throw at over 1000 rpm; a hydraulic folding maintenance platform for ease of service and maintenance; and a unique colour-coded control panel with one touch start/stop that makes it easy to operate. You can view one in action here: www.youtube.com/watch?v=94CRPyp4lhw. Peter Blakeley, Rorisons Quarry Operations manager, says the company did a lot of research before deciding on the Sandvik QE341. “There’s a few different brands of machine out there but the Sandvik fitted the bill. “We enjoy a good relationship with Porters and this machine is a sort of the ‘Rolls Royce of scalpers,” he says. “We are very happy with its performance. It has reached all our expectations.” • Q&M April - May 2015 15
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Tomorrow’s leaders There are many examples of talented young folks in the industry who are being nurtured into senior roles as the old skilled workforce representing the baby boomers retire. We tracked down four of them for a chat and asked them how they perceived the industry?
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asting Quarry at Fern Hill is no stranger to industry awards, especially for safety. One of 40 sites operated throughout the country by Holcim New Zealand, this quarry extracts and processes river gravel from locations along the Ngaruroro River. Quarry operations manager Hans Hollis runs a tight ship and he recommended two of our four young leaders.
managers and supervisors, but I have also witnessed other supervisors trying too hard to be like the manager they work under. We are all different and should adopt our own methods and personalities in managing and supervising our sites but also learning good traits from our peers and previous managers.
BRAD COBHAM,
It was a big decision to move home to New Zealand after six years in Australia. I was very fortunate that there was a position within Holcim for me to apply for and be successful in obtaining. What I have learnt in my first three months has been great as Hastings is a river operation so totally different compared to a drill and blast operation. I feel that the move has taught me new skills, even though it ‘searly days, and it is a key step in my career progression.
Quarry Supervisor, Hasting Quarry Brad Cobham took over his role from Jason Glentworth who, once trained up, took over as manager at Kiwi Point joining Darcey Madden who is quarry operation manager (ex McDonald’s Lime).
What career path led you into the extraction industry and where you are today? Five and a half years ago I joined CEMEX Australia (which three months later got bought out by Holcim) as a loader and yardman for a concrete plant. Within six months I progressed into a concrete batcher and was in charge of the operation. I was in this role for 16 months when an opportunity came up to become a trainee supervisor at Holcim Bli Bli Quarry, which was a hard rock, drill and blast operation. I was successful in my application and completed this role for 12 months learning the aspects of supervising a quarry operation. After 12 months in this role, the site supervisor moved on to progress in his career leaving the quarry supervisor position open. I applied and once again was successful. I filled this position for 16 months where I learnt not only the day by day challenges of supervising a quarry but how to manage a quarry as well. During this time as quarry supervisor I had to step up to managing the site as well as the current quarry manager was utilised in a close operation down the road. In late 2013 I was offered the position of quarry manager and took on the position in January 2014. In October 2014, my wife and I made the decision to move back to New Zealand to bring up our children.
What has been your most valuable lesson climbing up the career ladder? The most valuable lesson that I have learnt would be to ensure that I have my own personality when climbing the career ladder. I have taken and learnt good traits off my previous 16 www.contrafed.co.nz
Was it a big jump taking on the quarry supervisor’s role at Hastings Quarry?
Could you describe your responsibilities? My responsibilities as quarry supervisor are to ensure the safe and efficient operation of a quarry. I supervise 14 employees and multiple contractors. I must provide a safe workplace and ensure Job Hazards Analysis and work permits are completed for all tasks. I ensure that maintenance is kept up with on both mobile and fixed plant, not only for the safety of my employees, but to ensure downtime is kept to the minimum and that we are running the plant to its full capacity. On top of these tasks I must work within budgets and forecast monthly expenditure.
What would you change if you could – pick any subject or all three – regulations, operations, and machinery? In regards to operations I would like it to become an easier industry for young people to get into. I would like quarrying operations to be seen under a different light to mining. In the big mines you become an operator of one machine but in a quarry you are a quarry operator and develop skills in all areas of the quarrying operation. I think we need to sell our careers as I believe we have changed from the old terms of ‘ we break big rocks into small rocks’. There is a lot of skill and different career paths within our industry.
What draws you to work each day? Not having one day the same. Every day is different and you don’t know what is going to happen. Each day has different challenges whether it’s people, machinery or quality and the need to make good decisions and a lot of the time under pressure.
Describe a good day on the job. A good day on the job is when everything runs smoothly. The crushing and mobile plant runs without stoppages and most of all but not least every single person who enters our site leaves in exactly the same condition. Every day we have zero harm is a good day on the job. >>
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Describe a bad day. A bad day to me would be if someone gets hurt while working on our site or has a serious near miss. I never in my career want to call an employee’s wife or family member and explain that their husband, father, brother, sister or wife has been hurt whilst under my supervision.
Would you encourage younger ones to join the industry? Please explain why I would encourage younger people to join the industry. What I have experienced so far is that it’s an older industry and we need to develop succession plans to ensure we have young people coming through, learning the industry and stepping up into management roles.
How do you see the future of the industry? I see the future of the industry as strong. With the population growing, the need for better roads and increased housing estates are going to be a must. While the world is growing, the need for aggregates and sand will have to grow to meet the demands.
Where do you see yourself in 10 years’ time? I find these questions hard to answer as you never know what opportunities will come up. I can tell you that I am open to all opportunities in developing my career. I am keen to stay with the industry and progress further up the career ladder.
JASON GLENTWORTH Quarry Manager, Kiwi Point Quarry What career path led you into the extraction industry and where you are today? I entered the extraction industry quite by accident. I was formerly a petrol mechanic by trade for approximately 12 years, then I was a courier owner/driver before I joined Holcim. I had not considered quarrying as a career before and I had never heard of Holcim and I didn’t even know where the
Hastings quarry was located. Joining the industry was never in my plan but changes within the courier business and long hours away from my young family made me reconsider my career opportunities. My wife saw an advert in the local paper and phoned Holcim to find out more about the job description. The application date had already closed but my wife told them they were crazy not to hire me. The next day, to my surprise, I was called in for an interview and I got the job as a quarry operator. I started my career path on the ground level, literally and I learnt a lot from my colleagues and I received a great amount of support from my managers who, I guess, saw potential in me. I was encouraged to step out of my comfort zone and learn new skills and accept more responsibility. After approximately three and a half years my supervisor left and with encouragement from my peers, upper management and family I went for the supervisor’s role and I got it!
What has been your most valuable lesson climbing up the career ladder? It has always been crucial to me to remember and respect the people I have worked with and where I started. It has also been very valuable to draw off the experience of others I have worked with and to receive mentoring from my managers.
Was it a big jump taking on the QM role at Kiwi Point? The simple answer is yes. Not only professionally but personally as well. I had been at Holcim Hastings for 10 years in a river quarry operation and I had learnt everything from the bottom up and I felt confident in that environment. Moving to Kiwi Point, a hard rock environment, was definitely a challenge. I soon realised that I didn’t know everything. I was in the position of asking questions and seeking guidance from the experienced staff and manager again which was strange after having been so comfortable in Hastings. On a personal note, I had lived in Hawkes Bay all of my adult life and so had my wife and we have adolescent children so the decision to move away from my comfort zone was huge. In saying that, the decision is one I certainly don’t regret; nor do my family.
What would you change if you could – pick any subject or all three – regulations, operations, and machinery? The quarrying industry, like many, is not static and change is inevitable. I see my role as one to adapt to changes that are made within the industry and support my team to assimilate to any of changes as smoothly as possible whether that be regulation, operation or machinery based.
What draws you to work each day? Every day I look forward to working with my team mates and I enjoy looking for ways to improve efficiency in production or maintenance. I take pride in supporting my team to achieve targets.
Describe a good day on the job. That’s easy: Good production; no downtime; high sales; high staff morale; staff cohesion.
Describe a bad day. Easy again … the total opposite of above. 18 www.contrafed.co.nz Q&M
You were an AQA board member for some years. What’s was it like being in a decision-making position for someone of your age? I was quite new to my role as a quarry supervisor when I was asked to join the AQA board. It was an honour and I accepted. I was on the board for a period of 18 months. It was great to be exposed to the industry at that level and I was surrounded by very knowledgeable people which certainly helped with my education, however, I had to resign due to onsite and personal development commitments.
Would you encourage younger ones to join the industry? Please explain why. I would most definitely encourage young people to consider the industry as a career as it is very rewarding, interesting and offers opportunities to those who want them. In fact my own son wants to eventually join the industry and I am encouraging him to do so.
How do you see the future of the industry? New Zealand’s reliance on aggregates and the supporting industries will get larger as the population grows, so I believe the future of the industry is definitely going to grow.
Where do you see yourself in 10 years’ time? I would hope to still be with Holcim where my skills and experience would be most valuable – unless I win Lotto.
MICHAEL EARNSHAW Quarry Manager, McLean’s Island Quarry What career path led you into the extraction industry and where you are today? From an early age I have always been interested in heavy machinery and everything mechanical. My first job was at a local landfill, where I was able to develop my operating skills on a loader, bulldozer, and excavator. Unfortunately, the market began to subside in 2009 and I was forced to look at other options. My boss at the time introduced me to the local quarry operator (Fulton Hogan). After a look around their operations, and a decent chat with their manager I was offered (and accepted) a job as a trainee quarry operator. Accepting that job turned out to be the best career move I could ever make. Within the first six months, the manager pulled me aside and said that I had real potential in the quarrying industry and that if I was prepared to put the hard yards in, he would continue to give me opportunities to develop. I obviously accepted and over the next two to three years I was actively developed in a range of tasks including machine operation, plant operation, plant maintenance, engineering, portable operations, and even consenting and regulatory requirements. I was also given opportunities to run small teams when the opportunity arose and develop my management skills on various projects. I’m really thankful for the way Fulton Hogan committed to my development as there is no doubt it was the foundation that enabled me to take on the role I am in now.
What has been your most valuable lesson climbing up the career ladder?
I suppose the biggest lesson to me is that help is always there for those who are willing to ask. I have been lucky enough to work for and alongside some very experienced quarry managers in the past. Once they saw I was passionate about the industry (ask questions, listen, work hard etc), they were all really genuine in helping me and sharing their knowledge.
How many years have you been in the industry? Six years in the quarrying industry.
Was it a big jump taking on the management role at McLean’s Island Quarry? Yes, definitely. If I compare what I am doing now to what I was doing a couple of years ago it’s a very big jump. However, the transition was actually made easy for me for a couple of key reasons. Firstly, I was gradually given more and more responsibility as an operator (as opposed to being given everything at once) which meant I had time to develop the knowledge and experience required for site management. Secondly, I have a really good support network around me. From my bosses, to colleagues and peers, they have all been willing to share knowledge and give feedback (both positive and negative) which has been really helpful.
What would you change if you could – pick any subject or all three – regulations, operations, and machinery? It’s getting harder and harder to consent land for quarrying. If I could change anything I’d like to be able to change the public’s perception around quarrying. They often still view it as dusty and noisy, and it’s not until they are beside us, that they realise we run modern operations and they don’t really notice us at all.
What draws you to work each day? The challenge. There is always something new to learn in the industry, whether it’s in relation to machinery, products, people management, or commercial skills. It also helps to have a team of good buggers working with you every day.
Describe a good day on the job. Most days are good days on the job. These are days when the plant is running well, staff are happy, the operation is safe, and we are consistently meeting our customers’ demands. The icing on the cake for me is when we are able to exceed expectations around production, safety, or solve a problem (such as a new specification, or plant troubleshooting).
Describe a bad day. Fortunately I haven’t had a true bad day yet. There are of Q&M April - May 2015 19
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course times when the spring gets taken out of your step – this is generally when you have a large breakdown on an icy, rainy, winter’s day and you and your team spend the whole day outside trying to rectify it. However, these days are few and far between. I would only really consider a day ‘bad’ if I couldn’t send one of my team home safe at the end of the day.
Are you prepared to step forward to an active role in either the AQA or IoQ? Definitely – in time.
Would you encourage younger ones to join the industry? Please explain why. Absolutely. It’s a great industry that caters for so many different people. If you are passionate about heavy machinery then you can have your pick of loaders, excavators, bulldozers, and dump trucks. There is also need for engineers, electricians, and plant operators. If you are looking for formal qualifications and to develop further then the industry is able to offer that too, with multiple training and qualification options available through MITO.
How do you see the future of the industry?
engineering followed by a diploma in business studies. Once I finished polytech I didn’t know what sort of job I wanted. I’ve always preferred working hands on rather than sitting behind a desk and through a conversation my dad had with a Blackhead Quarries employee at one of my rugby games I ended up taking the opportunity to train as a quarry manager.
What has been your most valuable lesson so far on a job? Since I started here I have been taught a lot from a lot of different people and they all emphasise the importance of health and safety, but one particular lesson I always refer to is if I don’t feel comfortable doing something then don’t do it.
Could you describe your responsibilities? At present I’m in the office working under the accountant so my daily responsibilities are managing our accounts payable and receivable as well as banking daily sales from our different sites, and general administration. Before that I was managing a stripping crew and I have also been involved with two major plant re-builds, mobile screening operations, operating general quarry machinery, giving a hand with the odd shot firing and filling in on the weigh bridges.
Technology is obviously going to play a big part in terms of operations, with people potentially being able to operate machinery remotely in time.
What’s the most difficult part of your job?
Where do you see yourself in 10 years’ time?
What would you change if you could – pick any subject or all three – regulations, operations, and machinery?
Definitely still in the industry, and still at Fulton Hogan. I’m really proud of the work I do and lucky to have a good group of people supporting me as I progress. I know that if I continue to develop and work hard, opportunities will always present themselves.
MATT GOULDING Cadet Quarry Manager, Blackhead Quarries What career path led you into the extraction industry and where you are today? I started off taking a liking to physics and maths at high school which led me to enrol at Otago Polytechnic and complete a diploma in civil
Previous to this job I hadn’t done much in the way of administration or accounting so the first few weeks in the office were quite challenging.
None really. The quarry is a very old practice that, over time, has sculpt the machinery and operations to best suit the industry, and as for regulations they are there to help us practice safe working and keep everyone on the same level, so not sure what I would change there.
What draws you to work each day? Over the past three years my day-to-day job has changed regularly which keeps me interested and excited about each day.
Describe a good day on the job. A good day would involve accomplishing the work I set out for myself at the start of the day.
Describe a bad day. Changing screens in the middle of winter in some of Dunedin’s coldest weather.
Would you encourage younger ones to join the industry? Please explain why. Yes – I think it’s a diverse industry with a lot of opportunity for younger people to work hard and go far.
How do you see the future of the industry? I think the industry will evolve as new technology is introduced which will make the day to day running of a quarry easier. Accidents in the industry will become fewer as safer practices are implemented. But I don’t see a lot changing overall in the demand for quarries to crush rock for infrastructural use.
Where do you see yourself in 10 years’ time? I would like to be still in this industry and managing my own operation or have some responsibility in a large scale operation. I’m also finishing up with Blackhead Quarries and heading away in a month for a one-year-long OE and will be back in the country at the start of next year looking for a permanent full-time job. Q&M 20 www.contrafed.co.nz Q&M
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Time to
fill it up
22 www.contrafed.co.nz Q&M
Q&M magazine pays its respects to one of the country’s oldest quarries as its rehabilitation begins in earnest. BY ALAN TITCHALL.
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lyse Laface might be young and of slight build but she carries a lot of authority as acting site manager at Winstone’s old Three Kings Quarry in Auckland. Up at the weighbridge a contract truck driver gives her a ‘grumpy face’ after being told to circle through the washing operation again because the wheels aren’t clean enough. Productive quarrying finished in the pit about six months ago with trimming work associated with the development of the site still to occur. At the same time a council-consented rehabilitation programme involving backfilling is in full swing. The consenting conditions are tough and so is the discipline on site. At present about 160 trucks loaded with fill go through the gates every day and their loads are monitored carefully. “This is a controlled fill,” Elyse explains. “Not a clean fill, which is a permitted activity and easier to get material into, as they don’t have the testing regime required to our consenting standards. “The Three Kings consent conditions which enable us to backfill are the most comprehensive of any similar site in the country, so we take our responsibilities in this area very seriously and work hard to achieve a good compliance record.” This old scoria quarry is located in the heart of the Three Kings suburb in Auckland city and scoria had been extracted from this site since the 1840s and the birth of the nation. Originally the quarry was one of five main volcanic cones and stood about 135 metres high. By the time extraction stopped six months ago, the pit was down to 34 metres above sea level. The very top edge of the eastern side of the quarry, alongside Mt Eden Road, is 80 metres above sea level. Progressive backfilling started in 2012. So far around 64,000 loads of material have been tipped and it will take another four to five years to fill it up. The quarry had been operated by Winstone Aggregates (a division of Fletcher Concrete and Infrastructure) since the 1920s. Now Fletcher Living (a division of Fletcher Construction Company) is managing the end use aspects of the Three Kings Quarry site. Winstone Aggregates has council authorisation to excavate down to sea level, but it has only dewatered to 34 metres above sea level. Fletcher decided in 2009 that it was time to refocus Three Kings direction and that filling and redevelopment provided the best outcome for the community and the company. Elyse Laface has worked at the quarry for the past three years, or as long as she has been with Winstone Aggregates in the role of environmental coordinator, and is in charge of the backfilling until they recruit a site manager. Before joining the quarry she worked for Fletcher Construction and before that for the Auckland Regional Council in the area of earth work consenting. “Both sides of the fence,” she says. With an honours degree in science (from Canada) and a NZ diploma in civil engineering she is destined to move into a more national role with Winstones as it opens up new quarry sites around the country and expands others. While the consent allowed up to 12 years for the backfilling to be completed, it is in Fletcher Living’s interest to accelerate the
Elyse Laface has worked at Three Kings Quarry for the past three years in the role of environmental coordinator, and is in charge of the backfilling until they recruit a site manager. Before joining the quarry she worked for Fletcher Construction and before that for the Auckland Regional Council in the area of earth work consenting. “Both sides of the fence,” she says. With an honours degree in science (from Canada) and a NZ diploma in civil engineering she is destined to move into a more national role with Winstones as it opens up new quarry sites around the country and expands others.
project to help relieve Auckland’s notorious housing shortage. Fletcher has put forward two comprehensive Plan Change requests with Auckland council after two years of consultation with the community. Both options will deliver a new urban village of up to 1500 dwellings connected to Mt Eden Road and the existing Three Kings town centre. The two Plan Changes will be heard later in 2015. Fill material is coming from a variety of local projects, from residential to infrastructure projects, including the massive Waterview project (but not the tunnel spoil which goes to another Winstone site – Wiri North – which has been earmarked specifically for this toothpaste-like material). One fill method that will save time is using ‘compacting’ rather than ‘pre-loading’. Without the luxury of time the fill material is stockpiled, placed and conditioned by pushing it out, disking with a steel disk roller, and then tyre rolled. About three metres of material had already been compacted in the deepest part of the pit by our visit in mid-February. Q&M April - May 2015 23
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“We got in that layer before the rain and it is waiting sign off,” says Elyse. “We are working towards getting contractors to drive directly down to the fill area and directly tip off their material. At the moment we are shifting material from an elevated tip head. “We need to get all the measures in place for that to be done safely, including segregating our own machines from the customer vehicles.” The final fill level is a point of contention among the local residents (and the original quarry operation had been a long hard social licence battle with residential watch groups for decades). The consent allows fill up to the height of Mt Eden Road to the East (RL78) and down to the surrounding council land in the southern side of the site (at about RL60m). However, Fletchers’ design is to fill only to between RL64 and RL59 metres on either side.
Checkpoint Charlie A host of electronic monitoring systems are in place for complying with consenting conditions and dust control is a major one. Water carts are very active in keeping haul roads damp and a sprinkler system around the edge of the site (using recycled water) comes on automatically for three minute periods. Some 2000 to 2500 cubic metres a day is pumped from a dewatering bore in the pit (the natural water level is at 56 to 57 metres above sea level). The fill material is thoroughly scrutinised as it comes to site and the testing station, a modest hut guarding the stockpile area, is loaded with sophisticated electronics that record each load. This information is connected with the weighbridge. Fill comes from a multitude of locations around Auckland.
24 www.contrafed.co.nz
Trucks and material are either pre-approved at their location or unapproved, in which case the load is subjected to a 60 second XRF X-ray that can detect the presence of heavy metals. Material from non-approved sites is restricted to 200 cubic metres. Material samples are also subjected to independent lab tests. “Samples for every one in 150 loads are taken and sent to be tested at a lab in Hamilton,” says Elyse. “It takes about a week to get results back, but this testing is inclusive and looks for the likes of pesticides and hydrocarbons etc. “There’s a misconception about what ‘clean fill’ is, and without testing you just don’t really know. “We regularly reject loads for all sorts of things – too much vegetation, failed XRF. “Sometimes they fail for natural reasons – the arsenic is too high for instance, but once failed we can’t accept that material or any further material from that job until they provide us with detailed lab results.”
Back loading A flat elevated area of the site is used for stockpiling metals that include gap for roading and housing foundations and scoria from outside of the Auckland region. This means contractor trucks can come in full and leave with a load of aggregate. The closure of the Three Kings Quarry means scoria is becoming harder to obtain in the Auckland region and Elyse makes an interesting observation. “Scoria is becoming a scarce product in Auckland, but design engineers haven’t caught up with this and it is still in the specs.” Q&M
A flat elevated area of the site is used for stockpiling metals that include gap for roading and housing foundations and scoria from outside of the Auckland region. This means contractor trucks can come in full and leave with a load of aggregate.
The fill site looking south. The pit to the far left (light coloured material) is the current centre of fill activity. The aggregate stockpiles brought in from other quarries can be seen about the pit to the right. This allows contractors to ‘back-load’. To the right is a contract truck emptying its approved material at the elevated tip head. It is then excacvated from there and carted by dump trucks to the pit.
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OceanaGold’s long dreamed of goal of reopening the rich Blackwater mine on the Reefton goldfield has moved a step nearer with an extensive report advocating the project to be technically and economically viable. BY LINDSAY CLARK.
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comprehensive 220-page preliminary economic assessment report compiled by OceanaGold and a number of consultants says a new deep Blackwater mine could produce about 55,000 to 60,000 ounces of gold annually over a 10-year mine life. But the usual levels of confidence in estimated mineral resources standard required for mining projects are not possible at Blackwater because normal resource confirmation drilling from the surface would be simply too expensive. So the report recommends OceanaGold spend an initial US$76 million in the first two years to develop an underground decline down alongside the unmined section of the reef. From there resource confirmation can be carried out. The company could meet these initial underground exploration costs from its own cash flow if it chose. Then a decision would be made on a full go-ahead with mining. Blackwater’s remarkable single quartz vein Birthday Reef is almost one kilometre long along strike but with a width of less than a metre. The reef was discovered in 1905 and by the time the mine was closed by a collapsed shaft in 1951 it had reached 710 metres in depth and produced 740,400 ounces of gold. When closed there was every sign the reef went deeper. OceanaGold was intrigued enough to drill some deep exploration
Blackwater’s remarkable single quartz vein Birthday Reef is almost one kilometre long along strike but with a width of less than a metre. The reef was discovered in 1905 and by the time the mine was closed by a collapsed shaft in 1951 it had reached 710 metres in depth and produced 740,400 ounces of gold.
26 www.contrafed.co.nz Q&M
Those were the days when Blackwater was a hive of activity... Today Waiuta is a remote West Coast ghost town, at the end of a winding road up the Blackwater River, south of Reefton. But from 1906 to 1951 it was the company town for the South Island’s largest gold mine, exploiting one of the most regular and persistent gold reefs found anywhere in the world. More than 600 people lived there in its heyday, when the town had its own pub, shops, community facilities and sports clubs (see photo left). Joseph Divis was born in 1885 near Prague and spent some time working as a miner in Germany. He arrived in New Zealand in 1909 and worked as a coal-miner at Blackball on the West Coast. He was a keen photographer and his first photographs were published in 1912 in the Auckland Weekly News. This is also the year Divis moved to Waiuta to work at the Blackwater mine, the first of several spells in the town that would eventually become his home.
Left: Photographer and miner Joseph Divis and mine manager Tas Hogg surveying the old Blackwater mine with assistant Nick Brett (left). Behind Nick’s shoulder is the ventilation shaft. (Pic: Ministry for Culture and Heritage.)
Above: The largest room in the battery building held the stampers, seen here at the top end, where camshafts lifted and dropped the heavy stamp rods. In the foreground is battery manager Jack McEwin, with sons Andrew and Ian behind, and aptly named assistant battery manager, Frank Orr, at right. All of this and the associated machinery was powered by water.
Above: Underground with three men whom Divis knew well: Mine manager Tas Hogg, with the shovel, shift boss Tom Beckwith, holding a pick, and union president SP Williams, with a miner’s drill and bowyanged trousers. The undoubted star of the show is the gold-bearing quartz reef, which did not need the added illumination of the candle at the centre to make it gleam. Q&M April - May 2015 27
M I N I N G
Above: Joseph Divis and a companion overlooking the headworks for the Blackwater mine at Waiuta. The prominent mullock (waste) heap in the centre had been levelled to provide a bowling green. Left: Joseph Divis (right) on the job in the Blackwater Mine with Bill Houghton and a pneumatic drill. This shot has intrigued old miners, as Divis appears to have disconnected the life-saving water line – something he would never do. In fact, some have said that Divis never made money working on contract because he was too meticulous – a trait which was to his advantage when using a camera.
said in January he expects 2015 to bring “more very strong results” with higher gold production from its New Zealand and Philippines mines and again generating significant free cash flow. The most interesting aspects of the report are the proposals for a blend of new and old mining methods to mine the difficult narrow reef; and a plan to build a new gold processing plant at the mine mouth entry. Until now the practical details of how the deep reef would be mined have been overlooked. Now the OceanaGold report has put forward a practical plan. A 3.3 kilometre long twin decline would give access from a portal on the Snowy River flats where a US$20 million processing plant would be built instead of using the gold concentrate plant at the company’s Globe-Progress mine a few kilometres north. Each of the two decline tunnels would be four metres by four metres in size, one mainly for access, the other for ventilation. The first use of the declines would be to give access for building an exploration drive alongside the reef. This would allow an exploration drilling platform to carry out 25 metre by 50 metre spaced drilling, eventually covering the first 200 metres below the old level 16. This should prove up enough ore resource for the first four years of life for the new mine and increase confidence about reserves. Conventional mechanised development mining equipment would be used to move rock and ore to the surface. An Atlas Copco ST1030 loader with a 10 tonne payload plus a Sandvik TH320 20 tonne payload haul truck are suggested as key equipment. A spiral decline from the end of the access decline would be built down to within 100 metres of the reef. The spiral would give access to new development levels each 100 metres downwards 28 www.contrafed.co.nz Q&M
along the 900 metre length of reef and about 20 to 30 metres out from the reef. Cross-cut tunnels every 60 metres would give access to the gold ore. Because the reef is known historically to vary in width from 0.2 metres to over 2.5 metres (an average of 0.64 metres wide), the ore drive will be about three metres wide. The ore drive would be mined using the resue or split-face mining method. Miners working on the ore drive will use air-leg drills (handheld pneumatic drills supported on a leg) to lay explosives in the bluey-white coloured reef along the roof of the drive. A two metre-deep slice of ore will fall with the blast onto a flat marker bed of cemented slurry on the floor of the ore drive. Miners would use a rope-drawn scraper to scrape the ore to a central ore pass where it will drop to a truck for carrying to the surface. The greywacke sandstone rock on each side of where the reef has been will then be blasted out. This rock will provide a floor in the stope once flattened and cemented for the next round of ore. The split face firing of ore and surrounding rock, though labour intensive, will reduce dilution of the ore stream for later processing. Less waste rock is shifted out of the mine and the stope spaces are filled efficiently. Whether OceanaGold decides to press on with the Blackwater project remains to be seen. The assessment report says the most critical knowledge gaps for the project are associated with dewatering the historical underground workings. Many other safety questions will need to be considered including rock stress movement from earthquakes. Q&M
M I N I N G
I N N O V A T I O N S
Technology down under Newmont recently revealed some of the cutting edge technology and innovation used in its Waihi operations aimed at constantly improving safety and productivity.
T
he Mine Site Technologies (MST) Proximity Detection System used underground allows operators of all heavy machinery to detect all other machinery and people that enter their work space. All cap lamps, light vehicles, and smaller mobile equipment have been fitted with electronic tags and large equipment such as loaders and trucks with the MST Vehicle Intelligence Platform (VIP). When a person or light vehicle enters a large vehicle’s work space the operator is alerted via a touchscreen in the cab. The heavy vehicle driver can then establish contact with the miner who is wearing the tag or driving the vehicle in their vicinity and deem it safe to continue. The heavy vehicle driver can acknowledge to the Proximity Detection System that they have identified the tag and would like to continue operating. This technology allows the heavy equipment operators to ‘see’ around corners and blind spots.
Scanner improves truck volumes At the portal a Tally Clerk Loadscan system gives the truck operator an instantaneous volume and estimate of the payload of the truck as the driver leaves the portal. This allows the truck operator to give real-time feedback to the loader operator underground on how efficiently the truck is being loaded. Following the introduction of this system in 2012 Newmont says it has seen a 15 percent increase in its truck productivity. “Our trucks used to average 20 tonnes per load and are now running at 23 tonnes per load. This efficiency transfers into reduced operating costs as the same tonnage can be transported in fewer trips.”
Automated tele-remote systems The latest tele-remote system from Nautilus – Automated Guidance System (AGS) is fitted to the company’s two primary tele-remote underground loaders and allows the loader operator to operate under three different regimes while working by remote control. This AGS can be used as a standard tele-remote system whereby the operator fully controls the machine by steering, direction (forward or reverse), loading and dumping the bucket, or by pilot assist where the operator loads and dumps the bucket and tells the loader which direction to travel in (but the loader steers itself using the scanning lasers and the intelligent learnt drive layout so the operator doesn’t need to steer the machine). There is also the option for the operator to run ‘full pilot’ whereby they only need to load the bucket and tell the loader which direction to travel in and the machine will steer and can
Top: A Nautilus – Automated Guidance System (AGS) is fitted to the company’s two primary tele-remote underground loaders and allows the loader operator to operate under three different regimes while working by remote control. Above: The Loadscan system at the portal has improved productivity by 15 percent.
even dump the bucket. “Due to the nature of the operation at Waihi we currently don’t have this ‘full pilot’ capability set up with our machines,” the company concedes. This system allows the loaders to operate automated in second gear and has resulted in excellent productivity improvements while using tele-remotes. An additional benefit of the system is a large reduction in collision damage where human error has caused the loader to hit a side wall. It also greatly reduces the fatigue placed upon the remote operator during tele-remote operations. Q&M Q&M April - May 2015 29
H I S T O R Y
Time to remember them KIT WILSON, external affairs coordinator
for Newmont, explains a new memorial dedicated to the tunnellers of WW1 who were miners from Waihi.
Officially the New Zealand Engineers Tunnelling Company were tunnellers and nothing else, but orders were given to erect a bridge over the Canal du Nord using the new 120 feet span steel ‘Hopkins’ design. The canal at this point was through a cutting 100 feet deep with a distance of 180 feet between the tops of the smooth brick walled sides. From
30 www.contrafed.co.nz Q&M
an engineering point of view, the task verged on the impossible. The site was practically front line, so no preliminary work other than the taking of measurements could be done. Tackle and well-anchored winches were used to steady the forward movement of the structure over rollers. Pic: Clare Mashiter.
G
o to almost any small town in this country and you can find a war memorial, and most likely a war memorial hall too. They are often in the main street. The historic mining town of Waihi is different. It has a ‘memorial’ hall but, unusually, the one war memorial to the town’s war dead is on the outskirts of the town at the cemetery and is without any names. In Waihi, like the Tunnellers themselves, the story of men who served in a secret underground war, was buried. The ‘Miners in Khaki’ left for the war after the initial rush of patriotic enlistments, and the unit did not return until April 24 1919, by which time the country was ready to move on. Their story was largely forgotten. In Waihi and in mining communities throughout New Zealand where others also enlisted these men have been largely unrecognised. All this is about to change.Waihi Heritage Vision has plans to build a 7.5 metre high memorial to the New Zealand Engineers Tunnelling Company at Gilmour Reserve in Waihi. Members of Waihi Heritage Vision who have been working on recognition for the specialised group of miner soldiers believe Waihi is a suitable place to remember them. Around 90 men left local mines as Tunnelling Company enlistments. Sixteen have been identified as having been buried in the local cemetery, including at least two who died as a result of war injuries.
Planning for the memorial began over two years ago. Nick Brumder, a recent Waihi arrival from Texas is a sculptor and ironmonger whose work is well known in the United States. He counts Don Henley of soft rock band The Eagles among his many clients. Nick’s design is unlike anything seen previously in New Zealand. The 7.5 metre tall sculpture takes its cues from the five sided columnar basalt of the region and the ‘T’ insignia of overseas tunnelling units. This is topped by a globe which echoes the Tunnellers motto Inga Wahi Katoa - Everywhere, and a final shape that has been interpreted by many as a pair of hands open in supplication. Fundraising for the memorial project has begun in earnest. The New Zealand Lotteries Commission World War One Commemoration Fund has provided the bulk of the money required, but there are many other groups which have contributed through money, in kind assistance and sponsorship. New Zealand Veteran’s Affairs, the Institution of Professional Engineers New Zealand (IPENZ), First Sovereign Trust and Newmont Waihi Gold have all assisted the project to date. Just recently industrial supply company BGH Group has come on board the project with a generous offer of sponsorship. Cameron Talbut, a director of the group of companies says that
Gas mask drill for members of the New Zealand Engineers Tunnelling Company. Bottom right is Sergeant George Edward Hatch, a miner from Hokitika, who was awarded the DCM for; “Conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty, and consistent good work over a lengthy period. When it was necessary for the safety of the line that machine gun
positions should be completed at once, he personally got out in the open and worked under shellfire during the whole night. By his untiring energy and disregard of his personal safety he set a fine example to his men.” Pic: Stuart Park.
Q&M April - May 2015 31
H I S T O R Y
1. NZ Tunnellers photos in display under Arras. Pic: Stuart Park. 2. New Zealand built Tunnels and quarries under Arras, France. 3. Tunnelling relic. 3.
4. The metal model of the Waihi Heritage Vision 7.5 metre high memorial to the New Zealand Engineers Tunnelling Company in Waihi. The small man shows how big the final memorial will be. 5. A crater formed from a mine blast. Some mine tunnels were loaded with 20,000–25,000 kilograms of explosives. 6. The detonation of a British mine under a German field fortification at 7.28am July 1, 1916, the first day of the battle of the Somme. The blast was heard 160 miles away in London and it formed the Lochnagar crater that is now a memorial. 7. Armistice Day November 11, 1918.
1
2.
8. An ambulance and mounted troops cross a bridge over the River Selle at the French town of Barastre on October. 31, 1918. New Zealand engineers built the bridge in 13 hours while under shelling.
4
5.
6
32 www.contrafed.co.nz Q&M
for him the decision to provide assistance was easy. “As a locally owned and operated company, we have had a productive 25-year relationship with the mining and tunnelling industries in New Zealand. “In addition my grandmother’s family came from a coal mining background in Scotland and we also have links to the Australian and New Zealand Tunnelling Companies of World War One. The timing was right and for me, both personally and professionally, this is a good project for us to be become involved in.” The memorial will be sited at Gilmour Reserve adjacent to the Miners’ Memorial Bench (pictured) that Waihi Heritage Vision commissioned in 2012. This bench, along with 29 kowhai trees planted in memory of the Pike River 29, and the Tunnellers Memorial will form part of the public reserve that has been called the Miners’ Reflective Area. Waihi Heritage Vision hopes this part of the park will become a place of quiet contemplation and reflection, while the open space around it will lend itself to a variety of uses. On April 22 of this year a Mayoral Delegation from Arras, France will arrive in Waihi, bringing with them a rock from where the Tunnellers worked. This will be attached to a much larger rock sourced from Waihi’s Martha open pit. Shortly after this, construction of the memorial will commence. It is planned that the structure will be complete by November, in time for the surrounding area to be contoured and ready for the opening ceremony in March 2016. When completed, the area will also feature a memorial wall and a life-size statue of a Tunneller. Lest we Forget. nzetc.co.nz. www.facebook.com/NZTunnellingCompany. Q&M
7.
8.
Just one of their stories Prior to his enlistment, Sapper Matthew Mannix had worked at the Waihi Grand Junction mine. In January 1917 Mannix was reported in a local newspaper as saying; “One of our saps was 90 foot deep and 500 yards towards German lines. The New Zealand Tunnellers were fine workers, and, getting through hard chalk, we used to advance four and a half feet in eight hours. Two men would work at the face working for eight hours, and then being off for 24. The exploding of a mine is a great experience. For a mile behind everything rocks and shakes, and when she is let go at night it is a spectacle never to be forgotten. At Arras we left behind us one of the biggest craters on the front.” Underground, Mannix caught some German mustard gas and came up to the daylight and collapsed. The poisoning acted on his stomach, and for five months he was confined to hospital, his once burly form weakened and emaciated by inability to take solid food. He came home to undergo an operation. At the time he said; “Looking forward to recovering afterwards and to the joyful hour when he can tackle a well-stacked plate of roast beef and kumara. When once I get my legs under the table I shall take some shifting, I can tell you.” Matthew Mannix died February 19, 1919. He had married on his return, and his only child, a son named after him, was born a week after he died. Mannix’s wife died in 1920. His son Billy, served in WW2 and was killed during the Western Desert campaign.
Q&M April - May 2015 33
C O N S E N T I N G
Harsh consenting lessons
The effort by Taranaki local authorities to streamline regulations for the region’s extractive industries has come too late for at least one small quarry owner. BY NEIL RITCHIE.
L
ate last year New Plymouth District Council general manager (strategy) Liam Hodgetts told an oil and gas conference in the city that the region’s four local authorities – the NPDC, Taranaki Regional Council, Stratford District Council and South Taranaki District Council – had agreed to “work together to improve the regulatory approach to oil and gas in the region”. “This will have direct benefits for the industry by ensuring greater consistency in the planning process but also greater transparency for the community,” he said at the time. More recently, New Plymouth District Council (NPDC) senior planning advisor Ralph Broad said the councils’ collaborative approach will also extend to the region’s other extractive industry, quarrying and mining. “The New Plymouth District Council is this year reviewing its district plan and wants to streamline its several levels of
34 www.contrafed.co.nz Q&M
bureaucracy,” he says. “This is to give more transparency, more certainty for those in its rural areas, be they farmers, so called ‘lifestylers’, oil and gas companies or quarry operators.” The New Plymouth local authority is also moving from “an activity based plan” to “an effects based plan” and considering how such things as oil and gas exploration and production activities and quarrying operations affect rural communities. “We need more uniformity, clearer buffer zones,” says Broad, referring to such things as dealing with hours of operation, traffic, noise, earthworks, the identification of waahi tapu sites, and other things common to both oil and gas and quarry sites. “And rural lifestylers need to appreciate that a rural environment is also a productive environment, be that dairy farming, poultry farms, oil and gas well sites or production facilities or quarrying operations. It may not be the idyllic
Grant Cudby, pictured at his South Taranaki Whenuku Road operation, is quitting owning quarries because of costly and complicated resource consent procedures.
environment they were looking for,” he adds, referring to people shifting from urban areas to country lifestyle blocks. Taranaki has over 30 quarrying operations from Uruti, north of New Plymouth, to Waverley-Waitotara, near the border of the South Taranaki and Wanganui District Councils. Some are farmers operating small quarries on their farm land, others lease land from farmers, usually paying them a royalty per cubic metre of aggregate extracted, while a few operate beside protected rivers or near waahi tapu sites. Some operate under resource consents that are years old and when they come to renew existing consents or apply for new ones they may find the new regulations more stringent than the old ones, Broad cautions. One such company is Cudby Contracting that owns two South Taranaki quarries, one at Whenuku Road and the former AB & DM Sybrandy Contracting quarry at Waiteika Road.
Owner Grant Cudby doesn’t think much of consenting regs in the region, and says he has had enough of government bureaucracy and is quitting his quarries, though not the industry. “I’m just so over it … I’m having such a hard battle getting the necessary consents to extend my existing Whenuka Road quarry … and it’s not as if I’m opening a new one in the middle of town,” he told Q&M. “The first time I applied for resource consents was bad enough and this second time is only for an extension. “I’m actually selling up, if I can find somebody to buy my quarries … it’s just too hard for the small players now to continue; and we have not got the necessary resources or infrastructure. “But I’m going to stay in the industry … going to work for the big boys hopefully.” He finds the Taranaki Regional Council easier to deal with over the resource consents than the STDC [South Taranaki District Council]. “They [the TRC] are pretty good really, realistic; I am reasonably happy with them, I can talk with them.” Quarry industry patriarch Russell Vickers empathises and sympathises with Cudby and his predicament. He says he and his sons Kevin and Noddy, who run Vickers Quarries, had a hell of a time recently getting the resource consents necessary to expand the company’s main operation at York Road, Midhirst, which falls under the jurisdiction of the Stratford District Council (SDC). “We’ve had closure hanging over our heads several times over the years and we’ve spent big sums of money to stay in business,” says Russell. “We’ve had to limit noise levels, hours of operations per day and per week,” he adds, referring to the company’s Kawasaki 60x48 DT Jaw Crusher, one of the largest in the country. “We even paid the legal costs of the objectors this time and were granted the necessary resource consents to expand our York Road operations primarily because we met all the conditions requested by the SDC.” Russell welcomes the news that the region’s local authorities are moving to streamline their respective regulatory requirements. “At present there is no uniformity in Taranaki, or even New Zealand, each [authority] implements and operates RMA [Resource Management Act] requirements on its own.” Meanwhile, NPDC’s Ralph Broad cautions against small quarry owners quitting. “Firstly, it’s very early days,” he says, referring to the local authorities collaborating on regulatory processes. “And quarry owners, or the association,” he says, referring to the AQA, “should get deeply involved … airing their concerns. “The way we handle quarries now is more detailed than years ago. We often require the reinstatement of overburden and some operators now have to pay a bond ensuring there will be sufficient money available for the reinstatement of the land they use. “We also have to consider hours of operation, whether crushers need to be lined to reduce noise or bunds erected around a site, again to limit noise.” Broad says the NPDC regulatory process is the “statutory minimum” but that early engagement with all parties concerned should make that process much smoother. “Open and honest communications are a win-win situation for everybody concerned, the regulators, industries and rural communities.” Q&M Q&M April - May 2015 35
T E C H N O L O G Y
Looking for the
God particle AQA technical advisor BILL BOURKE updates the continuing search for the ideal skid resistant roading material. Bill Bourke
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he AQA’s technical group has been consulting with the Transport Agency in regards to a review of M6 and other skid resistant roading material specifications and standards for nearly two years. The initial aim was to have the process wrapped up by July, but AQA technical advisor Bill Bourke says it could take longer. “We still need to test a number of New Zealand aggregates. Historically we have tested our aggregates with methods from the UK, but our aggregates are generally younger than most other markets and it is important that we choose the best materials for our road surfaces.” Much effort has already gone into the process he adds. Bill is a long-time champion of the Micro-Deval skid resistant test and, with many other experts, is keen to see the testing method progressed here. “As an international test to determine the durability of roading aggregate, it has been adopted in Europe and is used increasingly in North America,” he says. The difference between this test and the more common ‘Los Angeles Abrasion’ test is that the material is tested wet. The aggregate is soaked before being rotated in a drum with steel balls. The fines that drop off are then measured as a percentage and the lower the number the better. A company familiar with Micro-Deval testing is Opus, says Bill, and it has been particularly interested in the problem of flushing – when the bitumen comes through the chip to form a smooth patch on the road surface. “Their theory is that aggregate breakdown is contributing to the problem
of flushing, but they also admit they have more work to do to prove this.” Opus has one of the two sets of MicroDeval testing equipment in this country and it has slightly modified the drum with a larger ball in it to simulate the attrition of an aggregate on a road. Bill is convinced that through testing methods we will find better aggregates that will improve both the safety and maintenance of our roads. “We could be looking for the ‘God particle’ that distinguishes an aggregate for making safe, hard wearing roads, but I believe the way to that discovery is through Micro-Deval and studying the properties of our unique aggregates in more detail than we have done before.
A passion for melter slag Bill’s own experience with Micro-Deval testing melter slag was at the Glenbrook mill some 12 years ago, while working for NZ Steel. Melter slag (see footnote) is a by-product from the iron-making process at NZ Steel. “We don’t use a blast furnace in New Zealand so the iron-making process and the ironsand raw material means the slag at Glenbrook is unique and has many of the characteristics of ‘steel making’ slags used overseas in asphalt. And it has properties that make it an excellent material for roading.” Bill says NZ Steel was very thorough with its melter slag tests that went beyond the standard ‘polished stone value’ requirements of the day. “And I knew through detailed testing that melter slag was a good aggregate.” Jokingly comparing his efforts to convince
the Transport Agency at the time of this value to “Mao’s long-march”, Bill says it took nine years of lobbying before the Kiwi slag was deemed a suitable roading material. “Now it is one of the NZTA’s top aggregates for this end use and it’s only a matter of the ability of NZ Steel to keep up the supply.” Melter slag has been used extensively by the Auckland Motorway Alliance and Fulton Hogan has been working with melter slag as a roading material since 2004. Another characteristic of Glenbrook’s melter slag is its ability to remove heavy metals from degraded water – including zinc, copper and lead. This property was discovered when melter slag was first used as a filter bed for the Waiuku treatment plant raceway and it was noticed that the water coming out of the raceway had no phosphorus in it. While this filtration ability does have a tendency to drop off, it still produces a very good, clean outfall says Bill. “I did a lot of work on this aspect of our melter slag and made at least three international presentations on the subject.” Meanwhile, the search for the ‘God particle’ continues. “At the risk of sounding poacher turned gamekeeper, I personally believe the best result for skid resistance will be found with a number of natural aggregates that have yet to be properly identified. “The AQA is working with NZTA and the industry to better identify the source of aggregates that are specified for this end use, which can then be entered into the RAMM database to be reviewed by the Agency and other stakeholders to pinpoint those aggregates that are performing well.” Q&M
Melter slag is a major by-product of the steel manufacturing process, and its potential for use as an aggregate in open-graded emulsion mixes (OGEMs), is the topic of an Opus report that is available from research@nzta.govt.nz. Crushed melter slag was first tested in 1991 for use in constructing access roads within the Glenbrook steel mill complex. Its performance was later trialled on a state highway intersection for about four years (1994-1997). The report details the results of the monitoring and evaluates its use as aggregate.
36 www.contrafed.co.nz Q&M
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The Holden Colorado arrived to a muted response some years back, but now it’s refined, grunty and packed with features. It’s commanding a fair old chunk of the increasingly competitive light commercial market too. So what’s happened? BY CAMERON OFFICER.
PHOTOS: CAMERON OFFICER
I
’ll be honest. When the first new Colorado arrived five or six years ago, I remember being somewhat underwhelmed. I attended the launch event in Queensland and, perhaps it was the drive route we took, but towing aside (every test ute had a mini excavator on a tandem trailer hooked up to its arse), there didn’t seem to be anything specifically outstanding about General Motors’ new global light commercial platform. It was fine. Enough power. A bit dumpy-looking. A bit numb on the road. Good sized tray. Rough edges on the plastics in the cabin. Overall though – and after all the hoo-haa building up to its arrival – there was a distinct air of “that’ll do” about it. This was the red lion’s answer to the blue oval’s Ranger (a similarly-proportioned ute, also built in South East Asia and also on a platform designed to be used the world over), but on first impressions I came away thinking the Holden was mewing rather than roaring at the competition. So what’s happened since then? Upgrades. Tweaks. Revised pricing. Special editions wearing fancy decal sets and even fancier alloys. And you know what? I’ve completely changed my opinion on the Colorado too. If we’re talking utes in the $50k-plus range, then next to the aforementioned Ranger, a well optioned Colorado is probably your best bet (until the new Navara arrives... and the new Hilux. But at time of writing, those foes are still some months distant so let’s not worry about them for now). As if to reinforce the all-rounder bones the Colorado possesses, my pick for best ute under $50k would probably be the Isuzu D-Max, which is essentially a Colorado in a different frock. Not a bad platform then. So what’s changed? A significant mid-life upgrade about 18 months ago really lifted the game for the Colorado. The Duramax engine was given a decent boost in both power and torque with some re-engineering of the oily bits. Maximum power increased to 147kW thanks in part to an all-new turbocharger, while peak torque in the automatic version (ie, the one more and more of us are opting for nowadays) went up to a very usable 500Nm; that’s knocking on Navara’s door in the twist rankings and a handy amount of Newtons to have in reserve when towing the boat (or work trailer if you’re particularly unlucky). Inside the cabin, the Colorado (in LT and LTZ trims) was another benefactor of Holden’s range-wide entertainment technology update, receiving the clever MyLink infotainment system with its colourful 7” touchscreen. This system remains a top notch feature (especially so as it’s offered with even many of the cheapest of Holden’s passenger cars too) and brings with it all the MP3-playing, Bluetooth audio-streaming, hands-free calling gadgetry that even the least discerning tradie expects out-of-the-box these days.
Holden Colorado LT 4x4 Crew Cab Engine: 2.8-litre four cylinder Duramax diesel Transmission: Six-speed automatic Power: 147kW Torque: 500Nm Fuel economy: 7.9L/100km Tow rating: 3500kg (braked) 0-100km/h: N/A Max speed: N/A Price: From $55,990
Off-road composure and safety was also given a re-think at the end of 2013. Hill Start Control (where the brakes ‘grab’ on a hill start to mitigate the vehicle rolling backwards), Downhill Descent Control (which allows the ute to ‘crawl’ its way down a decline with the power governed and with the brakes controlling descent speed, all without driver interference) and Trailer Sway Control were all added as standard features. On-road the modern Colorado’s manners remain compliant and comfortable. It’s still a big ute, so there’s a degree of road and engine noise to be experienced in the cabin, but there’s also plenty of occupant space, all the mod-cons even in the mid-level LT grade we tested and, hey, they’ve even planed off some of the rougher edges on those trim panel sections too. If you’re looking at a Colorado to join the fleet, the LT we drove features a combined average fuel consumption figure of 7.9-litres/100kilometres, which is pretty good – although that’ll change with a trailer on the back. But the Colorado won’t be left gasping for air with something on the towbar; as Holden has been quick to and consistently point out, this is one decent tow vehicle, and we agree. So the Colorado packs more pulling power, uses less fuel and is better equipped than the two-wheel-drive Volkswagen Amarok we checked out in the last issue. Who said the Aussies couldn’t do ‘refined’? Q&M Q&M April - May 2015 39
REGISTRATIONS NOW OPEN FORGING THE PATH TO THE FUTURE Claudelands, Hamilton 15th - 17th July 2015
Each year the Aggregate and Quarry Association of NZ and the Institute of Quarrying NZ hold an annual joint conference. In July 2015 the QuarryNZ Conference will be held in Hamilton. The conference is an opportunity for all those involved in the quarrying industry to interact and exchange ideas, take the opportunity to hear the experiences of guest speakers and to socialise with old friends and colleagues and to make new contacts.
Conference Programme and Registration available at www.quarrynz.com
Aggregate News AGGREGATE & QUARRY ASSOCIATION OF NZ
Waste not want not
I
am very pleased to welcome you to the Aggregate News, the Aggregate and Quarry newsletter, that we now publish within Q&M. I hope that Q&M’s greater circulation than our stand alone publication mean that the AQA will attract more readers and more members to our association. As regulations become tighter in the health and safety arena, we really want to extend a helping hand to the very many smaller quarry operators to ensure they are aware of the requirements and their responsibilities. The definition of a quarry or quarrying operation in the Health and Safety in Employment Amendment Act 2013: if any person or company is extracting and processing ‘material, other than any coal or mineral, from the earth’ then it is a quarry. In the Act, a quarrying operation means an activity carried out above ground for the purpose of extracting any material, other than any coal or any mineral, from the earth; or processing any material, other than any coal or any mineral, at the place where the material is extracted. This applies whether or not the material is to be extracted or processed for commercial gain and whether or not the material is extracted or processed by the use of explosives. This means that many small operations on farms, in forestry or
just small businesses need to abide by regulations that apply to the industry and we want to help. I recommend to those who are unsure about their operation to read the full Health and Safety in Employment Act 1992 at http://legistlation.govt.nz/act/public/1992/0096/latest/whole. html#DLM5834316 The AQA executive extends their condolences to the Ellis family, especially to Jayden who is our Deputy Chair, on the passing of his grandfather, Les Ellis, father of Steve. A quarry owner himself, Les was 95 years of age. Our thoughts are also with the family of Kelvin Strong, 75, who was Executive Director of the Association for some years prior to Roger Parton. We are looking forward to seeing our members at the QuarryNZ Conference in Hamilton in July. It’s when we also hold our AGM – and when members decide the composition of our Board. If you consider that your – or a colleague’s – skills would benefit the AQA Board, please come along to the AGM and put your hand up. Time served on the Board provides both parties with benefits: the association and its members gain from experienced guidance, and Board members gain great understanding of the industry from a strategic viewpoint. The QuarryNZ Conference is now open for registrations on www. quarrynzorg.nz. It’s a great learning event, and it is also time to renew friendships and forge new ones. I hope I will see you there.
Andrea Cave, Chair Q&M April - May 2015 41
AQA Board Chair Andrea Cave, Winstone Aggregates
Deputy Chair Jayden Ellis, Stevensons Construction Materials
Board Members Tony Hunter, Blackhead Quarries Bruce Taylor, Fulton Hogan Mike Higgins, Isaac Construction Brian Roche, Ravensdown
Planning Committee Chair Dan McGregor, Winstone Aggregates Bill Bourke, AQA Dudley Clements, J Swap & Co Geoff England, Winstone Aggregates Jonathan Green, Fulton Hogan Mike Lord, Envirofert Nicky Hogarth, Holcim
Technical Committee Chair Stacy Goldsworthy, Green Vision Recycling Greg Arnold, Road Science Bill Bourke, AQA Jayden Ellis, Stevensons Construction Materials Alan Stevens, Civil Contractors David Morgan, Winstone Aggregates Brett Beatson, Ready Mixed Concrete Association
Aggregate & Quarry Association of NZ PO Box 32 019, Maungaraki, Lower Hutt, 5050 Chief Executive Roger Parton tel 04 568 9123 fax 04 568 2780 email office@aqa.org.nz web www.aqa.org.nz
Rejuvenate refresh renew I
n some regions, virgin aggregates for pavement and infrastructure construction are in diminishing supply and access is becoming further from point of use due to urban expansion. This places increased stresses on the reducing number of sites in close proximity to metropolitan areas. Any shortfall in demand for aggregate needs to be carted increasing distances adding cost to infrastructure development. While aggregate produced from recyclable materials has proven to be a viable alternative, its use is not widely accepted in New Zealand by government and industry. Large quantities of waste concrete and other inorganic waste material are discarded that could be recycled and reused in the construction of roads alongside virgin aggregates. While the practice of using recycled waste aggregate in road construction is accepted as normal in the lowland European countries and the UK, the practice has not gained widespread industry acceptance in New Zealand. This may be, in part, due to a deficit of local testing research and a resistance amongst local authorities to adopt the overseas standards into their respective Engineering Guideline documents. Waste concrete, masonry, brick, asphalt, other pavements and glass aggregate material is available in New Zealand and generally regarded as reusable but a barrier is a lack of technically proven New Zealand Specification documents.
New research To create conditions for the wider acceptance of recycled aggregate a local and / or national government specification needs to be developed and implemented. At present, because this does not exist, it is for individual projects to develop their own process for reviewing and accepting recycled aggregate for use. The government, under the Waste Minimisation Act 2008, requires that councils have waste minimisation and management plans. Construction and demolition waste is featured as a key waste stream in the New Zealand’s waste strategy and generally forms part of these plans. Auckland Council, Auckland Transport, University of Auckland and Green Vision Recycling have embarked on a project to understand the various construction and demolition waste streams in the greater Auckland area and to undertake a testing programme to understand their engineering properties. Each of these waste streams once identified will be collected and tested. Once the engineering properties are understood a technical steering group will draft a specification for recycled aggregate that will allow the wider promotion and utilisation of recycled aggregate in infrastructure projects. The technical steering group will be made up of members of government and industry who have an active involvement in this field. In addition to Auckland local government involvement there is active involvement from the New Zealand Transport Agency. It has made a commitment to the project as a key part of their strategic plans in the sustainability space.
The purpose of the research is to: • t est and prove different recycled waste material combinations as a durable and economically viable road base • s upport the development and adoption of a local New Zealand specification document •e ncourage industry, engineering fraternity and consenting authority acceptance of the use of blended aggregate and waste material in road base mixes •m eet waste to landfill reduction targets and assist with government organisations to achieved waste minimisation objectives. While there is a good supply of quality aggregates available in the Auckland region, access is becoming constrained by encroaching industrial and urban development. Access to natural resource close to Auckland City has been largely exhausted or sterilised. The last quarry close to the CBD will cease aggregate production this year. Aggregate demand is linked to population figures, and the population has been projected to increase over the next decade putting further emphasis on the need to ensure aggregate supply. These issues make it essential that we make the best use of our natural aggregate resources for the present and into the future. It‘s estimated that Auckland City currently disposes of 1.8 million tonnes per annum of fill material in cleanfill sites in the region. Construction and demolition waste make up approximately 30% of this material, which equates to about 550,000 tonnes per annum. The Auckland City Draft Waste Minimisation Plan (2012) targets a reduction in waste per capita of 30% by 2027 and zero waste by 2040. Current production quantities of natural aggregates for roading construction and building, which make up about 85% of the total production, are variable due to fluctuations in demand. In a recent study in the Waikato Region it was estimated that, if all waste concrete and glass were incorporated into aggregate, it would represent about 11% of the total demand. It is unlikely
these figures will be similar for the Auckland region but they do indicate there is scope for extending the use of recycled materials in road construction. The Manager Waste Operations, City Networks at Wellington City Council said, “all sanitary landfills currently pay a waste levy to Ministry for the Environment of $10 per tonne of waste received. The waste levy fund is then distributed to councils and others for waste reduction initiatives (composting, recycling, reuse, etc.). This levy is not charged at cleanfill sites, an issue the Ministry is currently addressing. If this levy were to apply to cleanfill sites then there would be a considerable incentive to look at alternative uses such as the recycling of aggregates.” A spokesperson from the Ministry responded that “in July 2014 the Minister for the Environment released the Review of the Effectiveness of the Waste Disposal Levy. The review focused on whether the levy is being applied fairly and correctly, and how to ensure a level playing field for those paying the levy. One finding from the review was that the levy is only being applied to an estimated 30% of total waste disposed of to land. The review recommended that the Ministry investigates making additional waste disposal sites subject to levy obligations. The scope of which landfills should be considered for levying was not covered by the review and would be subject to further investigation.” Construction and demolition waste can be a valuable resource for pavement and other horizontal infrastructure construction. Crushed recycled concrete, if production is managed, will produce a high-grade product meeting the stringent M4 basecourse specification and in some cases is shown to perform better than many natural aggregates. Other waste streams such as glass, plastics, tyres and asphalt surfacing all have much greater potential to be used in infrastructure development to create better, and more sustainable use of non-renewable mineral resources.
For the first time in New Zealand Recycled Crushed Concrete (RCC) was used in a structural application, at a 30% replacement rate, in structural elements of the Wellington Zoo’s hospital complex The Nest. Allied Concrete won the Concrete³ Sustainability Awards’ Excellence in Concrete Innovation for this work. To advance RCC to a stage where it was capable of meeting structural requirements research was carried out using partial funding from the Foundation for Research, Science and Technology, together with a Masters Student from Auckland University.
The Aggregate and Quarry Association has promised to contribute towards a Recycled Aggregate Waste research project by the Centre for Infrastructure Research at the University of Auckland. A key industry representative is General Manager of Green Vision Recycling, who is also AQA’s Technical Committee Chair, Stacy Goldsworthy. Green Vision Recycling have also sponsored an ME(Civil) research project on foamed bitumen improvement techniques of recycled asphalt and other projects.
www.aqa.org.nz April - May 2015 43
Standard revisions S
tandards New Zealand is revising two Standards that are of interest to the industry, NZS 4407 Methods of sampling and testing road aggregates and NZS 3121:1986 Specification for water and aggregate for concrete. Nationally accepted standards go through a process of draft preparation, public consultation, and committee consensus. Jayden Ellis AQA’s Deputy Chair, and Technical Manager at Stevenson Construction Materials, was a member of the initial working group that developed the draft document for NZS 4407 Methods of sampling and testing road aggregates, and he is a member of the expert technical committee that will review the Standard.
Safety first
T
he first session at each AQA Board meeting is with MinEx Chief Executive Les McCracken to discuss health and safety. At the February meeting he was joined by Straterra boss Chris Baker. From left; Bruce Taylor, Fulton Hogan, Roger Parton, AQA, Chris Baker, Les McCracken, AQA Chair Andrea Cave, Winstone Aggregates and Brian Roche, Ravensdown.
Members of the committee are: Jayden Ellis, Chair – Stevenson representing AQA Alan Stevens – Civil Contractors NZ David Hotham – OPUS Frank Hu – Downer representing CETANZ Grant Bosma – Fulton Hogan representing IANZ David Morgan, who is a member of AQA’s Technical Committee, and Technical Support at Winstone Aggregates, is representing the AQA as a member of the expert technical committee for NZS 3121:1986 Specification for water and aggregate for concrete. Two further AQA committee members, Jayden Ellis and Brett Beatson, are representing other organisations. Members of the committee are: Derek Chisholm – CCANZ James Mackechnie and Sue Freitag – NZ Concrete Society David Morgan – AQA Jayden Ellis – CETANZ Brett Beatson – NZ Ready Mix Concrete Association
Site safety
A
health and safety plan for the safety of staff and quarry visitors is the responsibility of the company, and implementation is the responsibility of every person on the site. For full information on what is required under the law, see the WorkSafe website: www.business. govt.nz/worksafe/ and click on extractives in the left hand menu. If you are operating a quarry then holding a Certificate of Competence is essential. The regulations, The Health and Safety in Employment (Mining Operations and Quarrying Operations) Regulations 2013 are available on the WorkSafe website (web address above). The industry’s health and safety council, MinEx, has a wealth of information www.minex.org.nz on its site. You can also download a copy of People Come First, a Ministry of Building and Innovation in Employment publication about building a strong health and safety culture in New Zealand mines, quarries and tunnels. Hard copies of the publication are available from WorkSafe.
Shine your light D
o you have an initiative that will protect the environment? Are you a financial member of the AQA? If the answer is yes to both those questions, whether it’s a big or a small project, you should definitely enter the 2015 MIMICO Environmental Excellence Awards. It’s so easy to do – just complete the entry form and get your General Manager to sign off. The judge, Dr Morgan Williams will contact you to arrange a visit. It’s as simple as that. The award recognises multiple entries with Gold, Silver and Bronze categories.
44 www.aqa.org.nz
Winners will all gain publicity that will include written and print materials and features on the AQA website’s environmental section. We know our members are working hard for the environment – all you need to do is let us know the detail and we will do the rest. Closing date for entries is Monday 25 May 2015. The winners will be announced at the 2015 QuarryNZ Conference at Hamilton in July.
For details and an entry form, see: www.aqa.org.nz/environment/section-two/
The RMA is not a ‘National Parks Act…’ A nnouncing ten reforms for the RMA, environment Minister Nick Smith said recognition needs to be given to economic growth. “When consideration is being given to allow a new factory, a new road, a new marine farm, a mine or a new tourism attraction, we need to carefully weigh up the effects on the environment alongside the benefits of economic growth and jobs.”
He said the idea that the only consideration in resource consenting is protection of nature is naïve. “This is not the National Parks Act.” He said the government is “up front about wanting to utilise our natural resources to create jobs and increase incomes but we want to do so in a responsible way that avoids unnecessary harm to the environment.” Smith commented that changing the Act is just part of the solution. “We also need a change in culture among councils and resource management practitioners. We need a ‘can do’ rather than ‘can’t do’ mentality. We need a tighter focus on actual environmental effects. We need officials to be practical and to appreciate the impact of the time and costs of how they administer the RMA.” Having spent many years and many millions of dollars in litigation, the quarry industry will also be particularly interested in the eighth topic for reform, which is about fostering a new collaborative way of resolving resource management issues. The RMA processes currently favour a litigious and adversarial approach. Said Smith, “we have been experimenting with collaborative processes where those with a range of interests are encouraged to get around the table and find a solution.” The 10 reform topics are heavily weighted around housing, but there is enough scope in there to improve planning opportunities
and outcomes for the quarrying industry.
Smith said his ambition is to have a Bill drafted and introduced in the first half of the year, advancing to a full select committee process for passage by year’s end. A RMA Working Group has been established for the minerals industry and AQA’s representative will be Dan McGregor.
Help with the RMA today For now, we have the current RMA to grapple with. The industry has provided itself with a web-based guidance note, a fantastic resource for all aspects of the industry including the issues/effects associated with quarrying and a number of methods that can be used to avoid, remedy or mitigate them. It was developed n association with the AQA, Local Government NZ, the Resource Management Law Association, the NZ Institute of Surveyors and the NZA Planning Institute making the guidance an all-agency agreement. It enables our industry to work with one set of clear and reasonable RMA requirements across all of New Zealand. While they are not compulsory, the advice is based on experience and best practice, so any departure from that guidance can, and should, be challenged. The guidance notes are intended for use by councils, practitioners, consultants, and environmental managers to assist them in making planning decisions in regard to the development of new plans and resource consents. Over eight thousand hits were recorded in the past year, so it is getting plenty of use. www.qualityplanning.org.nz/index.php/planning-tools/industryguidance-notes/
Proposed Auckland Unitary Plan
T
he AQA continues to engage in the Proposed Auckland Unitary Plan (PAUP) process. The PAUP correctly identifies that Auckland produces approximately 10 million tonnes of aggregate, and imports another 20% from outside the region. Production will need to increase to approximately 15 million tonnes in the future. Key submissions from the AQA and other industry submissions include: Retaining regional objectives and policies that recognise minerals and their supply and use as factors that contribute to Auckland’s economic strengths and prosperity.
The modification of ecological protections applying to identified quarry zones and their periphery. There is little point in identifying and zoning key mineral deposits if those deposits cannot be extracted due to ecological protection requirements. This represents a clear conflict of policy intention.
The inclusion of buffer areas around quarry zones. The AQA considers that these buffer areas are an appropriate tool to avoid reverse sensitivity effects from mineral extraction.
The identification of key transport routes in the PAUP maps. The intention is to protect these routes from reverse sensitivity effects such as residential subdivision, use and development. www.aqa.org.nz April - May 2015 45
The Aggregate & Quarry Association appreciates the support of our associate members
Join our united voice! The Aggregate and Quarry Association achieves workable and sensible outcomes for our industry. We need to speak as one convincing voice, and we want to ensure all quarry operators, regardless of size and location, are aware of all health and safety requirements. Contact us today: office@aqa.org.nz www.aqa.org.nz
Benefits for members include: • A voice on numerous national committees, including MITO and MinEx • Access to information and guidance from our expert Planning and Technical committee members plus our Board members • AQA members also receive issues of Contractor and Q&M free of charge. A G G R E G AT E & Q U A R RY A S S O C I AT I O N O F N Z
Supporting New Zealand from the ground up 46 www.aqa.org.nz
I N N O V A T I O N S
Metso’s new LT220D The Lokotrack LT220D, said to be a revolutionary addition to Metso’s Lokotrack crushing and screening equipment range, has landed in New Zealand and will be distributed by MIMICO. This game changing enhancement to Metso’s Lokotrack crushing and screening equipment range offers a combination of high-performance cone crusher and screen on the same chassis. In addition to cost savings from lower fuel consumption, easier transport and a reduced need for maintenance, the quick setup time of the LT220D increases the effective production time and consequently the production capacity. The machine is said to be ideal for efficient secondary crushing and screening applications. The innovative combination of high-performance cone crusher and screen on the same chassis brings the contractor indisputable benefits, which include superior productivity, excellent energy economy, good mobility and transportability, as well as safe, quick and easy maintenance. The operator can produce up to three end products using just the LT220D and a primary crushing plant. Metso claims the Lokotrack LT220D is the most compact mobile combination of a cone crusher and a screen ever made.
“Soaring fuel prices are creating demand for plants that are more energy efficient and for new ways to operate,” explains Garth Taylor, MIMICO’s crushing and screening business manager. By combining a cone crusher and a screen into a single track-mounted plant, the LT220D reduces operating costs in several ways: the substantially lower fuel consumption and the reduced need for maintenance are just two examples. In addition, the compact design makes the unit highly transportable.
First Volvo H-series loaders Long-time Volvo Construction Equipment customer, Road Metals Co, has taken delivery of the country’s first-ever H-series wheel loaders to work at its quarries across the country. The company has taken delivery of three of Volvo Construction Equipment’s (Volvo CE) latest H-series wheel loaders, with industry-leading technology and fuel efficiency. Founded by Stan Francis in 1955, Road Metals can trace its relationship with Volvo CE back to 1979 when it purchased its first BM 4400 wheel loader. The company now owns a fleet of 53 Volvo CE wheel loaders, excavators and articulated haulers. The 20 tonne L120 wheel loader series makes up the largest proportion of the fleet. The company has been the first in New Zealand to take delivery of the L120C, the L120D, the L120E the L120F – and most recently, the L120H. “We carry out a lot of load and haul operations on site because of our many mobile crushers,” says Road Metals’ general manager, George Kelcher. “The H-series loaders offer the latest technology and the best of what Volvo can offer. This will really help us to reduce our fuel consumption further.” For further information, visit www.volvoce.com.
Q&M April - May 2015 47
I N N O V A T I O N S
Quick-release for dust suppression A new quick-release manifold bracket is designed to fit all fan-driven models of DustBoss mist dust suppression equipment from Dust Control Technology. This racket design allows removal and replacement of the manifold in about five minutes, with no tools required. Initially developed in response to customer input for use in harsh service conditions to reduce potential risk to employees, the design is expected to find utility among any customers wanting to avoid work stoppages and maximise process time. “The nozzles are one of the critical elements of atomised mist technology,” says Carl Harr, sales representative for the company. “No matter what water source is used for dust suppression, it’s going to contain minerals and other dissolved solids, which build up on a microscopic level until eventually the accumulation will interfere with droplet production. The new bracket can be retrofitted to any of DCT’s existing fan-driven designs.
New screen design
CDE ProGrade triple deck washing screen from CDE with no welds.
Materials washing specialists, CDE Global, represented by Lincom Pacific Equipment, has a number of new screens in its ProGrade range which include a new patented screen design system. According to CDE the new screen design system results in a stronger but lighter screen that requires less power. This is possible as a result of the design of the side walls on the screens. The new bolted screens also include zero welds and are galvanised as standard, all of which serves to maximise plant life, maximise plant availability and minimise time required for maintenance. An additional feature of the new ProGrade screens is the patent pending CDE U-Span cross members. The new cross member design is modular across the ProGrade range and also includes zero welds. As well as offering enhanced geometric consistency the new design facilitates increased space between screen decks, allowing for quick and easy access to replace screen media. More info: www.cdeglobal.com.
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